The Shepherd's Heart/What's the state of our values system?

I attended the recent State of Saline County meeting sponsored by the local Lions Club. Open discussion and Q&A with panel members failed to reveal too many surprises.

We are all aware of the fact that bright young folks are graduating from college and moving away from the area. We all know that recruiting and retaining good employees is a problem for just about every business in our county. And should all be concerned about the high percentage of children in our county who live below the poverty line.

There were a couple of items not discussed during the meeting that were fairly conspicuous by their absence; things that I feel should addressed by leaders within the county.

For instance, no one addressed the subject of trying to draw new and perhaps more family-oriented businesses to the Marshall Junction area and along the I-70 corridor through our county. While I am an advocate of First Amendment rights, I'm not sure obscenity is covered under that "freedom." And though I am sure there is probably a market for smut in central Missouri, I question whether we want to be known as the county where adult bookstores line the freeway? No offense intended, but we're starting to look more like the county to our east every day.

One attendee at the State of Saline County meeting made a point of explaining just how hard it is to find books in our county. I guess she was not talking about adult material. I find it appalling that adult entertainment shops outnumber more family-friendly bookstores.

Marshall recently lost one of its most wholesome retail establishments -- The Master's Script. And while many bemoaned being "forced" to pay 10 cents on the dollar for items being sold at rock-bottom clearance prices ("It was almost like stealing -- like I was committing a sin. It just didn't feel right."), the store will be greatly missed.

As we grow, it seems Saline County becomes more and more retail chain oriented. I wonder what will eventually become of the "mom and pop" businesses we read about in history books. I'm hoping places like Slater General Store and other family owned establishments will surge and make a strong comeback. People travel for miles to visit places like Arrow Rock, Blackwater and Rocheport. And it's not because those villages have national restaurant chains and super discount stores lining their streets. It's because people miss looking across the counter, seeing a smile and hearing a pleasant "have a good day" as they turn to walk away.

I know every community needs new businesses in order to sustain growth. But who has the say about what types of businesses we welcome? Who sets the boundaries on how low our standards will fall before we say things have gone far enough?

It seems relatively few want to talk about values. The subject makes for tough conversation. But just ask yourself this question: What might we to become if we let down our guard?

The Shepherd's Heart appears on Thursday.