I'm back. For us personally, 2010 was a terrible year in some ways although having a new granddaughter and seeing all of the grandchildren thriving is definitely a redeeming feature of our "annus horriblis". More on that at a later date.
The photo is of a sign that appeared in our park early last year. Can you believe that a children's park that is home to a children's football team and is next to a primary school (ages 4-12) and a toy library is going to have a licenced clubhouse? We signed the petition. We wrote a letter. We went to two public meetings. Many of our neighbours did the same. And we lost.
In a city were public drunkenness is a problem. In a country that spends millions of dollars dealing with the illness, violence, crime and every other negative outcome of unrestrained alcohol consumption. . . we lost. Our petitions fell on deaf ears.
The real losers are the kids who will grow up thinking that sport and alcohol are inseparable because their football club says they are by their actions. To have a good time you have to have alcohol. To raise funds for your club you have to sell alcohol. That is the message to kids.
I could say a lot more, but you get my drift.
It's lovely to have you back & I'm sorry you had a terrible year last year - I hope this one is much, much better!
ReplyDeleteSuch a shame about the liquor licence - I do think in this country they do tie sports with alcohol much too much. Well done for fighting though!
Hope you have a great week & are keeping dry - have the floods affected you guys?
Have fun
Renata:)