“Truths And Roses Have Thorns About Them”

 “Truths and roses have thorns about them” - Henry David Thoreau

This morning I return back to the working world as summer ends and classes begin at the local college I teach at.  My favorite part of the day comes when I explain the attendance policy I have in my class.  You can roll your eyes now, my students all do.  Of the many reasons I have this policy (namely it’s PUBLIC speaking and if no one comes there is no public to speak to), I explain that it is the civic responsibility of every student to be there.

 You see, in California our colleges are heavily subsidized by the state through your tax dollars.  And I don’t know about you, but if I’m footing the bill for 19 year-old Johnny B. Goode, he better be hitting the books when the teacher I financed shows up rather than hitting the waves down at Salt Creek. 

In the same way, Mission Viejo residents are scrutinizing how some of their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent these days.  Last week the City of Mission Viejo announced it’s plans to enter a float in the Rose Bowl Parade.   According to the OC Register, about $300,000 have been aside for this project. 

The city claims that this is a community building project – for the unity it will provide in having a group of residents to come together and build this float.  The mayor claims, “”We believe this is a good community builder.  It’s another example of what we try to do in pulling the community together. We have family events we offer all year round, it’s just another example of how Mission Viejo is family and community-oriented.”  There are also thoughts that this is a great wide to gain some national attention for the city – kind of an advertisement about Mission Viejo to a national audience.

I don’t know about you but I could think of many other ways to better spend over a quarter of a million dollars.  The city could put on a series of concerts for families if they want community building, or organize a community clean up day for the local roadsides and still have tons of money leftover. 

Boasting no theme parks, major hotel zones, resorts, and the beach being a good distance away it seems that this probably won’t fall under the “tourism” advertising budget.  Is this a good idea for Mission Viejo – particularly when faced with such tough economic times?  Let me know!