Our Town

The small city in which I live is a microcosm of American urban society; however economic and ethnic groups are sometimes separated only by a few buildings, rather than sectors. The buildings represent every significant period of American architecture (largely because the city spent so much of its history economically depressed, few were torn down to be replaced by newer structures). Many of these gems have been purchased by "New Yorkers" or "newcomers" who have lovingly restored them at significant expense. The visual results are incredibly beautiful. The demographic results are charged with stress between the "natives" and the "carpetbaggers."

My office is located at the lower end of the main street. Pedestrian traffic outside the front door is a constant source of fascination. The daily parade of the day care center's pre-schoolers. Tourists drawn by the antique stores, boutiques, great restaurants and beautiful buildings. BMWs, Subarus, Mini Coopers and Audis share the road with Fords, Toyotas, rusted-out jalopies and SUVs booming rap with the bass set to rock the buildings. Skateboarders practice new tricks during breaks in the traffic. Women in saris and burkas share the sidewalk with girls in skimpy tops paired with tiny skirts or shorts. Yuppies, crunchies, geeks and artists stroll by. You see tattoos ranging from true artistry to gang-banging ugliness.

If you are alert, you might see a drug sale or a hooker hooking up. Children lovingly accompanied by watchful adults contrast with children dragged along by caretakers who do not take care. There have been incidents of gun violence one street over.

The Salvation Army kitchen is located off the main street on a major route into the city. It struggles to keep up with demand increased by the recession. Its efforts are not universally appreciated. Currently there are a lot of objections about the location of its dumpster. The recent excessively hot, humid weather has rendered its contents highly pungent, much to the discomfort of its neighbors. The dumpster recently was moved to the edge of the lot, allegedly at the request of the health department. This has resulted in many complaints aimed at the charitable operation.

I cannot help wondering which is the greater nuisance to the protesters, the odoriferous dumpster, or the presence of the impoverished hungry people the Salvation Army feeds.

For another perspective on this story: http://gossipsofrivertown.blogspot.com/2010/08/talking-trash.html