Terry Williamson's ode to the common man

It was a touching column by Terry Williamson.

There are two Midlands. There's the affluence of the oil revenue and high salaries as evidenced by the large new houses in the Northwest part of Midland, Texas. But Mr. Williamson points out another side in A drive around town causes a different kind of sticker shock in which he identifies with the people who aren't riding the crest of the wave. Excerpt:

We're the type of people who will drive all over town, using up $25 in fuel to find a station that will save us five cents a gallon. Buying gas is a lot like buying a new car. The first thing you notice when you drive by a gas station is the price. It's the sticker shock that gets you. Your heart races and the mind suddenly goes into panic mode. The only thing you can think of is what you will have to do without this coming week if you fill up today.

The first thought to came to mind after reading the column was the Midland Reporter-Telegram editorial in August of 2010 telling readers to mind their betters and accept the higher taxes and fees the city council wanted to foist on them.

Anyone who watched the local tax hearings last summer had a cold heart if he/she remained untouched by some of the speakers as they described their economic plight and pleaded with the city council not to make it worse for them.

The mayor and council members, who own or work for successful businesses, probably felt disconnected from the sea of commoners in the audience, many of whom appeared as if their main worry was the fear of losing the struggle between income and expenses. Both sides were complaining. The council members were complaining because they weren't getting enough gratitude, and the commoners were complaining about the taxes.  And the council raised their taxes.

Yes, there are two Midlands.

However, to Mr. Williamson's credit, even though the Midland Reporter-Telegram boasted in their heading that Mr. Williamson was the editorial writer at the time that infamous editorial was published, another name actually appears as the author in the online version. So maybe the voice of the common man on that editorial board lost out to the bosses.

Comments

[Stewart Doreen]

Like you I enjoyed the column. You are off on your editorial conspiracy theory. If you want to call me, I will answer any questions you have about the editorial process.
Thanks
Stewart Doreen
687-8856

[Geo]

Stewart, maybe the common folk wanted their taxes raised, but that's not what I saw at those hearings.

BTW, thanks for the offer to call, but I'm going to decline. I don't want to have to keep any secrets. :)

[Stewart]

Always enjoy "Sleepless in Midland." If you change your mind, don't hesitate to call. We could still talk on the record.

[Geo]

That being the case, perhaps Mr. Williamson's experience on the editorial board might be a future topic for his column.

[Asaga]

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