One local businessman explained what it means to him when he makes a good deal. A good deal to him is when he sells his quality products at a price that is reasonable, yet with an honest profit.

The price of his product includes an honest wage for the skilled employee as well. The seller knows the customer is getting a good price. Everyone wins on a deal like that.

Many of us have learned that “you get what you pay for,” and I will add, “if you are lucky.”

We all want to make the best wage possible for what we do, but when it comes to paying that wage out we grumble. We might say, “Why are auto repair bills so high?” Or, “Why does a gallon of milk cost so much more that it did a couple of years ago?”

We forget that the other guy needs to make a decent wage, just like we want and need to make for ourselves.

We live in a very competitive world. I have always loved to compete, but somehow the dog-eat-dog philosophy has gained the upper hand, even in our community. We have always had a few folks who have behaved that way, but never in such numbers that exists now.

Heretofore, you did not have the attitude that you had to tear down someone else’s castle to build your own. Unfortunately, that is the starting point with so many people, nowadays.

The sad thing is that those who have this mindset really do not care how their lust for power and greed affects others. They really do not care.

I am not the county moralist, nor do I want that responsibility. I will be the first to say I am not qualified to cast the first stone. But, we do need to look at our behavior and attitudes. This introspection can sometimes lead to discouragement and despair. But it can also cause us, as individuals, to get off the wrong road of selfishness and self-centeredness to become a good neighbor.

It will take a little motivation, some willpower, an attitude adjustment, and a little grace to be that person you set out to be.

We like to say that we are a community of family values; a good place to live and raise a family. As sheriff, I feel some responsibility in keeping our good name. I have lived long enough to know what selfishness can do to people. I have seen the very negative effects on the career criminals during the last 40 years. The career criminal does not care how his actions hurt his family members. Too many times this self-centeredness ruins the lives of the criminal’s offspring.

The criminal thinks only of himself.

Does all selfishness lead to crime? Certainly it does not, but it can bring the quality of life down for the family and friends of the selfish person. Too many folks acting like this can, also, hurt a great community like ours.

We only go around once so, let’s keep working at it till we get it right.

I’ll be working on me in the meantime.

We at the Sheriff’s Office will keep working to make our county as safe and secure as possible, using the resources we are provided.

Thanks for reading.