Civic Priorities and American Culture

IN THE SMALL TOWN where i live, it started becoming obvious that we needed a new high school. The town was growing, and the building was just becoming too small. Also, it was quite old, and in need of expensive repairs, which seemed to be a chronic, irreversible, condition.

So finally the question was put on a ballot, and the people, including me, voted to raise our property taxes considerably in order to finance a new high school.

It turned out great. The new building is beautiful, and   you cannot imagine anyone being unhappy with it. The new football stadium is cute, charming, and beautiful as well, but wasn't quite redy for games this fall when the school opened and the football season started.

So they played all the games at the old stadium, next to the old building.

My next door neighbor is currently a senior at the school, so I asked her how she likes the new building. She said that she preferred the old one. Furthermore, she said, the new building doesn't even have an auditorium.

That got me to thinking. Two football stadiums, no auditorium. Somehow, that is a reflection on american culture and values. An auditorium is a place where hundreds of people can gather for speeches, assxemblies, plays, concerts, any number of events. A football stadium can be used for - football games. Throw in a track meet and a commencement ceremony now and then.

The thought comes to mind that if there wasn't enough money to include an auditorium in the new high school, maybe, just maybe, we could have done without the new football field.

Perish the thought that football should not take front and center stage in all planning.

The kids can put on their plays and concerts in the bym, assuming they have one. The accustics won't be good, but tolerable. Meanwhile, I go running on the new, and as yet unused football field. The grass is thick and plush, and makew you want to tackle somebody.

Far as I can tell, I'm the only one using the stadium, for anything. If somebody tries to run me off, I'll ask for my property tax money back.