Dear editor:
Hot Springs has been working diligently toward putting this city high on a list of “places to visit.” We, as residents, have a responsibility to actively participate in achieving that goal. Representing our city in a positive light starts with respecting our community, people who visit the “Spa City,” but more importantly — ourselves.
A great city can attract thousands (even millions) of people to its diversity. It can educate, energize, entertain or provide a wake-up call to new possibilities. Great cities showcase their art by sponsoring quality concerts and theater productions or by providing parks and recreational sites for all to enjoy. At the close of a day — having a relaxed meal, a nice glass of wine (or craft beer) and good company are well worth searching for in a great city.
Hot Springs has the potential, as well as the determination needed, to become one of the great cities in America. Cleaning up our highways and streets, the places where we live, business districts, and downtown are all positive steps in the right direction. But, just as important is to “raise the bar” when it comes to our personal appearances, conversations, and attitudes.
Is our destiny to follow a path of, slowly but surely, losing our humanity? So many of us have become isolated and lonely. So many have lost touch with common sense, better judgment and compassion. Remember the time when expressions of kindness and consideration were considered as normal? In a perfect world, those would be automatic gestures on all our parts. Nowadays, even a healthy sense of humor seems to have been replaced with bitter sarcasm, cruel criticism, or blatant anger.
A positive goal for Hot Springs would be to stay above what has been prevailing across this country for many years now. Rude, crude and indifferent attitudes should never be allowed to replace core values and Southern hospitality. We can be so much better than that as a community.
Almost anyone can be taught to learn, but no one can be taught to feel or care. Taking that extra moment to think before speaking (or acting) could prevent so much grief and regret. Just imagine the impact we all could make by extending a handshake, offering a smile, or a simple “hello” to one another.
Joan Sulich
Hot Springs