The Color Of Money

Greed:
An excessive desire to acquire or possess more than what one needs or deserves, especially with respect to material wealth.

Avarice:
Reprehensible acquisitiveness; insatiable desire for wealth (personified as one of the deadly sins) [syn: greed, covetousness, rapacity, avaritia] 2: extreme greed for material wealth [syn: avariciousness, covetousness, cupidity].

  A cynic might argue that it was greed that built America. Certainly it played a large part, as Europeans flooded in to exploit the vast resources of the New World. There was the greed of the Conquistadores, who, in their search for gold, devastated the native populations of two continents. They were followed by the land barons, the railroad barons, the ‘49er’s, and a litany of others driven by the insatiable desire to acquire riches.

  The majority of pilgrims came seeking a better life, freedom from the serfdom of their home countries, and opportunity for their progeny. They were the ones who actually built America. They were the carpenters, the farmers, the shopkeepers, and all the other modest folk who weren’t possessed by the desire for extravagant wealth.

  The cynic will also say that greed is an integral part of human nature. People of conscience know better. Greed is an evil force that consumes the spirit, and degrades the soul. It is no accident that it was considered one of the “Deadly Sins”.

  Today, we don’t have to look any further than our own small towns to see greed and avarice flourishing. In neighboring Yankeetown, greedy developers are trying to “cash in” on the natural beauty of a small Gulf fishing village. If they succeed, they will ruin the very thing they came to exploit. Some brave souls are fighting this greed, but they are opposed by people who see green (the color of greed), in huge profits they seek to gain on land that was of little value just a few short years ago.

  Here in Dunnellon, greed has been elevated to a fine art. As the city rushes to acquire more wealth, the roads and sewer systems falter under the strain of out of control development. The sale of the old Middle School property is a prime example. The property ‘bought’ from the county for $1, was just sold for over $1 million. While the site could have been used for a much-needed community center for neighboring Chatmire, to help keep kids off the street, the city made a “better deal”. One can only wonder if the outcome would have been the same had the property bordered Blue Cove. I rather doubt it.

  But then, Chatmire is not Blue Cove, is it?

 
  As a matter of fact, Chatmire may soon be seen as a liability to the vaunted ‘tax rolls’ by the town fathers of Dunnellon. Don’t be surprised if you see a move undertaken to ‘acquire’ Chatmire through eminent domain, and resold to a developer. Just think of how many condominiums you could build on that piece of land?

  When does progress become greed? When it tramples the environment and the common good for the mere acquisition of wealth for the few, at the expense of the many. This is reprehensible, and must be opposed by people of conscience everywhere.

  We at Dunnellon Online will continue to oppose the avarice of certain members of the city council. We urge you to join us.