As a growing city of some 80,000 plus, Merced has its own unique rhyme and rhythm. It is often very identifiable to us but sometimes the smog so envelops it that we are left confused as to where our city is heading.
As Mercedians, we all want the same things; a great environment, affordable living conditions, and a wonderful place to raise our families.
We express our desires in the ballot box (when they actually work), choice of schools and churches, and support for Merced's cultural and social service organizations.
Merced, of course, means mercy and one would hope that mercy and grace would be prevalent in our community.
Names like Merced, Hope, Ark., Rough and Ready, Calif., Hopeulikit, Ga., or Looneyville, Texas, say much about the aspirations of its founders. What does Merced say to you?
I always thought that a town claiming mercy as its hallmark would be a great place to live.
When moving here from the Northeast, I hoped that Merced, city and county, were uniquely named and I prayed that the quality of life in Merced would be exemplified by a citizenry who cared one for the other.
To a very large degree, my prayers have borne fruit.
Yet, in this economic downturn, with government seemingly encroaching more and more in our lives, there is confusion throughout the land.
Anthem Blue Cross attempted to raise the cost of individual health care policies in California, banks have beat out the new legislation on credit card protection by quickly raising our credit card interest rates, and job development has gone nowhere fast.
In Merced, we have not escaped from these problems.
Here in our town, we are still beset with problems. I believe we are at a loss in deciding on the best solutions for our homeless population, on better coordination in feeding indigent families, on health care for the needy, on county and city collaboration, and more.
Philosophers speak of two types of truth; verite de raison (the truth of reason) and verite de fait (the truth of fact). The truth of fact, what is happening at the moment in the here and now is often subsumed by the truth of reason what must happen to keep us on the straight and narrow.
One can often see the conflicts of these two truths in our town. A prime example would be the expressed concerns about the environmental impact of a Wal-Mart distribution center being subsumed by Merced's ongoing need for economic growth and job development.
Yet, you might retort that truth is relative and that too is, indeed, true.
One need only look at how both CNN and Fox News cover the same story to realize that interpretation is a key to understanding ones very own truth. Wars have been fought over very differing understandings of truth.
Thankfully, there is one truth that none of us differs on. Merced has not yet met its potential and needs to begin moving in the direction of ascertaining where it wants to go and grow.
I have long called for efficacious forums for discussion and dialogue on issues that are not only of the moment but of the future. Such forums can prove to be useful.
The Citizens Committee of Homelessness set up by our City Council has given our local citizens a way to come out and express their feelings on an important issue. It is tragic that it the same few citizens that come and speak out at every meeting.
We are all quick to grouse and complain about Merced's failings. We moan and groan over the peccadilloes of our governing agencies. But we are loath to do anything constructive about what we consider wrong in our community.
Our city is on the precipice. The next few months will decide whether we survive and grow or we fall off and stagnate. Are you ready to stand up and be counted?
I ask you to come forward en masse and let your voice be heard.
Herbert A. Opalek is CEO of the Merced Rescue Mission.
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