Anyone who knows a little about programming knows that “Hello World” is the traditional test phrase to see if a program or website is really alive and working correctly. “Hello St. Croix” is my test call to see if we can bring the island back to political awareness of important issues. Over the past years, the Avis and Daily News had a string or investigative reporters and supporting editors(Fred Clark, Ed Wynn Brandt, John McCarthy) who would explore all issues large and small and give a forum for problems that needed solutions. Ed Wynn Brandt used to say that St, Croix was the easiest place in the world to do a local daily newspaper because there were so many problems hurting people which needed to be solved and citizens willing to talk about them. Since our local newspapers have started focusing on AP news stories and Big prize winning stories, the everyday issues which effect our lives are no loger discussed in any forum and linger forever unsolved.
It seems that as the news stories about problems have dried up our Senators have resorted to bickering to win the attention of the electorate. Issues which have actually been debated by our Senators include who wears pantie hose, who has the biggest pump house and is it OK to carry a gun to the Senate Floor. Racist diatribes which divide us have become the norm for talk radio and politicians seeking attention. Yes, ignorant rascism is an issue but it should be thourghly presented in the context of the issue at hand and not as represive language used to stop debate or suppress or abuse any ethnic group.
On the island of St. Croix, we truly have too many issues which divide us and not enough time or places to discuss them. Let the discussions begin.
