Blowin' In The Wind...

Did anyone ever think that all or any of the improprieties that have occurred at the Gilmer County Bank would have ever seen the light of day? Most of us cynically thought that all the shady deals and unethical practices would have simply melted into our conscious as the way that things are done here in Gilmer County. Well, finally, enough of the right people have seen the smoke and some of the banking perpetrators are being held accountable.
Maybe not all of them, but justice will eventually seek out those who are guilty. Someday.

But - don’t fool yourselves into thinking that just because the bank has been sold that it stops there. Far from it. Maybe now the bank will be able to continue operating under the financial umbrella of another stronger institution, but that does not negate the crimes that were committed. A lot of people lost a lot of money. The bank was sold to the current owners from North Carolina for just pennies on the dollar. If you owned any stock in Gilmer County Bank, you saw your value deflated to absurd levels.

It is tragic to think that these criminals do what they do and still sleep at night. They have no conscience. I suppose it falls to the lot of the common people of integrity to hold those bastards accountable. At least attempt to.
So, who comes out the winner here? Well, certainly a few local developers come to mind. Another few former bank officers made out like the bandits that they are. The investigation still continues.

I am just glad that those who spoke out and spoke up about all the goings-on didn’t become dissuaded by all the naysayers who said that it couldn’t be done. All the folks who were willing to turn a cynical “blind eye” and even discourage those who were trying to make a difference are now the first to march in the victory parade.

This kinda reminds me of a similar situation with citizen groups such as the Gilmer Citizens For Fair and Open Government who are trying to make a difference in our county.

There are many out there who say it can’t be done. Some who say it is a waste of time. Others who say the “good ole’ boy” system is too established, too strong. Those who say you’re “blowin in the wind.”

I refuse to believe that.
I refuse to believe the distractors who say change won't happen.
I believe that even one voice can make a difference, but that many can move mountains.

I refuse to live in a county with this type of political atmosphere, and I am not going anywhere.
Who will stand with us?

-FDS