One should wonder no more why our neighborhood is in the decline. After the ''Code Forum'' meeting I called one of the city officials that was there to see where she stands as far as supporting our needs on the Eastside. I was told that I need to keep in mind that we live in a neighborhood that has a resident base that is more tolerant of the negitive conditions.

This is the kind of comments that should get everyone to get involved in community building. Get involved in all areas of the neighborhood. If you are afraid of offending someone, it is time to buck-up! Take responsibility and take action NOW! Our neighborhood is going to take EVERYONE getting involved not just a few.

The problem is.....

...that EVERYONE won't. Look at the percentage of residents (people may be an inaccurate term) whose total focus is on going to work to make money that they then send home outside U.S. borders. What do they do when they're not working, buying money orders or talking on the phone to their relatives in other countries? Standing around outside with their truck radios jacked up to the max while they drain another 24 count case of cerveza. Either that or they're busy creating another baby that will grow up to do exactly the same thing. You couldn't get that group to care with a 2 x 4.

Bottom line is that those of us who care are being overwhelmed (and outbred) by those who don't. If this has you feeling like the siege of the Alamo is being re-enacted, you're probably not far wrong.

Does all of the above mean we should give up? No. But we darn well better realize what we're up against so we can figure out some way to combat it.