Everyone seems to be weighing in on the Market House dilemma caused by local Attorney Allen Rogers who obviously cares more about advancing his own career and reputation within the “grievance community” then advancing dignity, peace, tranquility and honor to tens of thousands of residents in an otherwise proud Fayetteville community. 

It’s sad, but, unfortunately, Rogers is that one crab at the bottom of Fayetteville’s bucket that possesses the notion that it is safer and much better to be on the bottom always struggling to get to the top than to actually accept the responsibility for being at the top and getting out. 

You know the story: As the good Fayetteville crabs (our community) try to elevate themselves out of the bucket to move up and on to greater opportunities, prosperity, solid careers, happiness with brighter and more rewarding futures that one single crab (Rogers) grabs hold and regardless of the tireless achievements of his constituents, he is capable of pulling them all back relentlessly into the bottom of the bucket where he is comfortable and accommodating. Then, the process starts all over again. Needless to say, without any future progress.

This is the type of divisiveness that is pulling this community apart. Actually, it is this kind of divisiveness that is pulling the nation apart with the majority of citizens already thinking that America is heading in the wrong direction. 

But, when did this abrupt turn in direction begin?

Well, some think it started with rock and roll music. Some think it was when prayer was removed from the public schools. Others think it was when President Bill Clinton and his cronies changed the definition of “sex” in order to mask his tryst with the young intern Monica Lewinsky. Or, was it when we unofficially changed the definition of the word “illegal?” It’s so easy for politicians to parse words and reinvent the meaning of words.

Unfortunately, this practice of strategic word manipulation has led to other changes in definitions that have helped to pave the road to corruption and deceit turning it into a dysfunctional super-highway for local, state and national discontents and opportunists like Rogers who has used the tragic deaths of nine innocents in South Carolina to advance his station locally.

Shame on Mr. Rogers.

Me? Personally, I think America started in the wrong direction when unethical lawyers began using national and local media advertising to advance their businesses. Chasing ambulances became old school when they figured they could encourage and coerce the average citizen to sue at will.

Social Security, disability claims, workman’s comp, auto accidents, hurt feelings, hot coffee, etc. Many personal lives and good businesses continue to be ruined by unscrupulous lawyers either suing or threatening to sue someone. Win or lose, a lawyer always get paid and, in almost all cases advances himself or his cause.  

So, why is America heading in the wrong direction? Could it have anything to do with the fact that 53 percent of our U.S. Senate are lawyers? And, the House of Representatives have a whopping 160 lawyers or 37 percent  of their 435 members???

Hmmmmm. Don’t expect the situation to get much better anytime soon. In the meantime, I say drop the Market House as the City of Fayetteville icon.

Don’t disrupt this community by making it a divisive issue. After all, generations of intelligent Fayetteville residents regardless of color, nationality or religion will understand that history is history and as such cannot be altered, changed or erased. The Market House is and, will always be, a National Historic Landmark of major historic significance to the formation of North Carolina and the United States. And from its center, Mr. Rogers, you can both see and hear the ambulances.

Thank you for reading the Up & Coming Weekly.