The Perils of Triumphalism

tri·umph·al·ism ( P ) Pronunciation Key (tr-mf-lzm)
n. - The attitude or belief that a particular doctrine, especially a religion or political theory, is superior to all others.

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n. - The belief that a single victory or a single defeat marks the end of a struggle.

----------------------------------Volunteer Hoosier

The week ahead is one that I believe most New Albanians will look back at as a watershed moment. The decisions being made over the next 10 days will affect our collective future for generations.

Quite obviously, I believe the Scribner Place development is a critical piece of infrastructure that will announce that New Albany "gets it" when it comes to what its residents want. More important, it will broadcast far and wide that a new day has arrived for Floyd County. As investors and potential homeowners consider New Albany as a future home, the decisions made by City Council on July 7 and by County Council on July 12 will weigh heavily.

Whether each council makes the decisions I consider "right" or "wrong," there is no call for triumphalism or despair. We have far too much to do to make New Albany the jewel we wish for it to be. Making New Albany a more livable and attractive city is the work ahead of us.

There will be no reason to celebrate "victory" nor mourn "defeat."

A stated consensus exists for New Albany to build a vigorous codes enforcement regime. The next six months will reveal whether that "stated" consensus is a reality.

For those who may consider themselves winners after these Scribner Place decisions are made, I point you to the definition of hubris: Overbearing pride or presumption; arrogance.

Preening and gloating will be inappropriate. So will wailing and gnashing of the teeth.

There's work ahead.

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Randy Smith, destinations@sbcglobal.net

Coming: A Talking Points Memo