From Boondocks to Boondoggle
The other day I was making my way across the pedestrian footbridge that used to take you into the World's Fair Park-(ing lot now), and I was treated to the view of the massive new convention center that my more cynical friends call Mayor Ashe's welfare program for the construction industry. In the old days before they ripped it apart you could actually cross what is now the world's fair parking lot on the Clinch Avenue bridge leading into Fort Sanders. Now of course pedestrians are treated to finding new and interesting routes around the 10-foot chain link fences barricading us out of our park.
Entering the existing empty convention center next to the new one being built I was struck by the pleasing sound my feet made as they echoed through the empty entrance, then through the empty foyer past the empty bar then down the empty escalators.
When I walked out the bottom entrance and watched workers jackhammer out that nasty old lake I used to like to bicycle around (soon to be a parking lot, a real tourist magnet), I stood and tried to understand the devastation. Then it hit me! The real plan for drawing tourists! Boondoggle city! Tourists will come from miles around to view the empty convention centers!
Sure, my more skeptical friends point out that for the investment of some grass seed we could have enlarged on the park as a musical venue instead of building a $100 million dollar tax subsidy for the construction interests. And sure, some cynics point out the apparent stupidity of destroying beautiful lakes in a park then converting the very things that draw people to a park into a parking lot. But I have more faith, how could we be so blind!
I anticipate that any day now the rest of the master plan will be unveiled. Instead of "See Rock City," barns that advertise across East Tennessee will say "See Boondoggle City!" And think of it, it's truly amazing. Who wouldn't rather see large empty convention centers built side-by-side, witnessing the amazing sight of tax dollars lolling about indolently as opposed to hard at work.
And sure, those of us working class locals who have to foot the bill for this project may be too poor to own cars after paying for it. But the folks profiting off the construction and advising are sure to buy fancy new cars, which I, for one, will far prefer walking around and viewing in the place of those nasty old lakes which used to contain fish and ducks, cool musical programs, a grassy knoll to watch fireworks, and a place to have picnics now and then.
So everybody stop complaining. Sure, we were promised a park in exchange for the old Victorians and stuff that were ripped down during the World's Fair. Sure, it's literally in textbooks that convention centers built in towns without any previous tourist base are doomed to fail. But that's the plan! It's that failure which is going to cause tourists to come visit. And in the end Ashe and the rest will get the last laugh.
Just ask any of the old timers who where around during the World's Fair who lost their savings when the banks went bust. Then construction interests that own our town got to laugh as well. And remember, See Boondoggle City! And have faith.
Chris Irwin
Knoxville
A Recall Reminder
Jesse Fox Mayshark's "Recall This" [July 19 Editor's Corner] was the best piece of editorial journalism I've read in my 17 years in Knoxville. It was intelligible, logical, passionate, eloquent and courageous. Particularly cogent (and frightening) was Mr. Mayshark's description of a legal system that, under the guise of protecting the public, is often used to intimidate and harass. It's an abuse of power by elected officials and a reminder that we'll have to be especially vigilant and proactive in the next election.
The editorial proves the need for an alternative voice in this town and provides the opportunity, once again, to thank Metro Pulse for its brilliant and indefatigable leadership.
Michael Kaplan
Knoxville
Twice Lucky
I am one of the lucky people who got to meet Alex Haley, not only once, but twice.
When I worked in the men's department at Proffitt's, he bought gloves and a scarf from me. I didn't realize we had an audience until he suddenly decided to purchase more gloves and scarves. Everyone was watching.
My daughter was arriving at the airport and, as I knew his driver, we talked until Alex Haley walked down the ramp. Alex and I spoke and shook hands.
Unfortunately for all who got to meet him, he passed away several weeks later.
I have been to Haley Heritage Square and, when no one was looking, we shook hands, and I told him I've not forgotten I met him not only once, but twice.
Sybil L. Joffe
Knoxville
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