Roots

Small towns hold a uniqueness that’s only seen by those who take the time to slow down, look around and listen. There are stories to be told, and in Greer this is certainly no exception.
The award-winning column offers sometimes humorous, often relevant and
always entertaining opinions or experiences of columnist Amanda Irwin.
Small towns hold a uniqueness that’s only seen by those who take the time to slow down, look around and listen. There are stories to be told, and in Greer this is certainly no exception.
Government representatives are elected by the people and supposedly for the people, but not all municipal governments are created equal. Some councils uphold transparency, while others hastily pass ordinances and resolutions when taxpayers aren’t looking.
High school graduates being herded into higher education institutions and handed high-interest loans to secure nonexistent jobs isn’t uncommon — but it’s very problematic, and this month, Senate struck down a bill intended to lessening student debts.
Technology is developing faster than it ever has while individuals develop unhealthy dependencies on computers, phones, social media and endless amounts of distractions accessible one-click away — and yet it still isn’t enough.
I have a tendency to stress and become anxious about the future, and as a result I over-plan and sometimes get agitated when plans don’t go how I foresaw them. I prefer being in environments I’m comfortable in, with people I know and under circumstances I can somewhat control. I guess you could say I’m secretly a control freak.
Last weekend’s trip to New York instantly proved to be memorable. It kicked off with very tired women, Bevin and I, packing within an hour of our goal-departure time and pulling out of the driveway 30 minutes late, as expected.
I’ve been counting down and finally — finally — the time of year when I plan, pack, drive, dance and get swept away in the awe-inspiring music has arrived — that’s right, summer concert season!
Some moments change you forever. Sometimes these moments storm into your life like a train without a warning whistle, taking your breath away as though you’ve been dunked in bath of ice-cold water. When the storm settles and the water dries, sometimes you’re left discouraged. Recently, I had an awakening experience akin this.
Tuesday, Europe’s top court approved a controversial law that deters between an individual’s right to privacy and public’s right to information. The “Right to be Forgotten” law establishes a precedent for individuals’ right to publication removal and prevention of distribution regarding personal information and photos online.
Humans fascinate me. Everyone has a story as unique as them, filled with struggles, achievements, happiness and sadness, but it requires the right questions to beckon it forth.
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