EDITOR'S COLUMN - The expression, "May you live in interesting times" is thought to have originated in China in the early 1600s.
At face value, it seems to have a positive connotation, but the actual meaning is less of a blessing and more of a curse.
This is because less interesting, in other words, peaceful times, make it much easier for individuals to lead comfortable lives.
"Interesting times" may leave you with better stories to tell, but generally have an element of unrest that makes one's existence far more challenging. It is this difference between the saying's apparent meaning and its real implication that made it famous.
Graaff-Reinet has also seen some interesting times of late.
Residents are haunted by the threat of water scarcity, plagued by mounting waste and the scourge of illegal dumping and to top it all off, plunged into darkness by load shedding and, this week, an unexpected power outage which affected some residents for more than 30 hours.
As with every issue of the Graaff-Reinet Advertiser, the one you are holding in your hands is meant to provide you, the reader, with the most interesting information pertaining to Graaff-Reinet that we could source this week. We have not only selected stories bemoaning the difficulties faced by Graaff-Reinetters, but also articles that cover the accomplishments of local individuals and organisations in detail.
Even though there are many things in Graaff-Reinet that are causing frustration and anger, and in the end, a fury that conquers our day, I believe that Graaff-Reinet is in no way a town in decline.
What makes me convinced that this assessment is correct? There are too many people who live here who see Graaff-Reinet as home and who will do everything in their power for the well-being of our town.
Even with our present difficulties, in my line of work I encounter individuals and organisations every day who are fighting for progress and the betterment of the town.
As President Obama said in January 2008, "Change does not happen from the top down but from the bottom up".
People arguing, mobilising, agitating, and ultimately forcing elected officials to be accountable... That's how we are going to bring about change.
And, with the right amount of optimism, pragmatism and resourcefulness, we will work our way into a more peaceful future, united, and one step at a time.
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