Tuesday, September 21, 2010

For Better or Worse: the WEG

           Many individuals are addicted to remote controls and DVRs. Afterall, isn't it gratifying to have the ability to fast forward through all the unwanted and annoying commercials? Think of  how gratifying it would be if we could use a remote control to fast forward through the steps of change. Afterall, let's face it, we all cringe when we hear the word "change".  For instance, when your boss tells you there's a new computer program that's being installed, which will take several weeks to learn. What do you find yourself doing? Cringing? When the policies at work are being altered.  Another cringe or moan? When our our favorite television show is canceled due to a special news report. Yet another moan or cringe? Although some of us may enjoy these changes, the majority of us do not. But what if change is for the better not the worst? That is what I believe is going to occur with the World Equestrian Games (WEG).
           The countdown is on, now that the WEG is coming to our beautiful city of Lexington, Ky. Since, the WEG is going create numerous changes for Lexington, what are some of us Lexingtonians doing? Some of us are cringing and voicing our opinions about the WEG while others of us are marking our calenders and cashing in the change from our piggy banks for tickets. Since, there is so much controversy regarding the WEG, I think it's important to take a moment to reflect on some of these opposing views.
           First of all, how will the WEG create more problems for our city? Many individuals believe that the city is going to become more congested and the city doesn't have the capacity to house that many individuals. However, the city officials have addressed this issue by creating better roads, such as the new and improved Ironworks Road. Another concern of some people is that the parking is going cause problems for individuals who live close to the WEG. However, city officials have decided to use shuttle buses to accommodate this situation. There is also, the issue of whether or not enough tickets have been or are being sold to this event. I believe this issue will be remedied once the games begin because more people will want to buy tickets after they realize how extraordinary this event is going to be. 
           Second, how will the WEG benefit our city? I believe that the benefits are going to far outweigh the problems. For instance, a diverse and numerous amount of individuals will be coming to Lexington to witness this event. Many of these individuals will consists of CEOs and Presidents of bigger, stronger businesses. I believe these CEOs and Presidents are going to arrive in this city, see the beauty of this city and they are going to realize how much they can profit by investing in businesses here in Lexington. What a  fabulous strategy to boost our economy! Being that there are so many individuals without employment, why not give it a try? I believe the WEG is also going to give the world a wake-up-call as to how extraordinary our "little city" really is. Perhaps, we will no longer have to be known as "hillbillies" or "hicks". Hopefully, the world will realize and acknowledge who we actually are: creative, intelligent, sophisticated individuals.
           No unfortunately, we do not have a remote control that can fast forward changes in life. We may also not be able to isolate ourselves from all changes that take place. However, we can try to remain optimistic, use our skills that we are blessed with, and use creative thinking to help us conquer changes. We also have to remind ourselves that not all changes are harmful. Some changes can create a better life for us all. Therefore, those of you who are not accepting of the WEG, think about how it can benefit us all. This is what we all need to attempt to do with the WEG.