The times-news. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1927-current, 1936-04-04
PARASITES OR PROMOTERS OF
PERSONAL AND PUBLIC
WELFARE?

In every city and town are citizens who
shirk their civic responsibilities and COM
n.uTjitv obligations The statement Is
equally true of country communities. Resi-
s.ackerS in this particular. In every COM
mauity, city or country, are people who are
entirely willing to accept all benefits, mdl-
lldTal or collective, which come as re-
suit of community effort, or at least OF the
efforts of certain other citizens, but who
refuse 70 make their own contribution OF
tine, effort or cash to promote these move
merits and enterprises. Such people are
willing to take anything handed them with
ou- cost to them, with no consideration
whatever for the cost to others or the pee
Dle AGAINST whom the cost is assessed
They are paraSiteS-and the tribe has en-
loved maDio increase in few years and is
becoming more and more numerous with
the,flght of time.
People of this class will accept and
make the most of all benefits coming to
cxampie-the Chamber of Commerce, but
will not Join that organization or cOntri-
butte to its support. Their attitude to 9TH
cr community sponsored organizations -
the same. Frequently they will not sup
port the churches or schools, if they can
find a way-aud they usually can--to
shirk the responsibility. ..'.. :. ,,.-
However, The Times-NewS is. mot think
ing alone of the cash contributions these
citizens do not make to worth while move
ments and organizations. We are thinking
also Of their general attitude to these
Things and the fact that their personal IN
ijucncc and efforts are also missing when
those are needed to promote community
interests and enterprises. Their attitude
10 the whole business of community eXpan-
sion, upbuilding n Improvement is
wrong. They are out of harmony with
their progressive fellow citizens and with
community ,and more extended advance
ment
II is true, however, that in the average
American community, town or city, the
proportion of the class of people we are
discussing is small in comparison with the
total population That is fortunate con-
ditiOn for any town, city or community. 1t
Is unfortunate that the parasitic, or non
cooperating class, is found everywhere
All VINO receive the benefits of the prog
reSS OF civilization, of community or CO.
operative efforts and advancement, ought
to De willing to bear a fair share of the
cost OF whatever is accomplished for the
common good. They should be willing to
labor and contribute in every practical
way for the attainment of the greatest
good to the greatest number To be will
ing to accept the benefits derived from
connection with and association with oul
fellows, and to selfishly withhold our owl
contributions and efforts to promote the
common welfare, stamps one as a parasite
rs far as human relations are concerned
Is your attitude as a citizen what il
ought to be in regard to these matters?
Are you always ready and willing to ''lend
hand, to exert your influence, to give Of
time and money in proportion to your abil
ity, for the advancement of the community
and your State and country? These are
questions each citizen should submit tt
himself for honest consideration and al
honest answer. Putting these questions Il
citizens of Hendersonville and our ow,