We're talking about the kind of love that causes you to write letters, shout from rooftops, and challenge anyone who would dare speak poorly of your beloved. The kind of love that makes you drive all night to get to the people who are your home.
Is Yakima worthy of that kind of love? Yes.
It's the way the orchards explode with blossoms in the springtime, sway with fruit at harvest, sparkle with ice on the branches. It's the fresh smell of the occasional rain and the aroma of mint fields. It's the glow of poolside sunsets and the absence of gridlock. It's petrified forests, painted rocks, and the timeless presence of the Yakama Nation. It's fishing, hiking, boating, skiing and climbing. It's a wine country lined with not just vines, but with hops strung from trellises. It's young families buying their first home. It's entrepreneurs, medical students, musicians and artists. It's the crews tirelessly beginning their days in the farms and orchards at sunrise. It's our vibrant culture, and community celebrations of everything from wine and beer, to the farmer's markets, to mariachi and menudo. It's the way that people look you in the eye, say your name, and smile.
For too long we've viewed our valley as a place that needs to be fixed. The truth is, we have tremendous advantage in the new American economy. Rural is innovative. Small is big.
We believe that what's been keeping Yakima from wild success is PRIDE. A strong community has grown from our humble roots, but to be a destination for the 21st century, we have to celebrate what makes us unique.
To those who already love Yakima, we need you. To those who love Yakima but are afraid to say it, we need you too. To everyone else, we hope to help you believe.
Join us. Don't be afraid to let people know. Say it loud:
Our vision is to build pride, to build business, and to build the economy. Manifesto signers are forming the foundation of this grassroots movement...the more signers we have, the faster we can make positive change happen in our community and change the underlying discussion in our town to a positive one. Manifesto signers will be invited to future events, initiatives and programs. Will you join us?
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Joshua Abrahamcd
May 16, 2013 07:47 pm