The Rising Tide
Introduction
The phrase is commonly attributed to President John F Kennedy, who used it during a 1963 speech to defend a public works project that he was launching in Arkansas against criticisms that the project would only benefit a select few. President Kennedy went on to elaborate his point, saying “as Arkansas becomes more prosperous so does the United States and as this section declines so does the United States. So I regard this as an investment by the people of the United States in the United States.”
“A rising tide lifts all boats.”
There was much truth to what President Kennedy was saying on that day in 1963 and it still rings true today, even here in Jasper County. Our community leaders are constantly on the lookout for ways in which they can bring in a “rising tide” and improve the lives of all in Jasper County. The economic development and infrastructure improvements that have come to our community in the recent past have no doubt improved the quality of life for each resident of and visitor here and for this we should all be grateful.
However, there is one other thing that a rising tide can do that we must keep in mind as we strive to move forward, it can drown people who aren’t strong swimmers. There are some in our community who (for a variety of reasons) may not be able keep up with rising tide and we, as good neighbors, must do what we can to throw them a lifeline.
