We need more people to talk about our future, because it's the people of this fine county that will eventually make a difference. Without the residents of this county coming together, moving forward will be tough or nearly impossible.

What I don't like is when someone won't even consider something before they ever learn the first thing about that subject.

The recent case in point is Thursday's meeting about land use and zoning in Greene County.

Zoning is considered a four-letter word by many in this county, and that's OK. Everyone has the right to their own opinion, and should be respected.

But forming an opinion on something just because you've "heard about Bloomington and Monroe County" is not a good enough reason to be against something.

Thursday's meeting was set up so those who understand land use and zoning could explain it to those of us who don't.

It was that simple. Nothing more, nothing less.

It's OK to be against zoning. It's also OK to be for zoning. That's not the point.

The point is that Greene Countians need to make an educated decision when it comes to zoning. Learn about it, talk to others who have zoning, and then make up your mind. Go to your elected officials and tell how you feel.

But don't be against something if you don't understand it.

-- Chris Pruett