THERE GOES THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Recently the City Council of Bulverde decided they needed a catchy phrase to help promote their central Texas burg. A number of good ides were proposed and, ultimately, the powers that be selected "Front Porch Of The Texas Hill Country." Sounds nice, doesn't it?

Ah yes, the Texas Hill Country. Arguably the most scenic part of the Lone Star State. If one is willing to put up with the heat and the humidity and the occasional Aggie graduate, then by all means this is a desirable place to settle down. A least it was...

You see, the once verdant hills no longer echo with the sound of music; they now reverberate with the sound of Catepillars -- big, yellow, land-gouging machines scarring the landscape as far as one can see to make way for yet another Home Depot or Tractor Supply outlet. Tractor Supply? You gotta be kidding -- yet there it stands, over 100,000 square feet, monolithic and boxy, a veritable Taj Mahal for area hicks and the 4-H club.

Alas, a more appropriate slogan would be: "Bulverde: Front Porch Of Big Box Retailers"

Don't tell me it isn't your fault, City Council. YOU took the under-the-table money twice now, so all this asphalt IS your fault.

(For the record, I don't actually live in Bulverde -- let's just say I'm a step or two from the back door).