Somehow, we have forgotten the lessons learned from parents, grandparents and all that "brother's-keeper-and-love-thy-neighbor" stuff. In catechism, I remember someone saying the poor will always be with us, but that's now gone by the wayside. Forget the poor, we will pray for them and get back to them next Christmas.

Local communities have the right to make decisions about their destiny, but I don't know what our state has come to when we don't want a charitable organization in our look-a-like malls. And the idea of some Draper citizens not wanting the Deseret Industries store in their shopping area may appear to be a small thing that soon will pass, but it's the accumulation of little things that children see and remember that form the values that will guide their life, rather than the annual Christmas trip. I wonder if there are some more thoughtful residents who will speak out on the example they want to set for their children and the character of their great city. Who knows, some may find it in their heart to make the DI an expression of the values of Draper citizens.

Besides, you can still get some good deals there even without the senior discount.

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Utah native John Florez has founded several Hispanic civil rights organizations, served on the staff of Sen. Orrin Hatch and on more than 45 state, local and volunteer boards. He also has been deputy assistant secretary of labor. E-mail: jdflorez@comcast.net