The Saloon Calls Seductively

Jacqueline Procter
Journal #8
February 22, 2008
Stephen Crane

Quote:
“The open mouth of a saloon called seductively to passengers to enter and annihilate sorrow or create rage.”

Summary:
The saloon offers drinking as a way to deal with sorrow/depression.

Response:
A saloon offers refuge from life, as well as comfort, and Its patrons share your pain. I can attest that the temptation is too great not to indulge in drinking as a coping mechanism when your life seems beyond hope. When there aren't any jobs, or opportunities to procure a job, and the present circumstances of life are just too depressing in a sober state, a little booze will do the trick. The problem is that it becomes a bad habit real fast as it softens the edges in a dismal existence, and provides a false sense of happiness, or for some people, turns them into a mean drunk. Life is good as long as the buzz remains – before the hangover – definitely not advisable if you have children.

I’ve lived through the oil bust in Louisiana – competing with college graduates for menial jobs, the depressed economy in Montana, and the dot com bust of silicon valley, of which I’ve never experienced so much greed -- Land Barons – Slum lords – all of them. I have thoughts of starting up a Bad Landlord website. Slumlords should be prosecuted with severe penalties. They should have their properties seized if they don't improve conditions, with an opportunity for renters to assume ownership. I bet slums/ghettos would be non-existent. I don't understand how It's legal to charge for sub-standard housing as some places should be condemned. It's time to clean up America. The government needs to start investing in its citizens by offering work opportunities that improve communities like Roosevelt’s New deal program during the Depression.