Profit and Hypocrisy Collide in Mesquite

Rickey D. Sawyer, who owns a beer store in Balch Springs and is planning others in Sherman and in East Texas, lives in Mesquite, Texas. Mesquite is dry. No alcohol, beer or wine is sold in the town. Sawyer also opposes alcohol sales in the town where he lives. "This is a hugely family-oriented city. This is what attracts people to Mesquite," he said. He also said he said allowing retail alcohol sales in the city where he raises his own children would "open up a Pandora's box."

"There's just so much that comes along with it," said Sawyer. "Sometimes it's not about the money; it's about what is right."

Is this really a case of NIMBY, or is Mr. Sawyer operating from less noble motives--Keeping his cash flow? His Balch Springs store is two minutes from Mesquite's city limits. Either way, he's a hypocrite. He's a greedy bastard or he's a heartless bastard intent on ruining the lives of everyone else's children while his are protected.

Mr. Sawyer, if it's about what is right, then sell your stores. If you're so concerned about the health and safety of children, close your stores. Put your money where your mouth is.

I don't give a rat's rear end whether or not a community stays dry or goes wet. That's up to the community. But I despise hypocrisy in politics.