Last Words

June 3, 2003

So much to say and so little time...

Tonight will bring the conclusion of a chapter in an epic story of can-do will against the nearly-absolute-yet-clumbsy power wielded by an aging, insecure, feudal-symbol of influence. We begun as an effort to save our roads and have become a unified voice against the omnipresent specter of corporate greed. The past 5 weeks say a lot: our community is strong, our voices will be heard, we will not bow when unjustly demanded.

A journey of discovery...

When we started this site, we really had no idea of the interest this cause might generate. We knew what Lilly intended was wrong, but we did not realize the extent of support for saving Davis and Meridian Roads. This has been a journey of discovery - of discovering the generosity and commitment of our community, of the underestimated power our unified voices hold. By most accounts, this issue has moved from Lilly "doing what they want to" to empowered citizens' voices heard worldwide. We hope Lilly has discovered a new reverence for the citizens they treat so much as a confined laboratory experiment. Much like the Rats of NIMH, we have risen to our challenger and discovered our voice. And much like Ah Pook, our voice determines the outcome of Lilly's quest for control of our roads.

When will they learn?

These people! When will they learn that they are out classed, out matched and clearly outside the boundaries of acceptability? We told them we wanted to keep our roads - but they did not listen. We told them we did not appreciate the manner they were conducting their request - they did not listen. We posted a web site detailing our opposition and they still did not listen. And to this point, all they have accomplished by continuing this charade is creating a bunch of empowered, angry citizens and a snowballing news story. When will they learn that BIGGER DOES NOT MEAN BETTER? Used efficiently and effectively, the limited means and technology behind this web site has great power to mitigate a Lilly threat. Comparatively, with their vast resources, Lilly must have INCREADIBLE capacity to mitigate threats. They don’t need our roads - they need our determination.

Above all...

Most importantly we wish to draw a clear distinction between corporate Lilly’s policies and actions in this issue and the character and actions of their employees, who contribute so much to our community. Lilly people are often our family, friends, neighbors and/or associates. Our effort to preserve community assets is not directed at them but at the excessive requests of corporate Lilly. Committed employee's sterling reputations should not be imposed upon by Lilly's questionable activities. We are willing to make sacrifices, but only when they make sense for the entire community - not for a few high-flying execs or a few who would reap the greatest benefit of any reduced property taxes.

We are so incredibly proud to be part of this vibrant community. Our voice and efforts remain insignificant to the daily efforts extended by concerned members of our community who have distributed flyers, petitions and signs. Our efforts would be meaningless if not for every call, every letter, every effort extended towards preserving our cherished roads.

This has been a journey of discovery - of the heart and potential of our community.

Stay true, stay active - your voice will be heard.