We deeply respect the moral decisions that those within the county who abstain from imbibing alcohol of any kind in this county have taken. It is a perfectly valid personal decision to not drink alcohol in this county. However, there in is the crux of the issue. It is a personal decision. This country was once comprised of people like us who believed in the independent spirit. As long as it didn't harm me or infrindge upon my personal rights then it was ok. However, those days of America the Republic are gone. Now we have come to the issue of alcohol by the drink in Fannin County. We have heard from the supporters of the beer/wine agenda. We have been given the economic reasons why beer/wine (now liquor) would have a positive effect for the county. We have even read words from the Gilmer County Commissioner begging us to change our minds in order to keep Fannin Taxes flowing into his county. But my question to the members of the Fannin CountyTemperance Movement is this: What is the alternative?

We would like to hear what their proposals are for reviving the local economy?

We would like to hear what their ideas are for keeping taxes low?

We would like to hear what their thoughts are for trying to bring industry into this county?

There is good news if we remain with status quo. Whenever we meet at one of the numerous "burger joints" in Fannin there is no worry of seating. However, I do have to wait for some time outside of Longhorn's and Ruby Tuesday's in Ellijay. We no longer have to worry about rebuilding any houses as we can just choose from any of the near thousand "spec" homes currently sitting empty on the market.

As natives of Fannin County we understand the idea for keeping Fannin County as a pristine mountain town. However, the one thing we can never stop is progress. Atlanta is pushing further north everyday. Those of you who think it can be stopped are decieving yourselves. You cannot stop progress! The only thing you can do is regulate it. This idea of keeping a 21st Century Fannin County in the mid-20th Century timeframe is a ludicrous archaic notion. You have to adjust with progress or be crushed under its colossal influence.

That being said I beg of anyone out there who is against the idea of having alcohol by-the-drink in Fannin County to answer our question: What is the alternative?