Goodbye, American Marine.

I’m the little guy who started with you 62 years ago… the little guy who shared his hard-earned living with you.

The one who was able to come to you when a few extra dollars were needed and always paid you back.

The one who worked hard and kept their word and helped you grow.

The one who benefited years ago with a great relationship until you decided to bring in the big boys.

You brought in people that had absolutely no connection to the island and its history.

You started to move away from us by replacing yourself with strangers doing business with strangers.

There is a small paragraph in a book by Fred Schwed Jr., “Where Are the Customers’ Yachts?” and though he writes about the stock market it seems to fit this occasion quite well.

“Take care of the pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves” is better than half-truth – about five-eighths truth, I should say.

At least as accurate is, “Take care of the million dollars and the pennies will take care of themselves.”

As in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” What happened to George Bailey, American Marine? What did you do with George Bailey?

Stephanee Yost

Silverdale