God Closes One Door and Then Opens Another

To the Editor:

In a recent letter to the editor, Brandon Schielack stated that “opportunities need to be in the hands of our community and not in the hands of the government.” I strongly agree and would like to illustrate a successful example of this.

At the beginning of the COVID crisis, the local government decided it was in the public’s best interest to shut down the La Grange farmers’ market - an outdoor market where people purchase fresh food and other items directly from area producers. Other cities, such as Bastrop and Austin, recognized that farmers’ markets were a safe, sensible alternative to over-crowded grocery stores and stressed supply chains and markets there continued. As a vendor in the Bastrop farmers’ market, many elderly and immuno-compromised shoppers expressed their thankfulness to me to be able to shop in such a safe environment.

Fortunately, the Jersey Barnyard graciously agreed to host the La Grange farmers’ market. Shoppers, by their attendance, have demonstrated their clear desire for a choice in where they shop and have come out in amazing numbers every weekend. The dramatic growth and overwhelming success have many vendors reporting record sales and vowing to remain at the market’s new location.

We live in an age of excessive regulations like the absurd Texas Lemonade Stand Law. Given our rural setting, you would think our local government would recognize the natural, God-given rights to grow and sell food. Citing “emergency powers,” as if under FEMA control, shutting down the market was a senseless overreach and should be openly questioned. It’s a perfect example of government over-regulation followed by success at the hands of the private sector. I look forward to seeing more opportunities returned to our very capable citizens. As one vendor put it, “God closes one door and then opens another.”

Brianne Bernsen

Plum