No duel in dual messages

The Augusta Metro and Columbia County chambers of commerce sent out word last week that businesses in our area should use their signs to welcome visitors to town.

The Masters and Augusta are synonymous with gracious hospitality, the Chamber statement says. We want to maintain that image.

What a great idea - especially when much of our communitys image is being formed in an unsympathetic national media suckered into one nutty feminists crusade against the fundamental right of free association. (Youd better watch it, Boy Scouts; if Martha Burk has her way, your next jamboree will be unisex.)

Weve noticed that area businesses are taking the Chambers plea to heart. But many businesses had already committed their signs to non-commercial messages on a much weightier topic: supporting our nations troops. A good example is at the Upper Crust restaurant in Evans: Its marquee reads, Free? Thank our troops.

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One message need not replace the other; theyre perfectly compatible. Visitors to Augusta should be welcomed not just for the money they bring to our area, but because graciousness is what we do best. Theyll quickly see that our community is glad theyre visiting, and that our military - and its enormous economic impact - is welcome here year-round.