Larry, I have lived here on Cape going on 21 years now. The changes the Cape has undergone has been unbelievable since 1983. I left a great job, so did my wife where if we had stayed in Central Massachusetts we would be in the multiple six figure range now paywise. I didn't want that and niether did my wife. I moved here to become part of a very special place to live simply and quietly and even with the changes I still think the Cape is one of the nicest places on earth I have ever seen. Our feelings are very strong. So you will excuse me if I express a feeling of ownership.
I made a sacrifice in a lot of ways, I fret over bills and live in a modest 24x32 Cape style house but I wouldn't trade it and my situation for anything. My two daughters were born in a room at the Hospital overlooking Nantucket sound. Cape Codders pay more than the rest of the State for simple grocery items, services, gas, oil etc., simply because we live here and businesses know that they have us by the shortones. For most, if you are not recently retired or filthy rich, living here is a struggle but we all feel it is worth the price.
For two months a year we share this place with visitors and we do this gladly as they are the driving force for most of our economy. But when I see people from off cape here for a vacation or a weekend visit throwing garbage out windows of thier cars and just trashing the place I get pissed off. It's getting to the point though where something has to be done to recognize the people that make this thier year round home and in so doing give priviledge to those of us that made the decision to call this place home over those that come for a short period of time and think that they should enjoy the same priviledges that we do.
The CCNS is different. If it were not for the formation of the CCNS by Pres. Kennedy I shudder to think what the coast from P-Town to Chatham would look like. Still, I do think, and no disrespect to you as you are a good guy, that year round Cape residents should have some privledges that others from off Cape don't. I am looking forward to seeing and fishing with you on the beach this year. Flap.
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