Around the corner from where I live is a small shop called “Quality Market.” It has been a family business for over 30 years. In addition to the regular fare of foodstuffs and drinks, they make pizzas, sandwiches and tasty deserts. However, if you visited them today, you’d never know. The shelves are emptying and are no longer being replaced. The beer selection has dwindled, and the once bountiful muffins and cakes are no longer forthcoming. This is our America. We live in a time where our cities are dying and our strong foundation of small businesses is being eroded. What is left in Lewiston? Well, there is a Wal*Mart distribution plant, chain supermarkets and struggling strip malls. When local businesses can not flourish, neighborhoods are left to die, and when neighborhoods die, those who care not for life move in. It’s a sad day in Lewiston and a sad day for America.