A seed is planted with high hopes of healthy growth and wild praise. It germinates in rich soil and is fed the best of nutrient laden water. It constricts during chilly Winter frosts and expands during Spring warmth. As the seed develops, it stretches, eventually breaking its rough shell. The seed reaches skyward and punctures through soil recently dampened by the past shower. Through many seasons and learned lessons, the seed develops from an inexperienced newcomer to a thick tree with dominating influence and high office. It oversees all decisions of its neighborhood. It stands stiff and its roots stretch wide.

The tree’s reach spreads high over the road it grows aside. Its branches shade the once plentiful flowers and causes them to wilt. His roots tangle with other neighborhood trees and constricts their growth and freedom. The tree drops pine cones on innocent passers and litters the asphalt with brutal attacks like a bully trashes the face of a helpless classmate. The tree, a glutton for riches, strips the earth of resources. Its roots run wild pipelines, squeezing the Earth like fingers tightly wrapped around a dripping sponge. Baboons congregate in the tree’s branches and elephants lobby at the tree’s base.

Spoiled through nepotism and blinded by ignorance, the tree struggles to win the acceptance of its neighborhood. Like the tree’s early rapid growth, surrounding plant’s disapproval rise to new heights. Insults tumble down the road and gather at the base of the tree. Small plants mock the large tree and urge the dethroning of its massive presence. Trees from other neighborhoods join the outcry and roots deep and shallow intertwine in a massive network against the tree. With skies the color of coal and clouds as angry as a frothing hyena, a furry of change blows through the streets of our village, uprooting the tree and making way for hope and the growth of a new leader.

What change are you hoping for?

Patrick Matson, of P&M Maintenance, ended his 2008 in a confrontation with US Bank. From his point of view, cash deposits were not recognized in his available balance resulting in an account penalty fee each time he used his debit card. Eventually his account was completely depleted leaving him stranded in Glendale, Arizona and far from his family during the holidays.

Patrick, now back in Carlsbad, plans on protesting the alleged unethical practices of the US Bank until he is reimbursed in full. When asked how long he plans on remaining outside the bank’s property, located at Carlsbad Village Drive and Jefferson St., he replies, “as long as it takes.”

The Carlsbad police visited him three times on this specific day and once demanded him to keep the base of his sign, which read “US Bank Predatory” and “US Bank-We Charge N.S.F. Fees like there is no Tomorrow,” off of the bank’s property. This is when Patrick built his rolling stand. He also encourages the interested to read his laminated bank statements for a better understanding.

Patrick seemed extremely disgruntled and very candid with his retaliations. “I have already filed with the small claims and am pushing to influence the denial of the bank’s lease renewal.”

2008 may be in the past, but it still casts a dark shadow. We can only hope 2009 ends on a better note for him and for us.

Confrontations, though unwanted, are unavoidable. Grocery store lines heat with agitation and highways honk with obscenities. Sibling rivalries destroy family traditions and office egos swell with brown nose back stabbings. Foreheads glisten blue with bruises from the last headbutt and a deralicto rat eats cheese from the ass of the overly jolly.

How do you handle your confrontations? Pen? Sword?

Patrick Matson
760.809.3179
P&M_Maintenance@yahoo.com