For those who tune into the mainstream media news, you would have to think that the sky is falling, we are in chaos and the end is nigh.

No kind words about the incredible economy, unbelievably low unemployment rates, high consumer confidence and increase in manufacturing jobs, just to name a few good things that are going on in our country.

Well, we seem to be falling into the same trap here in Tryon and surroundings. I recently read a headline about the “chaos in TIEC.”

I live in Green Creek and had to pass the main parking area for WEG every day. It was not chaotic, and traffic moved smoothly thanks to police officers and troopers. Our kids got to school with only minor delays.

I am not an equestrian person, but I attended some events because they were interesting and it was an opportunity to see some of the most beautiful and well-trained horses in the world, along with very skilled riders performing amazing athletic feats.

I met competitors from across the U.S., Mexico, New Zealand, Australia, England, Germany, Austria and Switzerland here to compete in a variety of events. To a person, they had nothing but wonderful things to say about the venue, the staff and the volunteers helping to produce WEG.

Let’s all remember that the management of TIEC had less than half the time available to them to plan for this event than is customary — less than two years instead of the usual four years or more. What they accomplished was no less than amazing.

Were there problems? Of course. In an event of this size and complexity, anyone with common sense would know that all would not be completely smooth. 

If the Olympics were reported on in the manner of our regular news or these WEG games, every Olympic competition would appear to be a failure. No one can measure up to perfection.

But, based on the competitors’ feelings about WEG and, at least this observer, they were a success.

Stuart R. Goldstein, Green Creek