MM: Waco will not be kept down! 05/18/15 | Doug Cofer It's Motivational Monday once again, but this week's post is going to be a little different. If you're not aware, there was an incident in Waco yesterday of violence and death. At a restaurant at a local shopping center, rival biker gangs clashed and when it was over nine people were killed and 18 seriously injured. What makes the event even more tragic is that Waco Police had been trying for weeks and months to get the restaurant to stop hosting and promoting biker events. Without cooperation, the profoundly sad events of yesterday unfolded. Not surprisingly this has become a national news story. However, unlike in the past, the great things happening here in Waco will NOT be deterred and the image of Waco will NOT be defined by another horrific event. This is NOT the same old Waco. So many amazing things are happening here now, and that progress and development and momentum will NOT be quelled. A friend of mine wrote the post below on his Facebook wall and I am sharing it here because it is our cause and if you live here in Waco or love Waco, it should be yours as well. So, thank you Matt for your words. I refuse to recognize violence brought to Waco by a traveling gang as a condemnation of Waco, another "black eye" for Waco, or anything remotely descriptive of what it's like to live in Waco. A singular event which could have happened anywhere doesn't have any bearing on the lifestyle, opportunity, or great quality of life that Waco affords. While yesterday's events were sad and unfortunate, such negativity is easily overwhelmed by all of the positive change, growth, and rejuvenation the city is experiencing. I look forward to helping Waco and Wacoans define ourselves with the ample attractions, business development, historical restoration, economic growth, educational benefits, and so much more that Waco really is; not a single off day brought on by a few criminals passing through the city. -- Matthew McLeod So, Wacoans, don't be discouraged and don't lose heart. We are not what happened yesterday and our city will prevail.