To all of my customers, I offer a heartfelt apology. My actions were truly sincere and no malice was intended. Your vehicles were scheduled to be worked on as mounting bills, personal family tragedies and unattended affairs were multiplying.
My business, my dream of owning this shop, decimated back when Cobb Parkway construction began. Our family has poured endless support but the finances simply did not offset what was evident, the business was not making money.
Yes, just like some of you, the system failed me and it also feeds on me. Mistakes happen, yet for some reason the system seems tougher on people like us, the working class. Unfortunately people like us are a business, a product that gives jobs to public defenders, the state and of course our for profit prisons.
Do I feel like I am on the road to recovery? Did the system make me better off? Not at all, they issue warrants and annihilate my finances, but it is hardly a way to learn a lesson or a path to become a functional individual. Should I be scared of breaking the rules or to live as a free individual who isn't hurting anyone?
Instead, I medicate myself with some alcohol, caffeine and a lot cigarettes. This medicine helps me cope with my impeding doom, the hopelessness of being born into an unprivileged family, of making the wrong choices, of daring to dream of a better life. No, once you are part of the system, it is a conveyor belt of privatized rehab agencies or counselors.
Then, after the system is done with you , it is back to life on the streets to become further degraded . Imagine that, a human being worth less than a household pet.
See, the system is not a police officer, a judge or a politician, it is the new normal that we all allow ourselves to live by. The system can turn the chairs on anyone, even on our honorable vets.
Please, do not take this as a excuse or a petty story. I just want to tell my story as with many.
Yes I was in jail, yes I am exhausted in an attempt to stay afloat in an ocean of fine print regulations and strict disciplinary measures preventing us from being mentally prepared to provide my best service and hospitality.
After being stripped of everything, my soul is exposed, my pain revealed to a large audience. Fortunately all you will see is my honor and dignity, not someone who attempted to "sequester" you vehicles.
When it is all said an done, please do not dishonor or rob me of my dignity as the state has. I will honor our transactions.
You can call this a testimony of someone who thought he could have a slice of the American Dream, but it was after all only a dream.
Now to the important news, this week a team of friends will work hard in returning your cars. We will reach to each of you on individual basis.
Best Regards,
Esteban Salvatierra
Cox Media Group
