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RESPONSE TO STORIES |
Related pagesGuest column by county Councilmember Rich Peterson Roadside memorials to have 90-day limit Myhr and Lichter want to slow county down ... to 35 mph Brenda Cromer dies in car crash on San Juan Island Legion chaplain killed in car crash Ryan Lobue killed in car/bicycle crash Matt McCutcheon dies in car crash | |
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Response to Roadside memorials to have 90-day limitDear Editor, posted 04/16/2007 Well, gosh, how very grown up of you to express yourself(s) like that. Very mature way to deal with the "problem". Tearing down a cross and pushing over a memorial stone. Good Lord in heaven, I will pray that your soul(s) can be saved somehow...shame shame on you. You better pray for yourselves as well. Honestly, that really is so far beyond screwed up that there are no words to describe. Sad little broken island. I hope it can be fixed before it is too late. with warm regards to all the kindhearted folks (and I wager that there are a few left). Jana DeFreece Dear Editor, posted 04/14/2007 Respect. Something else that seems to have left the island besides me. Oh, I have so many things that I would like to say about this ridiculous "law" that seems to have passed without a majority vote but I don't want to get into politics. I don't "get it". What I do "get" is this; I understand that some folks may feel saddened, repulsed, angry or whatever other negative emotion they may feel when they see memorials. So, following is a simple solution that doesn't require upsetting the MAJORITY of us that feel loving comforting thoughts at the memory (memorial) of a loved one...DON'T LOOK!!!! Simple. Just don't look. But taking them away doesn't award the rest of us the opportunity to look if we want to. And we want to. I understand the "you need to move on" mentality of some folks (apparently four of them...) but having these memorials is the way that some of us are able to move on. Oh, I keep typing mean smart ass comments and then taking them away. I just can't be as mean as "those" insensitive folks. So, off I go...and apparently so do the memories of sooooo many. I really miss the island. The warmth. The comfort. The love. It seems to be slipping away. I moved to the mainland. Seems that the mainland is moving to you. I am sorry for that. Woe is me. Warm regards to those that I love. Jana DeFreece Dear Editor, Oh boy! Triana's letter made sense to me. But how about a little practicality? The County mows alongside the roads. This is needed. Some roadside memorials obstruct this process. Also, some roadside memorials are ugly and in bad taste, with plastic flowers, rusty toys, etc. Here's a suggestion. If you want a memorial, plant something that looks nice, survives mowing and drouth, is not a noxious plant, and will remind you of whoever you want to memorialize. Tony Surina had the right idea. He planted poppies. Being a humble man, he never had the notion that he was memorializing himself, but memorialize he did. When I see a hillside covered with orange poppies, I think of Tony. So. iris, daffodils, and whatever else one can think of that will survive and be pretty to look at (don't use tulips, 'cause the deer eat them) ought to suffice to remind one of the place a loved one bit the dust, if one must be reminded. Marshall Sanborn Response to Councilmember Rich Peterson's guest column about the Roadside Memorial Ordinanceposted 04/12/2007 Should the Vietnam Vets memorial be taken down just because the government took part in a war that didn't go anywhere? Should cemetaries be removed because people are disturbed looking at headstones? Why can't you people live and let live? I honestly think you've all gone soft in the head. Too many people are disturbed by too many things and yet you falsely claim to be such a tolerant community. How very sad to see this happening to the San Juans; you haven't been able to hang onto the true spirit of a small community, you've become a microcosm of everything that makes the rest of the world laugh at Americans. Can't you see how counterproductive this whole argument is? Take a hint! The response has been NEGATIVE. Listen and stop trying to please everybody because it's not going to happen! If you're a leader then be a real leader and quit trying to please people who are disturbed by every little thing. You'd be better off trying to eradicate yellow jackets from the San Juans because people can and DO die from their stings. Make yourselves useful, otherwise you are going to lose credibility big time. This online paper represents an entire community and you can bet your booties people from all over the world read it. Do you want to be considered idiots over matters such as these? What you are trying to preserve, you are killing off by nonsense like this. Get your heads on straight! Triana ElanResponse to Roadside memorials to have 90-day limitDear Editor, posted 04/12/2007 For me, I try, each and every day, to remember those that were once living here and their loved ones, their children, their families. I think that the roadside memorials should be the family's choice and that they not only remember those that died there, they remember all of those that we have been touched by and have lost, and I don't want to forget any one of them. Please, don't any of you, forget, these special people. My first was Jim Hale and then Kenny Michaelson, David Kile, Georgia Davis, Ross Miner, John Volk, Lynne Rodgers, Sheila Mclaglen, Stan Kramer, Warren and Carol Hymer, Brenda Cromer, Frank Wilson, Keith Hayes, Matti McCutcheon, Brian Holmes, Jarvis Teasdale, Dorothy and Charles Dolson, Dan Benson, Jim Mcelhenie, Dale Piper, Ranny Monroes, Donna Monroe, Paul Barker, Warren Everson, Levi Stephens, Ryan LoBue, Patty Benz, Marcia Zakarison, Doroth Tollenaar, Peter Hoyt, Tom Holzhauser, Steve Swanverg, Dan Weber, Jim Erickson, Burrell Osburn, Don Boyd, David Smith, Doug Warin, Clyde Sundstrom, Susan Eyerly, Louisa Rodgers, Bob Rodgers, Patrick O'Mara, Ben White, Geoff Little, Jean Parsons, Tony Surina, Hazel Lawson, John LoBue, Ray Kinnaman, Linda Hahn, Blair King and my Grandmother, Margaret Gaia, these and many more. These are only a few that have walked amongst us, and I am one that will think of them everyday, with or without a roadside memorial. They touched all of our lives and I know that I'm a better person to have had them in my life. Plant a tree. Write a poem. Make a dedication in their name. Let the family decide whether they need that memorial. That's what living in this small community over many years will do; it'll make you grateful (on many levels) it'll make you humble, (hopefully more tolerant) it'll make you try just a little harder to connect to those who are still around you. I hope that one day, you will remember me, that maybe over all these years, somehow, I made a difference in you day! You all have in mine. Take Care to all of you. Debbie Treise P.S. David and I have Jimmy's Cafe, the "visitors" are coming, let's welcome them and share with them what it's like to live in this special place. Share yourselves! Dear Editor, posted 04/10/2007 We are very distressed that our representatives seem to be acting quite independently of their constituents' desires. Of all letters so far on this issue, we see support mostly for keeping and maintaining the memorials, NOT eliminating them. In fact we see mention of civil disobedience intended to prevent implementation of this ruling. Are our councilmembers listening? So what if there were only a few citizens at the public hearing? .... that doesn't always indicate lack of interest; it more likely bespeaks a typical citizen's time constraints. One may not have time to attend the meeting, but to take the time to post an opinion is also a very strong indicator of relevant public opinion. You can assume each letter represents more the just one writer's thoughts because usually only a small percentage of a like-minded group get around to writing. We can understand that without some common-sense policy regarding memorials, some of them may get out of hand. Although we don't believe that is likely, it might be a relevant issue to address. But we should always remember that these reminders are valuable (priceless) to the extent that they influence young drivers' respect for the consequences of one's driving behavior, noting that many of these losses involved drunken/reckless driving. Islanders often bemoan our seemingly short memory regarding the costs of excessive speed and/or drunken driving ..... could these memorials perhaps be just what we need to remind us? What does it say about us that we will complain about lack of funds for such basic requirements like roads-with-shoulders, but unanimously agree to spend public money removing privately constructed and maintained memorials? Regardless of amounts, it seems wrong in principal. Perhaps a more intelligent policy is in order; memorials get replaced at some point with a visible, durable, standardized cross or other agreed-upon symbol of limited size that is forever protected from public removal efforts. This might satisfy all who see value in memorials, and minimize objections regarding size or visual impact. These reminders would be privately maintained, and no public money need be involved. If the council cannot appreciate the gravity of their mistake with this ruling, and fail to find majority opinion on this point, you can count me in on the civil disobedience.
Ron Lehman Dear Editor, posted 04/10/2007 I would like to thank the County Council for their difficult stand on limiting roadside memorials. I have long worried about the public safety problem these create on our roads. I have seen more than one near accident when a car slows almost to a stop to read the entire memorial wording. Real estate signs do not have this effect. However well intended and cathartic the memorials, I'm sure the families who have lost a dear one at these sites do not want a second tragedy to occur as a result. Joanruth Baumann Working in Mombasa, Kenya Dear Editor, posted 04/02/2007 I cannot believe that the county would get involved in such an issue. Shame on you and those who support the county's rule. How is it that 4 people can make a vote that impacts so many without even asking the public? I would like to know just who has the you know what's to walk up to a memorial and rip it out of the ground. I hope that such a person is haunted by their actions for a long time.What has happened to our morals and even more our hearts? The county has lost all respect in my eyes or at least the four who feel that this is what people wanted. You are wrong and you should walk with your head down in shame. Heaven help you and your black hearts. Meghan Robinson Dear Editor, posted 04/02/2007 We are very distressed that our representatives seem to be acting quite independent of their constituent's desires. Of all letters so far on this issue, we see support only for keeping and maintaining the memorials, NOT eliminating them. In fact we see mention of civil disobedience intended to prevent implementation of this ruling. Are our councilmembers listening? So what if there were only a few citizens at the public hearing? .... that doesn't always indicate lack of interest; it more likely bespeaks a typical citizen's time constraints. One may not have time to attend the meeting, but to take the time to post an opinion is also a very strong indicator of relevant public opinion. You can assume each letter represents more the just one writer's thoughts because usually only a small percentage of a like-minded group get around to writing. We can understand that without some common-sense policy regarding memorials, some of them may get out of hand. Although we don't believe that is likely, it might be a relevant issue to address. But we should always remember that these reminders are valuable (priceless) to the extent that they influence young drivers' respect for the consequences of one's driving behavior, noting that many of these losses involved drunken/restless driving. Islanders often bemoan our seemingly short memory regarding the costs of excessive speed and/or drunken driving ..... could these memorials perhaps be just what we need to remind us? What does it say about us that we will complain about lack of funds for such basic requirements like roads-with-shoulders, but unanimously agree to spend public money removing privately constructed and maintained memorials? Regardless of amounts, it seems wrong in principal. Perhaps a more intelligent policy is in order; memorials get replaced at some point with a visible, durable, standardized cross or other agreed-upon symbol of limited size that is forever protected from public removal efforts. This might satisfy all who see value in memorials, and minimize objections regarding size or visual impact. These reminders would be privately maintained, and no public money need be involved. If the council cannot appreciate the gravity of their mistake with this ruling, and actually publish this ordinance as planned, you can count me in on the civil disobedience.
Ron Lehman Dear Editor, posted 03/31/2007 I'll never forget the night I was driving home from town and Bailer Hill Road was blocked, forcing me to go back around to Wold road to get to Little Mountain. I remember thinking, "Wow, that must be serious, to have shut down the road." When I learned it was Ryan LoBue, who had often bagged my groceries at Kings Market, I was sickened. I'll also never forget his mother, Toni's, strength and courage at the memorial service at the high school. I could not have spoken, as she did, if it were my son. While I didn't know any of the people involved in these so many tragic deaths, we are all part of the human family, the island family, and those senseless deaths affect and hurt us all. I, for one, want to remember. I drive by Ryan's memorial several times everyday and can't imagine being his mother and having to pass by there. If it is her wish to see his memorial, as well as all the others, remain in place, I am willing to engage in civil disobediance and stand between his memorial and the equipment and people needed to remove it. All of the families represented by these memorials have suffered more than they should have. I feel an obligation to help prevent the callous will of the few from bringing more suffering to anyone. David Garfield Dear Editor, posted 03/30/2007
So glad the San Juan County Counsel is spending its time on such important issues. NOW, can we get on with something that IS meaningful? Pulling up Ryan's or Matt's memorials or any of the others, just doesn't seem right. And if seeing one as you drive by gives such unpleasant thoughts, get some counseling. There are some houses and other structures in eyes view by the roads that should be removed before the memorials are, if we are talking aesthetics. I'm guessing the big rock is next. Has anyone noticed that since it was painted over with Ryan's likeness, it has been left alone for quite some time, more I think than at any other time. That to me exemplifies the importance of these people to our community and as these memorials stand, so does the likeness and memory of those who perished. Personally, when I see these memorials, it reminds me of how fragile life is and IF just ONE child/adult sees one and slows down, maybe that makes the memorial relevant. We post signs about the dangers of driving while under the influence, slowing down around corners etc, I doubt those have more impact than a roadside reminder of how fragile and precious human life is. They pose no safety issue so that argument is moot. Those of us who knew these people will never forget them or where it happened, memorializing that ground does remind those who don't know what happened to take pause and think about what may have been. Road side memorials aren't an island phenomenon, they are everywhere in the world, and mark the final moments of a person's life here on earth. If people are so offended by these, I say "get over it." Nate Rogers Dear Editor, posted 03/28/2007
I previously wrote a letter favoring these memorials and still do not understand what harm they create. Maybe this issue should be put to a vote of the people rather than let a small handful of people dictate what the majority must do. But, alas, this is democracy at work. If the majority refuses to participate, then the minority will rule. In memory of those loved and lost.
Alan Dortch Response to Roadside memorials to have 90-day limitDear Editor, posted 12/28/2006
I think we've all been touched by a drunk driver in one way or another, and if there is anything to help prevent another one getting behind the wheel, it is a roadside memorial. Not only does it remind us how precious life is, but it reminds us of those who have been lost and those who have been impacted by their death. God bless you all. Please vote to keep the memorials, the memories and the impact it has on so many. Cindy Gutierrez Dear Editor, posted 12/28/2006
I believe that 100% of the many, many letters then were POSITIVE for roadside memorials. I believe that feeling is still very strong. How anyone could even consider removing something like a memorial is just so disrespectful. These memorials were put up by folks who know how to love and want to continue to love and honor their 'dearly departed'. Every time I drive by one I think of these people...Mark and Terry- I loved ya! I miss ya! I never got to see ya grow up into old Island men, but I'm glad I knew ya for as long as I did. Ryan- Oh, man- what can I say? I feel pain in my heart every time I drive by your memorial...not only for you and your family, but for the other families your death impacted. This still hurts so bad. Matt- I didn't really know YOU, but I sure know your family and feel for them...and your memorial leads me to remember Pat, the uncle you never knew, but a really sweet guy...and it even leads me to remember Andi and to "send" her some love, too. Brenda- I miss your smiling face and will always wonder how life would have turned out for you and your daughter. You were a loving person with a huge heart! Miquel- I didn't know you at all, but seeing your memorial is a reminder of all that have died too young and too soon...and I can see you were loved and I am glad you are honored. Most of these memorials are also a daily reminder of the horrible outcome that driving under the influence of alcohol can cause...it ruins lives so quickly- in the blink of an eye, litetrally. It's also a reminder that cars are deadly weapons, not fun toys. Its also a reminder to PAY ATTENTION when behind the wheel of that deadly weapon! I notice that the new railing that just went up north of town on Roche Harbor Road did not impact Matt's memorial at all, so I don't see how the other memorials would be any more of a problem...just move 'em back a bit, if need be. I want to remember and honor these people AND the people who loved them. I want to be reminded to SLOW DOWN. I want Island kids to think about those memorials when they toy with the idea of partying with their buds inside a hurtling deadly weapon. I want the story behind every memorial to be told over and over and over again as a constant reminder of the fleeting impermanence of life. Thank you for not even CONSIDERING taking these memorials down! Margaret Bell Dear Editor, posted 12/28/2006
I too had friends who were killed by drunk drivers, and I was so close to death from being run down by one that my family was told I would not survive. Memorials make me sick to my stomach and cause huge amounts of heartache, feelings I don’t desire at all. Bob Querry Response to Airlift subscriptions back and at lower cost - $79Dear Editor, posted 12/27/2006
So pony up the $79 now for the insurance. If you had to cover an entire flight due to no medical insurance (and I hope everyone out there at least has something!), you'd be looking at a bill of about $9,000. That's 113 years worth of coverage for you and your entire family! All I can say is---Sign Me Up!
John Boyd Response to Roadside memorials to have 90-day limitDear Editor, posted 12/23/2006
I will fight with every bone in my body to oppose this new rule. I think those who don't like looking at them should open their eyes to the real world. If they are in fact a safety issue can they be moved back a little bit? What is happening to this place? I am saddened everyday by something I see or hear on the streets or in our paper about changes. Why? Nobody waves anymore and no one honors those who should be. The new people are going to win by pushing the real locals right off the island with their silly rules and politics. I am going to have to buy taller boots. Meghan Robinson Dear Editor, posted 12/22/2006
Peggy Sue McRae 'TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY...
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