Well, it finally happened. This morning I picked up The Modesto Bee (our local "news" paper - HA!) and found an editorial written on the subject of roadside memorials. I realize that this subject comes up a lot on this blog, but if you drove my route to work everyday to see the shrine I've written about in the past...you may be agreeing with me...
Anyhow, I wanted to write a letter to the editor, but after some coaxing from my wife I decided to not send it. She pointed out that this could be one of those issues that people are highly opinionated about, and my opinion could be viewed as simply too offensive and heartless. But, I needed to vent on this issue, so I am including my letter to the editor here...where I don't always say the most popular things. Here it is below:
"Dear Editors,
I realize that I am probably in the minority on this one, but I could not disagree more with Mr. Bultena's article (8/31/07) and his fondness for roadside memorials. Don't get me wrong, I think remembering the dead and having memorials can be all well and good. I also have no big issue with remembering the spot where a traffic accident occurred. It is possible that this will even cause others to drive safely. I'm even fine with the cross, the candles, the flowers and the teddy bears, but does it need to remain there forever?
Our community has a place to remember the dead. It's called a cemetery or a memorial garden. I realize other cultures are very happy to build well tended death shrines and even visit that spot daily. In my opinion, these ongoing shrines (complete with candles, flowers, photos and teddybears) need to find their way into a cemetery and off our commuting roadways."
Quietly making noise,
Fletch
Anyhow, I wanted to write a letter to the editor, but after some coaxing from my wife I decided to not send it. She pointed out that this could be one of those issues that people are highly opinionated about, and my opinion could be viewed as simply too offensive and heartless. But, I needed to vent on this issue, so I am including my letter to the editor here...where I don't always say the most popular things. Here it is below:
"Dear Editors,
I realize that I am probably in the minority on this one, but I could not disagree more with Mr. Bultena's article (8/31/07) and his fondness for roadside memorials. Don't get me wrong, I think remembering the dead and having memorials can be all well and good. I also have no big issue with remembering the spot where a traffic accident occurred. It is possible that this will even cause others to drive safely. I'm even fine with the cross, the candles, the flowers and the teddy bears, but does it need to remain there forever?
Our community has a place to remember the dead. It's called a cemetery or a memorial garden. I realize other cultures are very happy to build well tended death shrines and even visit that spot daily. In my opinion, these ongoing shrines (complete with candles, flowers, photos and teddybears) need to find their way into a cemetery and off our commuting roadways."
Quietly making noise,
Fletch