Date: Thu, 26 Jun 2014 16:40:26 -0400
From: Betty Phillips
Subject: Solutions and Non-Solutions To Current Issues
Several important issues have been discussed recently in the Chatlist including clear-cutting trees, firearm noise vs goathouse cats and conflicting property rights. I’ve been thinking about the discussions and possible solutions or at least civil or humane approaches to the problems.
These issues have deep roots in the human psyche. In our hearts, through our native ancestry, we love nature and her beautiful green majestic trees. We love peace and quiet, and we also love to hear the hum and rhythms of nature undisturbed by man-made noise. The explosions and staccato of gunfire are particularly unnerving to us as well as animals. We also have a deep concern and love for others. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. These words resound deep in our hearts. We understand that conflicts, when they arise, can be resolved in a peaceful and rational manner.
So what is going wrong these days? A lot of what I hear and read appears uncaring and mean-spirited. Why can’t we seek to treat others with respect as we would like to be treated? Civilized mankind has developed procedures to deal with potential conflicts and keep the peace. Zoning laws and regulations help. Common sense can also be consulted. If something may bother you, it may also bother your neighbor. In the absence of procedural safeguards, mediation is available to protect the rights of dueling individuals. Compromises are sometimes in order. Parts or whole gun ranges can be enclosed, especially sections used for loud, rapid and explosive firing. Hours can be coordinated with the needs of neighbors. Clear-cutting trees can be avoided. If some trees need to be cut, others can be left standing. While replanting is also admirable, we need some trees and canopy while the little ones start to grow. No one side may be completely happy with the results, but we can learn to resolve differences with mutually caring compromises.
Surely we can find civilized ways to resolve our differences. I cannot see the rationale for Chatlist comments suggesting that people should move or purchase neighboring properties when their homes are threatened or affected by noise, clear-cutting or other disturbances. Who among us has the funds for such endeavors? If you do have lots of extra money, perhaps you can offer to help your Chatham County neighbors. But think about it, those of you who have been suggesting that people should give up their properties and move or have extra funds to buy adjoining properties. Buying another or an expanded property is not a guaranteed protection for your home area. What would prevent a disagreeable or noxious land use from moving in around your new or expanded property? Think about it please, those of you who have been suggesting this as a viable course of action. Where is your empathy, suggesting your neighbors pull up roots and move away from the homes or properties they love?
I’m not a poet, so permit me to quote a verse from John Donne’s beautiful meditation. “No man is an island. Entire of itself. Each is a piece of the continent, A part of the main. If a clot be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less. As well as if a promontory were. As well as if manor of thine own Or of thine friend’s were. Each man’s death diminishes me, For I am involved in mankind. Therefore, send not to know For whom the bell tolls, It tolls for thee.