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Public reaction shows Dunedin traditions alive

Re: Dunedin High School bagpipe controversy.

Perhaps an alumnus of Dunedin High away at college can offer a little perspective on the recent dispute over the band, the bagpipes and the Highland Games.

One can imagine the anxiety I feel, watching the drama of the 40th Highlander Games unfold from afar. My parents have kept me well-informed. At first I was frustrated and dismayed by the prospect that the Dunedin High School Pipe Band, a fixture of our own Dunedin Highland Games, might not play at the games this year. As the ripples of controversy spread outward, reaching even Tallahassee, I had apocalyptic visions of irreparable damage done to school, town and traditions.

In the middle of all my worrying, however, I suddenly realized that the very fact of controversy should put some of our biggest fears to rest. Though the presence of protesters might frighten and discourage us, it also serves to remind us that the Scottish traditions of our city are alive and well.

The community has shown its devotion and continued support for our great heritage. Therefore we can be confident that the experimentation and reorganization of one band director cannot sweep away more than 40 years of history. Thankfully, our traditions are simply too strong for that. I believe that, if anything, we should have more faith in band director James Dykes and the administration of the school.

Though I tend to agree with those parents who wish to see a more "Dunedin" marching band show and pine for the days when the pipes had center stage, our community must not lose confidence in the vitality of our unique way of doing things.

We must remember above all that the band program exists for the benefit of the students, and of all the students. Traditionalists like me must be certain that everything we say or do regarding change at Dunedin High School keeps in mind the needs, desires and happiness of the current student body.

We also must not give up the assurance that our fond memories of our impossibly unique school will continue to offer inspiration for generations to come. In Dunedin, we are blessed with traditions that strengthen and empower us, that invite interpretation and revitalization with each new student.

The wonderful thing about our Scottish heritage (even for those of us with very little Scottish blood) is that it is a living heritage, a thing in which we can immerse ourselves and own for ourselves. The traditions that bind alumni of Dunedin High School and all residents of Dunedin together are not burdensome chains that inhibit our freedom of expression. Rather they challenge us to take the very best of what the past has to teach and move forward through the trials of the present into the hopeful future that lies before us.

I am certain that as long as Dunedin High School and the city of Dunedin remain, the skirl of bagpipes and the thunder of drums will be heard. Much more importantly, I am certain that students will continue to enjoy fulfilling, inspiring educational experiences. Let's move forward from this with a firm resolve to support those programs and people we hold dear.

Studies, but no end, to homelessness

We have seen two or three articles lately concerning the effort to end homelessness in the county. However, no one says exactly how they plan to do this, other than arresting them if they are sleeping in parks after a certain hour. Can they tell us what steps are being implemented to solve this problem?

I was under the impression that many studies have been done, with no positive results. So why will this study be any different? And why does it take 10 years to find a solution, if all county leaders have agreed to work together this time? Just curious.

Church singled out on code violations

Re: City late, but right to enforce codes, editorial, March 30.

It appears that the matters relating to the progress of the construction of the new Scientology building across from Fort Harrison have been settled. Nevertheless, your editors feel it necessary to focus attention on the history of this progress with the intent of chastising those who are working to resolve these issues.

Although I am not a member of the Church of Scientology and have no business dealings with them, I empathize with how they must feel to be singled out as a bad community player at every opportunity.

As relates specifically to the outward appearance of the new facility, I think the Code Enforcement Board would find many more dramatic examples of code concerns by just taking a casual stroll down Cleveland Street and the immediate environs. It should be patently clear that what is happening at the Scientology construction site represents a city on the "grow" and not a derelict and dying central business district.

I know a few things about construction, and I am certain that any investment in a final (and quite sophisticated) landscaping scheme at this juncture would be money and effort wasted. Certainly it should be obvious that all interior work in a structure of this magnitude and intended purpose will involve considerable activity by a multitude of suppliers and service personnel. This will inadvertently damage much of any improvements to the site.

Because the code enforcement folks will not be managing the timetable for such work, they should understand the impact of seeking a finished appearance on the exterior prior to substantial completion of the interior. I should also note that an interim landscape treatment has been installed at the site.

But what really concerns me is the overarching lack of even-handed fairness in identifying the Church of Scientology as a code violator. An objective observer would conclude that the presence of the church is undeniably a stimulus to the growth and continued prosperity of our community, the safety and vibrancy of our community is enhanced and we are far better off with them than without them.

Perhaps we should recognize and celebrate the vitality and contributions this church brings us as our neighbor and end the petty carping and opportunistic sniping that occur without merit or provocation.

Don't blame dogs for people problems

Re: Dunedin Causeway not a place for dogs, letter, April 4.

Issues of irresponsible dog owners seem to raise a lot of attention. The letter writer wants to ban our precious pets from the causeway.

Let's think about this for a minute. I'm walking our dog, who is well-behaved, and we have to dodge litter such as beer bottles, leftover fast food, cigarette butts . . . the list goes on and on.

Is this a dog problem?

I don't think so. Stop blaming our dogs. It is a people problem.

We take our dog to the doggie park. The sign says no little children, and across from the doggie park is a very nice area for children with swings, etc. Don't we meet up with a child now and then in the doggie park? Should the dogs knock them over in play . . . well, hey, let's ban dogs from the doggie park.

If you cannot accept the responsibility and the privilege of loving and caring for a dog, then it becomes your choice; just don't ruin it for people who love their pets and treat them as members of the family with the love and respect they so deserve.

Let's put the responsibility where it belongs.

[Last modified April 10, 2006, 01:54:16]