Commentary: Why can’t we all just get along?

Take the adult approach to helping to make the Spit a more respected area - By Wendy Ranney

In response to the personal attacks and negativity that has been surrounding the issue of Nirvana Park and Spit, there are a few things that I would like to address publically. It is very disheartening to see the negative direction and personal attacks that have been directed at one of the PARC committee members.  Those of you, and you know who you are, are uninformed and ignorant of the facts surrounding the decision that was made to restrict that area.

The PARC member that has been targeted on social media was actually against the restrictions when the vote was made.  I am embarrassed for those of you who feel that attacking this individual is the best way to communicate your concerns regarding decisions being made about the usage of the property.

It is interesting that folks think that any one individual in this COMMUNITY has that kind of power.  The spit is eroding and there are graves that are in danger of being exposed.  We know that for certain now; we have had the mapping done.  Whereas children swimming off the spit is not the immediate problem, damage from vehicles, jet ski’s running up on the beaches, wake from boats, jet skis, and aircraft, bonfires, garbage left from picnics and the human feces that is left in the park and on the beach IS the problem.

The PARC group is a cross section representing some of the community agencies that have decided to come together to try to figure out a plan for that area.  It is not a White/Native thing; it is a community thing.  In the interim, while we figure out how to join cultural respect, community heritage, sacred ground and user safety, there will be restrictions put on the space.

It saddens me that conversations happening on social media have turned nasty and personal.  That same energy could be put into helping the committee find alternatives that are appropriate for all user groups.  My personal end vision for the space includes interpretive signs, new vegetation, walking paths, ground erosion prevention measures and also a space set aside for recreation.  No one was asked to join this group. We actually asked to be a part of the discussion, so those of you sitting back and waiting for an invitation, it is not coming.

Some of the same voices that are crying for “rights of the children” in the community are also bullying and harassing individuals connected to this issue. One must ask what exactly are you trying to TEACH your children?  There is a process to all things community and I urge you to stop the attacks and follow a more constructive path towards getting the usage that you wish to see for that area.

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I do not know if the restrictions are permanent or not; no one does until we work thru this process.  A personal attack is NOT a difference of opinion, does not help anyone, and it is not OK.  Take a deep breath and please think before you type on social media.  We are all guilty of reacting from the hip, but what purpose does it serve?  There is no good that can come from it.

Please come to the meetings, write letters, and take the adult approach to helping to make the spit a more respected area in this community.

In 1992, Wendy Ranney came to Cordova with a backpack for a post-college three-month internship. She now owns and operates Orca Adventure Lodge with her husband Steve.

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