I was so, totally, inspired by Knute Berger’s article in Crosscut yesterday and just wanted to share. He suggests the creation of a Sierra Club-like entity for historic preservation in Washington State.
Help wanted: A ‘Sierra Club’ for historic preservation to fight development
Crosscut
June 21, 2010
Excerpt:
“I want to turn to Seattle’s namesake, Chief Seattle, who is buried here on the Suqamish Reservation. I want to quote some words of wisdom, as recorded in his famous oration, a speech that is controversial in its origins, but powerful in its sentiments. Chief Seattle was critical of the way we white people treated our dead, and saw it was a defining difference between two cultures. He said:
“The ashes of our ancestors are sacred and their final resting place is hallowed ground, while you wander away from the tombs of your fathers seemingly without regret.” – Chief Seattle
These words are more than a commentary on how we treat graves. It is an accurate critique of how we still relate to the past, to our roots, to our ancestors. Our modern culture runs away from its past in fear that it will hold us back somehow. But I see just the opposite. I see that we won’t truly be present, grounded, rooted and happy, until we get ourselves right with the past. We can’t continue to think we can “wander away from the tombs” of our fathers and mothers without consequence.”
What do you think? Post ideas/responses in the comments field below.
