A letter to the editor of my local paper

[TheAxeman]

Last week I wrote this letter to the local paper after having an altercation with a crew member off one of the megayachts docked at the marina on our wharf. It pretty much took all my moral fiber not to polish the yacht with this guy.....

Nearly every Saturday morning I enjoy sitting on the bench in front of Jordan's monument at Long Wharf with a cup of coffee just contemplating life and watching the activity in the harbor, pretty much the same way he used to. It brings me a moment of solace. This morning that peace was shattered when I walked up to the monument to find a crew member from the yacht WILLIAM I with two dogs on a leash allowing them to defecate inside the chained off section of the memorial. I wish I could say that I calmly explained to him why what he was doing was wrong but I didn't. After a string of expletives to make my point, I demanded that he take me back to the yacht so that I could explain it to the owner and the captain . Appearing confused, but far from apologetic he dialed the captain and put him on the phone. Initially the captain explained that the crew member was from Panama and "didn't know" that it was wrong. Not knowing much about Panama I assured him that right and wrong seem to be international principals and that his explanation was a lame excuse for a completely screwed up act. Tired of listening to my protest, the captain actually laughed at me and asked me where I thought he should allow the dogs to do their duty. My knee jerk response was going to be "in hell" but instead I suggested to him perhaps he should allow them to go on the deck of his vessel.....

The point of my letter is that I think it is about time that the village banned dogs from the park and beach area surrounding Long Wharf and The LCpl Jordan Haerter Veterans Memorial Bridge. Jim Early and his men work tirelessly to keep the area pristine only to have it ruined by arrogant and irresponsible pet owners. Sunbathers, picnickers, beachcombers, families with young children, shouldn't have to worry about the sanitary conditions of this beautiful spot. Never mind the disrespect shown not only to my son but to the residents of the village who have to put up with this mess.

As for the owner, captain, and crew of the WILLIAM I, I invite you to the ceremony for my son to be held on Long Wharf at 11:30 AM on the 25th of July. There you will be able to meet 26 of the Marines saved by my son in Iraq along with a multitude of veteran athletes from other branches of the service representing "Soldier Ride" and the Wounded Warrior Project. Perhaps they can explain to you in clearer terms and more convincingly why it is inappropriate to allow your dogs to defecate on the memorial of a local war hero....Maybe you'll "get it" then.

Something tells me the WILLIAM I is going to be out of port that day....

:bye:

 

[Bokerfork]

I'm speechless. Truly, words fail me and that rarely happens.

I wish I could say I understand what you're feeling but I doubt anyone can know that.

Just know that there are still people out there who know what "respect" is.

Sorry you had to witness such a thing.

Mark

 

[Patriot]

+100 Chris

I deeply empathize with you on this situation.

there are times I am glad I don't carry a firearm in my vehicle, tankbag, or never bothered to get that concealed carry permit.

I'd be taken to jail a number of times by now.

Good on ya that you had the self control not to commit a felony that day.

I'm reminded of the idiots trying to prove that freedom of speech includes burning the flag which I guess is a click or two worse than this incident, but not much. Stupidity verses volition.

let's ride safe and be careful out there,

Mike in Nawlins'

 

[johnny80s]

Chris you are better man than me. If I was in your situation my wife would have had to bail me out of jail that day.

 

[TheAxeman]

Yeah, it took quite a bit of restraint to refrain from pummeling him. On the way back to the yacht he told me he was going to call the police. I told that would be just fine because in this town the only person that was going to get arrested was him at which point he rethought his decision. As I was standing there holding his brand new I-Phone I was considering spiking it off the pavement to see how high it would bounce but didn't want to really escalate the situation any further so I walked away. Something tells me the crew is going to be a little bit uncomfortable walking around the village wearing their WILLIAM I polo shirts.

 

[08FJR4ME]

Chris,

Commen Sence and concern for others has been on the slippery slope for a while in this country. Sad to see this happen. I know on the Bike trails around here they post signs for pets if they deficate it must be picked up. They also supply the scooper bags in little boxes for free at the entrances. Just a solution maybe? All though i don't think the signs are bilinguil. I am not sure if i got that right. I would have had all i can do to not rub his nose in it though. In the end you did the right thing by walking away.

Dave

 

[ShinyPartsUp]

I treat wounded veterans on average more than 40 hours a week. Sometimes it gets really difficult hearing some of the stories of sacrifice from WWII to OIF/OEF veterans, and daily seeing men damaged physically and emotionally from performing service to our country. I was never in the military, but as the years start to roll by, I feel a deeper caring for them; and an equally deep resentment at all those who disrespect them directly or in ignorance. I hope there is a purgatory, and if so, a special corner is reserved for those who deface grave sites, litter memorials, make snide insensitive and ignorant "jokes", etc. Those who served their country, and those who they leave behind deserve better.

I often hear from vets who have come to the VA for the first time, how they never sought aid, compensation, health care, or even talked about their service (pick any war or conflict that comes to mind) because it was a duty, or honor or a burden they felt was necessary, but now "it" (choose an illness, pain or mental wound from the long list suffered in battle) was getting hard to ignore after decades, and they just don't know what to do. I will often end an interview with thanking them for serving, and through their service, allowed me to have the benefits of their hardships; in a way helped me and my family have a better life and opportunities because of their selflessness. I've heard some cry at that small truth, a few have said it was the first time anyone had ever thanked them. Very sad.

Finally, I hope there is a special place in hell for those few (but they exist) who fake or embellish their military service, war histories or honors received (even silver stars) in an attempt to gain money, free health care, "honor" or something else I just don't understand. They are despicable in my view.

Chris, I'm sure your son would be proud of you for honoring and defending his memory. It is an equal honor you did him by finding and exercising a democratic ideal he died for (free speech), to defend him with, rather than through the use of violence. If you had broken the law, the point would have been missed.

Thank you. Job well done.

 

[Mooseonagoose]

Sad to hear, but sadly there's always gonna be unconsious jerk-offs amongst us! The other afternoon I was at my favorite Espresso haunt enjoying a cuppa at a sidewalk seat, when one of our local "punk-***-hangin outa his low pants-black wearin'-mowhawk crested-multi pierced-pitbull draggin types" comes by. The joint sits at an intersection, with nice pavered sections to mark the crosswalks, his friggin' dog proceeds to drop turds about every 4"-5" all the way across the damn street! He caught tons of verbal flack from all quarters about it, all to no avail however, no response, just kept walking, his body language told everyone to F-off. Where's local contsable when you need him, sheez...

 

[Patriot]

911 in a New York second and always wondered what it would take for me to attempt a Citizen's Arrest

 

[FJRBluesman]

I commend the way you handled this….. I'm beyond words.

 

[johnny80s]

I think you should tell those 26 gentlemen about your new friends on the William I. I think they would to like meet them.

 

[Silver Penguin]

What a sad comment on society. There should be no need for language, to understand that it's inappropriate to allow your dog to defecate in such an area. I'm guessing there are other, less sacred portions of the grass where the business could have been done, then immediately cleaned up. It would appear that the attitude here is one almighty F.You! Much Kudos to you, for not smearing his face in the mess, or causing his parents to feel a loss like yours. It is a fitting tribute to Jordan that you maintained your dignity.

Karma will be served. He'll get his payback for this unforgiveable insult.

 

[Bounce]

I can understand wanting to keep the area around the monument restricted but the whole beach?

It's nature man. The sea birds alone will prevent it from being "sanitary" and crap-free. Banning people's pets from the whole beach is not only unreasonable but apparently the ravings of a city slicker.

 

[Fred W]

It's not really a beach, Bounce. You'd have to see the site to understand. The "park" is just a small strip of grass and shoreline wedged between the town docks and Jordan's Bridge. It's not a beach in the traditional sense. There is one of those a mile or two away, and I'm betting they don't allow dogs there during the busy summer months for the obvious reasons.

And Chris is anything but a "city slicker". You may assume because he has lived his life on Long Island that would be the case, but the east end of Long Island has a lot more in common with a quaint Cape Cod town than with any kind of "city".

I think you are a little off base.

That said, even if the town were to post signs, there would still be asshats from Panama or wherever with enough money and self centered enough to think that the rules don't apply to them anyway. Afterall, what's the harm with letting their little poochie **** on a monument to a modern day war hero? :glare: :blink: :angry:

 

[ionbeam]

The situation is like this:

Looking one direction:

L-R Murph; Geezer; Wheaton; Gypsy; Axeman; Griff

Turn 180°

 

[TheAxeman]

I can understand wanting to keep the area around the monument restricted but the whole beach?
It's nature man. The sea birds alone will prevent it from being "sanitary" and crap-free. Banning people's pets from the whole beach is not only unreasonable but apparently the ravings of a city slicker.

Not knowing anything about me, the area, beaches, or about geography in general, I could understand how being from the "country" you would assume that the only thing in New York is a city with subways and big buildings.....Just like everything in Texas is long horned cattle, tumbleweeds, and ghost towns. Hate to be the one to break the news to you but New York is actually a state, almost like Texas. :glare: I can guaranfuckingtee you that compared to me you would be the one qualified as a "city slicker". DFW huh? Very country. Time to take the meds.

 

[Wee Willy]

Chris,

It's apathy pure and simple. A lack of understanding, an unwillingness to make the connection, all coupled with a lack of basic respect. This is the hallmark of poor character and we encounter it more and more often these days. As my wife would say, that was a teachable moment...maybe he did learn something. I suspect he will think twice next time even though the outcome may be the same.

Drive on...

W2

 

[dcarver]

You're a good man Axe, taking the high road. You didn't stoop to his level.

 

[snikr]

It's was sad to hear that this happened to Jordon's memorial. Some "people" just don't get it and never will. But I have to say you handled it far better than I would have if Iwas in your shoes. Looks like I owe you a "cold one' during our White/Green Mountain Ride.

Tom