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Article published Jul 13, 2006 Ad criticizing Raven
Society is puzzling
Dear Editor:
I found myself puzzled, a bit mystified, by the Houston Murphy ad which ran on Page 13a of the Monday, May 1, Maryville Times in criticism of the Raven Society. A outsider to the issue myself, I nevertheless found myself wondering who is this fellow? - that he would use such language, complete with illustrations of what appear to be buzzards or vultures, to characterize a group of people who really desire no more than to preserve the rugged rural beauty of this area.
One may disagree with the position of the Raven Society about the encroachment of development in the area. That is their privilege and right. Even so, surely Mr. Murphy and his friends would acknowledge the propriety of a political position which favors restraint regarding where and when the vistas and valleys of the area are eroded by various forms of development. They may not agree, but surely they understand that this is at least a reasonable political position. The inflammatory nature of this ad suggests that they do not consider the Raven Society to be a legitimate player in the political market place of ideas and issues.
Surely the Raven Society would also understand that developers have a right to their political opinion concerning development. It is the essence of our political system that the various interests involved seek to advance their position through proper channels. The public processes will ultimately determine which proponents best represent the interest and well being of the public at large. But this ad? I found it strange, even threatening. I am curious about the motivation behind it.
I know some of the members of the Raven Society. While I am somewhat indifferent as to their concerns. I am by no means indifferent about what seems to be a public attack on their character. They are not vultures! The members whom I know are not left wingers, nor are all of them political liberals. They are very kind and decent people who care deeply about the scenic beauty of Blount County. This is a beautiful area indeed, and I personally do not blame anyone who desires to maintain that beauty. Lots of people obviously agree, and continue to move here because they too love the lakes and trails and mountains and valleys of this area. Obviously however, the more people who come, the more housing, roads, businesses and government services are needed to meet their needs. That necessitates development.
Orderly, planned development and preserving the beauty of our area are not really opposing goals at all; at least, not necessarily so. Frankly, I would encourage both. Unrestrained development does not serve the public interest, and neither does blind opposition to all development. Surely intelligent people on both sides of the issue understand that.
I do not understand this ad! I do not believe it actually serves the public interest. To me it even seems somewhat threatening. In fact, a public apology may well be in order, if indeed the people behind this ad are gentlemen themselves.