By Kevin McNulty Santa Monica
Let us all chill for a moment, including the city — no more knee-jerk reactions over misguiding headlines and no more armchair quarterbacking. From global to more local issues, society and its special interests has refined the art of grandstanding.
More to the point: The establishment of doggie bag dispensers where needed/requested was an outstanding example of an individual making a difference — remember to vote as well — but anyone with an ounce of “thinking out of the box” would have realized that putting a screw or other invasive fastening system into a tree (think: Living organism) is tantamount to nailing your hand to the keyboard — undue pain and suffering (SMDP, Aug. 4, pages 1 and 4). Please look at it. The city is correct in protecting their “forest” and minimizing contrary precedents to policies protecting city assets.
It is a shame that the city’s efforts to duplicate Ms. Hiss’ intentions in a public park met with greed and failure through the theft of the baggies or vandalism. This is just another small example of society being as good as the worst individual. Where is the dog owner consortium? Let’s be in the solution. No more negativity and finger-pointing. However, I am not inclined to subsidize what I consider someone else’s responsibility by having the city use tax money or council time to solve an issue that pertains to dog owners, even though their behavior may affect the city’s quality of life.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 5, 2006. Read the original PDF.