Still Seeing Red
As I suggested in my post a month ago when the MAPS School Board voted to finally retire the Redmen nickname… this is far from over.
At Monday night’s meeting, again held at the Kaufman Auditorium, the issue appeared on the agenda as “Consider Branding Process.” It’s the next step in moving on from Redmen and Redettes.
Though the “Keep the Name” folks have continued to press the issue on social media, they once again failed to pack the place in protest. Only one public speaker voiced his opinion that the nickname should not be changed. There were a number of other keepers in the small crowd, but they only managed a few groans and catcalls here and there as the board navigated the way forward.
Truth be told, there was no real reason for any further protest. That should have happened at the last meeting, where the decision was to be made. And as I previously pointed out, there wasn’t much there either.
So here’s where we’re at. The keepers are working to recall two of the four board members who voted for change. Apparently the two others are ineligible for recall based on where they are in their terms.
It will take a lot of signatures to get the recall on a future ballot. Between now and then we’ll find out if the groundswell of anger and disappointment is rampant in the community, or if it’s merely a modest vocal minority of opposition.
If the recall ends up being successful, so be it. The people will have spoken… at the ballot box, and not just on social media. Again, that won’t be the end. New board members will have to be elected and we’ll have to go through the whole thing again. Oh boy.
If the recall fails, one would hope everyone could move on and seriously address the aforementioned agenda item… the branding process. To their credit, it appeared the board members who voted to keep the name seemed prepared to do just that.
And what about the changers? Other than a few congratulatory comments at the meeting, they’ve been relatively silent. And why not? They won! The fight’s over. Other than a recall of their own to oust the board members who voted to keep the name, there’s not much for them to do.
The unfortunate part of this issue is the division it’s created in the community. If Facebook comments are any indication, relationships are being damaged beyond repair, unfairly.
Just because people want to keep the only nickname they’ve ever known, doesn’t mean they’re racist. And those who want change sincerely believe we can have a nickname that better represents our schools and community. There are no bad guys here, so enough of the name-calling. Okay?
For better or worse, the branding process is underway. As we get deeper into the process, and new nicknames are offered up for consideration, the Redmen identity will endure, as it’s more deeply forged into MSHS history. And nothing can change that.
Plants and Animals… So Many Rules!
The Birds and the Bees
If you think you’re about to get “the talk,” you’ll be disappointed. This is about actual birds and bees… mostly bees.
You’ve likely noticed a lot of wildflower growth around the city, as was cited here in a post a couple weeks ago. The city, and many homeowners, are suddenly reacting to the news that bees are important to life on this planet, and are mowing, or not mowing, their lawn with that in mind.
Never before have I seen so many yards that appear to lack any level of maintenance, only to discover that the homeowner is letting it go in order to keep the bees, and other helpful insects, alive. It’s a trend that has really taken off recently and shows no sign of letting up.
One thing that encourages its continuance, other than the environmental benefits, is that it requires no effort. Give a less-than-motivated homeowner any reason to avoid yard work and it’ll get done… or rather, not done.
There have always been a few addresses around town that have let nature take over, but they were usually accompanied by a sign that said something about it being a science experiment or nature preserve or some such nonsense, but the new fields of flowers don’t sport similar signage. They’re just growing, and flowering, and apparently… saving the planet.
Don’t get me wrong… I’m not complaining. I think there’s merit in trying to keep bees alive. Who doesn’t like honey?
The Code of Ordinances for the City of Marquette spells out what is and isn’t permitted regarding maintenance of private property. You can find it on the city’s website, but it’s pretty standard stuff. You’ve got to keep your grass cut and your yard free of noxious weeds. Other than that, you can be creative with plants, shrubs, and… wildflowers.
Heavy Petting
There isn’t a lot of information about the number of pet owners in Marquette when compared to other cities of a similar size, but anecdotally speaking, I think we’re a pretty pet-friendly community.
Take a drive through any of our neighborhoods and you’re likely to see any number of people walking their dogs, bag in hand. And though we don’t usually put them on a leash, I’m confident there are just as many cats sitting in windows, wishing they could go outside too.
Which brings me to the responsibilities of pet owners. Sure, your dogs and, yes cats, would love to roam… free of the dreaded leash. But when you live in a community, you have to abide by the rules of that community, in order to keep your animals, and people, safe.
Too often we hear of dog owners foregoing the leash because… “he’s friendly.” Sorry… that doesn’t cut it. And if I have to explain why, you shouldn’t be a dog owner.
Cats are a whole different breed and seldom seen out for a walk. However, many like to go outside, which is okay, as long as they don’t leave the yard. The problem is they’re cats, and they don’t understand boundaries. Cats loose in the neighborhood are a danger to themselves and other animals. Simply stated… keep your cats on your property!
The rules are there to benefit everyone, pets included. Follow them.