I see Mark Gaboury has written to the Advocate to protest the city’s Ghost statues. I do indeed disagree with his position. However, he instructs me to “hold my tongue” and admit he is correct. Since I am a firm believer in my basic human right to peaceful expression of my opinions, I am encouraged to respond in spite of Gaboury’s order.
Having seen and lived in several cities in my lifetime (I am a very long way past being a teenager!). I have always considered Red Deer a pretty young city.
One hundred years may seem long to many people; but Canada as a nation is still young when considered in a global context. Red Deer is indeed one of our younger cities, obviously.
As such, what is wrong with considering the city as being a “teenager”?
If you perceive that as meaning impetuous, rebellious, difficult to deal with, that would certainly put us in a negative light.
However, if the teen image brings to mind curiosity, innovation, willingness to learn and try new things with energy and optimism, I think that would be very positive indeed.
As to the Ghost project, I have always thought of it as quite novel, indicating some of Red Deer’s history but also done with a realistic view of our progress — and even some humour.
So we do not have a David Thompson, a Laurier, a Sir John A., or even a Louis Riel.
We do have intelligent and farsighted citizens who do deserve their statues and the interpretations given with them.
As to the beaver — that is a great lead-in to the Kerry Wood Nature Centre, a true gem in the city.
And Francis the pig? A freewheeling spirit, a “don’t fence me in” attitude that some folks might see as a great image for our young little city.
I would indeed like to see our local artists develop more Ghosts, well-researched and interpreted to Red Deerians and visitors, as an unique and pleasing part of our past, present and future.
Thank you for the opportunity to make use of my right to express myself.
I care not whether Gaboury approves, though I wish him well as a fellow Red Deerian.
Bonnie J. Denhaan
Red Deer