As you are aware, a little controversy has brewed over the past month as a result of a very small number of individuals not wanting to have the Sun Dial placed back up after it had been removed for the filming of the Public Enemies movie. The city has since reinstalled the donated structure. (pic below of sundial in evening with candles remembering the fallen troops in Iraq War, pic by A Sabai)
I, like most who frequent the park regularly, enjoy the structure, and believe it has become a permanent structure and staple of the park. I suspect that the individuals who don't like the dial are those who simply drive by and do not utilize the park, and also those less interested in unique and interesting concepts and more focused on practicality. (pic below of sundial, by C Crowley)
So, for these later individuals, I have developed a replacement proposal for the sun dial that serves the following practical notions:
1. We are able to recall a clear example of an abuse of power from an elected representative.
2. We are able to reference what not to base policy on.
3. We are able to laugh at the amazingly ridiculous ideas that people can come up with.
4. We see a clear example of when less government is best.
.
And the replacement proposal is....
.
A Cottonwood Tree McHugh Memorial - complete with four cottonwood trees and a picture plaque dedicated to Oshkosh Common Council rep Dennis McHugh, who 1 year ago in July proposed to ban the planting of Eastern Cottonwood trees in Oshkosh because “It’s a pesky thing. You can’t vacuum it, you can’t rake it. It’s just a pest.” Folks at Babblemur had said following this logic the city should, "ban lake flies, drunk drivers, and moronic city ordinances for the same reasons."
Love it!
Justin, thanks for making me smile this morning.