This picture says a thousand words
To the editor:
They say a picture is worth 1,000 words. This is less than a 50-yard stretch of Stringfellow between St. Jude’s and the American Legion. But it’s not the only place on the island that looks like this.
And it doesn’t include the piles from people who don’t pick up after their dogs that many of us step in. (As one of my neighbors said, “It’s just the size of a Tootsie Roll. I ain’t picking it up! Too much government”)
I wish I knew how to make it stop and I wish I knew who could have the heart (or lack of) to treat our island and our world as if it’s one big dump. I’m hoping that sharing this sad photo will maybe encourage some of us to talk about how pathetic it is to just eat and drink and chuck cups and bottles and wrappers and cigarette butts that don’t break down out of a window. (A very large percentage fell into that category). And maybe some people will care enough to stop or speak out to someone who’s so oinkily inconsiderate.
People tell me, “Get over it” and “With all going on in the world, don’t you have anything better to do?” and Try to shame me for caring about “something so unimportant.” I spend my life as a nurse and artist/writer trying to make a difference, and to me making a difference at home is part of that. To me, living in a beautiful place like this island fills my heart inspires and comforts me (and many of us)
But when I’m riding my bike or motorcycle or car, or taking a walk in our little slice of paradise and I see how some treat this island, our home, and those of us who live here like a Dumpster, my heart hurts.
So I humbly beg all who trash to please look out your window and reconsider! I beg all to talk with their kids and friends and family members and try to help them see how sad our island looks littered with trash.
And if you’re one who litters because you think someone else will pick it up anyway. (And I’ve heard people say that!)
I’ve got to hold my tongue because they’d have to delete my Dumpster mouth comments! That’s just so wrong!
Annie Wenz
Proud Islander