Dan’l Steward, a resident of E Avenue in Coronado, perched in a
large Eucalyptus that was targeted for removal until the City agreed
to involve the residents of the street in decisions regarding removal
and replacement.
Hello, Coronado. I am “that guy”; you know, the one in the tree last week. But I am not writing about that incident; rather, I am writing to share a re-awakening experienced as I perched for hours in that magnificent tree.
I spent a career defending principles on which this nation was founded. In the daily rush of life, Ilike so many othersslowly drifted away from fully appreciating the liberties we enjoy today. Some of these very principles were reinforced in ways never imagined as I bore witness from my perch above our hometown street. The simple act of challenging civil authorities, if not commonplace, certainly enjoys a certain acceptance in American culture. As I reflected on my climb into the tree and potential repercussions of my actions, I began to consider consequences had I attempted such civil disobedience in many of the countries I have travelled over the years. Instinctively, I took comfort knowing that in the U.S. my action would not invite martial intimidation, forced removal, or incarceration without due process. In so many other countries today, this would not be the case; my actions would invite forcible removal and physical intimidation, incarceration with no or farcical judicial due process, or worse.
For over 24 hours I witnessed media unfettered in its reporting; police protecting me and those spontaneously exercising their right to assemble; city officials civilly engaging with the media, the populace, and me; and young adults observing, evaluating, and formulatingsome for the first timeattitudes regarding civic responsibility, exercise of power, pre-judgement, and so much more.
I reflected on something else as well. Before any who might be inclined to rush to judgement about the tree incident do so, I would invite him or her to read Teddy Roosevelt’s Man in the Arena. Whether in a tree, in the arena of city government, or simply proactive citizen (to include the complainant whose letter catalyzed this incident), by choosing to actto be involvedeach can lay claim to being “that man” esteemed by Roosevelt… that man “who spends himself in a worthy cause.”
Teachable moments by the boatload! Teachers in Coronado have already capitalized on this event… not to advance a position regarding the tree issue, but rather to engage their students in instructive dialogue related to this exercise of, and in, democracy. To each of youteacher, parent, and mentorwho so engaged without regard to personal sentiment and, by doing, so fulfilled a key responsibility of the older generation to the younger: thank you.
Dan’l Steward
For the original article about the tree “sit in”, click here or visit this article to read an update.
Kellee Hearther
Staff Writer
eCoronado.com
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