The Record-Bee ran a front page story about the Kelseyville school board”s action of capitulation against 85 years of tradition because of the demands of a local crank with questionable allegiance to the U.S. (“From Indians to Knights,” May 26).
This article should be a wakeup call for all the citizens of Kelseyville. This board”s reckless action to polarize the district has subordinated the school”s outstanding performance as found in the Bee”s May 27 article on page A6 (“KHS named Honor Roll school for 2005”).
The board”s attempt to emasculate the mystical strength the students find in their traditional symbol could cause troubling divisions within their temple of learning. As an example, being an ex-Marine, to change the symbol of the corps would be an insult to 200 years of history.
As for the board”s choice to adopt the tin man of the Wizard of Oz to be the school”s replacement for their Indian hero, this again is an indicator of questionable leadership. Everyone knows, if placed on a 100-yard battlefield, pound for pound, a good Indian armed with a tomahawk would beat the crap out of any tin man wielding a 6-foot broad sword.
Setting all the above aside, the real issue is how far must contrition to right a wrong be exploited. Are we as a society, upon demand, going to change the names of every street, school, public building, etc., for the whims of a few? I would take issue if my independence and freedom of choice was threatened, as is the KHS”s.
It would be wise for this board to take a breather and listen to its community leaders on this issue because they are most likely the ones who had a lot to do with the board”s placement in these positions of conspicuous respect.
Finally, defending a system of excellence from harmful intervention by persons, places or things is a true measure of leadership.
Signed, an old guy weary of poor leadership.
Carl Laslovich
Finley
