The recent uproar over whether or not the name of Kelseyville should be changed brings the fact that any change to long term ways of doing things brings discomfort to the majority of folks. Weather on the job or in everyday ways of doing or thinking about things.
A sense of pride is always felt about the town a person grows up in, and this is understandable to be sure. As to the Kelseyville issue, if the present residents announced a plan to put up a new sign at the entrances to the town that read, “Kelseyville, named for the man who murdered the natives of the area to gain personal wealth …” and outcry would be heard throughout this country by all decent Americans.
What example is now being given to the children of this town by those who are suppose to be, “role models”. That their parents and other adults of there town are not willing or honorable enough, to correct an error in past judgment. Should an opportunity to display great character and honesty in dealing with a hard issue, be lost to those future citizens who hopefully may have an example to use in correcting other wrongs when they take leadership positions in the future.
Say to yourself, “Sorry about that,” and then say “Sorry about that, let me fix it”, and see which statement brings a warmer glow to your chest. Honorable actions are never wrong.
Jim Hall
Clearlake Oaks
