The EXECUTIVE SUMMARY #19
#19 …that’s just sad
Thomas Merton once wrote, “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time”.
Every great society is reflected in the Arts. These mediums are an expression…and introspection…of who we are and what we value as a diverse culture. Art comes in many forms and varieties, often appealing to the most eclectic of tastes. Whether we understand the message or can absorb the inner meaning, we must respect its value to a civilized society.
So when the Shasta County Building Department ordered the red and blue bighorn sheep sculptures (that had traveled music festivals) removed from the field at Riverland Drive because they lacked a permit…well, that confused me.
Now, I support government rules and regulations. For the most part, they are in place for our protection and to promote our well-being. But sheep sculptures in a rural field, west of I5, a reasonable distance from any neighborhood, presented on a temporary basis…why would they need a permit?…for what?? So my plan had been to get some clarity from the Shasta County Building Department.
Unfortunately, the situation changed. The current reflection of our society manifests itself. Vandals willfully, with total disregard for property, the community (and I am guessing they had no respect for art), destroyed the sculptures. No reason, no relevance, and…I am sure… no fear of consequence.
Now a County Department requiring a permit…that’s questionable. But blatant criminal activity without any regard for the law, for the community, for property, for artistic expression… that’s just sad.
What is happening here?!