Rich, you and I disagree quite fundamentally about urban parks. I like them. They are good. And necessary. We can't all afford to join you in your wanderings through unspoiled wilderness. Imagining St. Louis without Forest Park, New York without Central Park, Cincinnati without Eden Park, or Charlottesville without McIntire Park is something I'd prefer not to do. > Please explain what you mean by "a reflection of a > democratic vision that we seem to be losing." Forest Park is a public good. It was built during a time when we (Americans) believed that some of our wealth should be spent on good things, pleasing things that would serve everyone, rich and poor. One can hardly imagine America in 2005 building such a thing--such a vast and wonderful park that serves everyone (and charges no admission)--with public money. (Not just parks, either. Can you imagine Americans in 2005 supporting public libraries if we didn't already have them?) Our public spaces are increasingly private spaces, even when, like shopping malls and sports stadiums, they depend on tax dollars for their very existence. --John ===== J Mason Charlottesville, Virginia >>Jazz at UVA: The Photographs of John Mason. From 31 January 2005 at Take It Away, 115 Elliewood Ave., Charlottesville, VA: http://www.virginia.edu/music/jazzatuva/ >>Democracy of Speed, a Photo Documentary Project: http://www.people.virginia.edu/~ds8s/john-m/john-m.html __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Find what you need with new enhanced search. http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250
