Opinion
This is an open letter to President Obama. I’m writing to express my opposition to the Keystone XL Pipeline from the tar sands of Alberta to The Gulf Coast. It’s time for the country to begin a new paradigm, off fossil fuels. Rejecting the pipeline is a step in that direction.
We understand the need for the president’s security, but the forbidding detour signs directing all traffic to North Road seriously hurt West Tisbury businesses, just at the most active part of the summer — and will continue to do so all this week.
Now I know what it feels like to be the Invisible Woman. Last Sunday I thought West Tisbury Congregational Church members were likely, after services, to go to Alley’s General Store for their Sunday Boston Globe or New York Times. It seemed a perfect place on a sunny day to position myself to sell copies of my souvenir Island book, In Every Season: Memories of Martha’s Vineyard.
Our family has vacationed annually on the Vineyard for most years since the mid 1970s, so we think we know the Vineyard fairly well, though maybe not. Also, we have subscribed to the Gazette for many years during which time we read many stories about Vineyarders lending a hand to persons in some kind of distress.
I want to thank everyone for their heroic efforts to save my horse, Norman, when he recently suffered a brutal lamanitis attack: Tracy Olson and Jess Forend for their tireless vigilance, experience and care; Irene and Bob Hungerford, Caroline Herman and the entire Woodbe Farm staff for the icing, wrapping, concern and advice.
Three Saturdays ago, I stopped by the dumptique. I brought my large canvas bag full of donations, as I usually do. My goods passed inspection, were taken, and my bag given back. I went through the racks and found great clothes for my family.
As I went toward the kitchen area, I put my light blue, with green trim, classic oversized tote bag down on the floor, out of the way.