Antone's Nightclub
Article Was Fair, but RAMP Isn't
RECEIVED Wed., Dec. 3, 2008
Dear Editor,
Thank you so much for Laurel Chesky’s well-written and fair article “Not in My Graveyard: RAMP vs. Covenant Presbyterian” [News, Nov. 28]. Ms. Chesky gave equal balance to both sides of the issue and managed to make a somewhat dry “land use” story lively and entertaining.
However, I feel Sharon Blythe’s portrayal of the Rescue Austin Memorial Park Cemetery organization is very misleading. Her organization of “about 700 members” is a sham. RAMP is, in fact, nothing more than Ms. Blythe and a lengthy e-mail list. In a manner known to political groups as “push polling,” Ms. Blythe approached grieving families visiting Austin Memorial Park and asked them if they wanted the graves of their loved ones disturbed. Of course, many of these family members signed on to “protect” the graves of their family members. RAMP is simply a cover for Sharon Blythe to appear to be more representative than she really is. Why were no other RAMP members standing alongside Ms. Blythe in the photo?
Ms. Blythe’s comment, “Once the cemetery is gone, it’s gone,” is simple fear-mongering. Does she not understand that the proposed gift of a $2 million columbarium would have extended the life of the city cemetery through the creation of many more resting places? That such a building would improve access, beautify the space, and be a zero-cost-to-taxpayers enhancement of the graveyard? Perhaps not.
To be frank, Blythe’s actions in dealing with the city and the church much more resemble those of Samantha Stephens' Bewitched neighbor Mrs. Kravitz, than they do that of a concerned citizen attempting to protect a historic property.
In the interest of full disclosure, let me say that I am a member of Covenant Presbyterian. But I must also point out that the grave of my full-term stillborn nephew lies within the grounds of Austin Memorial Park and is visible from the building in which I often teach Sunday school. My family is certainly in a position to see both sides of this issue. From our vantage point, Ms. Blythe should stand aside.
Final question: If Mrs. Blythe’s husband was an American Indian with tribal burial sensibilities, why is he not buried alongside his ancestors on tribal ground? I must have missed that part.
Thank you again for the article.
Thank you so much for Laurel Chesky’s well-written and fair article “Not in My Graveyard: RAMP vs. Covenant Presbyterian” [News, Nov. 28]. Ms. Chesky gave equal balance to both sides of the issue and managed to make a somewhat dry “land use” story lively and entertaining.
However, I feel Sharon Blythe’s portrayal of the Rescue Austin Memorial Park Cemetery organization is very misleading. Her organization of “about 700 members” is a sham. RAMP is, in fact, nothing more than Ms. Blythe and a lengthy e-mail list. In a manner known to political groups as “push polling,” Ms. Blythe approached grieving families visiting Austin Memorial Park and asked them if they wanted the graves of their loved ones disturbed. Of course, many of these family members signed on to “protect” the graves of their family members. RAMP is simply a cover for Sharon Blythe to appear to be more representative than she really is. Why were no other RAMP members standing alongside Ms. Blythe in the photo?
Ms. Blythe’s comment, “Once the cemetery is gone, it’s gone,” is simple fear-mongering. Does she not understand that the proposed gift of a $2 million columbarium would have extended the life of the city cemetery through the creation of many more resting places? That such a building would improve access, beautify the space, and be a zero-cost-to-taxpayers enhancement of the graveyard? Perhaps not.
To be frank, Blythe’s actions in dealing with the city and the church much more resemble those of Samantha Stephens' Bewitched neighbor Mrs. Kravitz, than they do that of a concerned citizen attempting to protect a historic property.
In the interest of full disclosure, let me say that I am a member of Covenant Presbyterian. But I must also point out that the grave of my full-term stillborn nephew lies within the grounds of Austin Memorial Park and is visible from the building in which I often teach Sunday school. My family is certainly in a position to see both sides of this issue. From our vantage point, Ms. Blythe should stand aside.
Final question: If Mrs. Blythe’s husband was an American Indian with tribal burial sensibilities, why is he not buried alongside his ancestors on tribal ground? I must have missed that part.
Thank you again for the article.
Whitney Milam