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Blog Entry 20 of 270 Average Joe. Not.
I was born, therefore I blog. I have a sense of the ridiculous and need an outlet for that. I can be serious too and love to write little stories about little known but important people and events. And I love wildlife and travel and will always try to share those experiences. I make things up (its called fiction) and am amused when readers are duped into believing they are true.

Blog Url: http://denver.yourhub.com/~Maxblogger

Remembering Columbine - at what cost?
Contributed by: Joe McDaniel   on 7/5/2006

A letter published in the July 4th Rocky Mountain News, under the heading "Columbine Memorial needs the help of all," laments the estimated $250,000 shortfall in funds realized so far to erect a suitable memorial for the victims of that tragic event. Here are a few more thoughts on the subject.

I certainly agree there should be a memorial, but we as a society seem to be caught up in this idea that money is the answer to everything. After years of consultations and workshops involving victims and survivors families, community leaders, students, staff and faculty, the Columbine Memorial Committee made the determination that the $1.5 million estimated cost for completion is adequate. Why not spend $5 million? Would that honor the victims more?

If a sum of $1.25 million has already been raised it seems to me that a wonderful memorial could be constructed for that princely sum. Do we honor the victims less by spending $1.25 instead of $1.5 million? Is the realization of a completed memorial being delayed because only $1.25 million has been raised? Well, shame on us!

The writers of the 4th July letter are attributing blame for the failure to raise money to the Denver news media. "Why hasn't the Denver news media become more involved?" is their question. I think this is unfair. Why restrict this effort to the Denver news media? Columbine's effect reached across this nation. Why shouldn't the National news media take some responsibility and influence the fundraising effort on a national level? This, I believe, would be equally unfair.

Among the clearly stated goals of the Memorial Committeeare to "Create a memorial with content and purpose 100% derived from members of the Columbine community . . . . "and to"Recognize and honor the deceased, the injured, the survivors and the community members." This is entirely a community-driven project, as it should be. It is not a Colorado or a National project.

$1.25 million is a huge amount of money. When I read that the projected cost for a memorial complex at ground zero in New York city has reached almost $1 billion I am stunned. How much money has already been wasted on architects, city planners, etc., before agreement on a viable concept has been reached and before the money has been even begun to be collected? Why do we become so obsessed with spending huge amounts of money? I think we get so wrapped up in the financial aspects of what we are doing that we lose sight of the real purpose.

I conclude with two points, and welcome others' opinions:

1. It should be possible to erect a wonderful memorial in tribute to the Columbine victims and in remembrance of the lessons we may or may not have learned on April 20th 1999 with the $1.25 million raised to date. This sum would not honor the victims less.

2. Ideally we would raise the money first - then design and build a suitable memorial. Realistically that will not, and has not, happened. But if only $1.25 million has been raised, seven years after the tragedy, then that is what we should work with. Build it now with available funds and let the healing continue. It should be possible to complete the memorial in phases.

Note: Information on the planning process, goals, donations, mission statement, etc., for the Columbine Memorial is offered in considerable detail on the Columbine Memorial website at www.columbinememorial.org.


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Showing 1-7 of 7 comments
Submitted By: karen thompsen
posted on 7/20/2006 @ 9:48:58 AM
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My family and I reside in the Columbine neighborhood. Our daughter was a junior at Columbine on April 20th and escaped unharmed, at least physically. We have been afraid to voice our opinions regarding the memorial to be built in Clement Park due to the strong emotions surrounding the issue. We are stongly opposed to building the memorial in the park. The park is used for family fun, recreation, picnics, sports, etc. its not a place to mourn. How can you laugh and play when there are people at the memorial mourning the lost students? We feel the money could be used for scholorships in the names of the deceased students. Thank you for allowing us to voice our opinion. Karen T
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Submitted By: Gary Harrell
posted on 7/8/2006 @ 7:48:11 AM
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Why not spend the money for teachers and counselors at schools to help prevent another occurrence of this tradedy. I believe the word is proactive.
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Submitted By: Tabitha Dial
posted on 7/7/2006 @ 4:22:09 PM
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Thanks so much for sharing your views, Joe. More on Columbine, particularly the materials just released, can be found at http://denver.yourhub.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1301
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Submitted By: Joe McDaniel
posted on 7/6/2006 @ 3:04:44 PM
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Kevin: I haven't followed the document/evidence issue closely at all. My first reaction would be to make all the information public. But are there things there that might be harmful or hurtful to families who have suffered too much already? The sooner all rumors and uncertainties can be put to rest - the better.
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Submitted By: Kevin Villegas
posted on 7/6/2006 @ 1:22:21 PM
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I enjoyed your blog today. I was wondering - what do you think about the Jeffco sheriff releasing those 900-plus pages of documents today? Have you seen them?
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Submitted By: Rob Guthrie
posted on 7/6/2006 @ 10:51:20 AM
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Great blog, Joe. I started to respond, but found myself needing more space...so I did what we writers do, I expounded. Profusely. Thanks for the read!
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Submitted By: Stephanie Blake
posted on 7/6/2006 @ 10:09:09 AM
Rated Blog Entry
I started to comment because I feel the same way about things like this, but I don't want to come off like Ann Coulter. Because I am not someone who lost a relative at Columbine, I can't say what is enough to memorialize those whose lives were taken. Nice observation, though.
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Showing 1-7 of 7 comments
CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Joe McDaniel

Parker , CO

Joe McDaniel has posted 270 blog entries and 379 comments since joining on 9/14/2005. Joe McDaniel's average blog rating is 4.94.
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