Sad what ageing does to some people. I bumped into an example of this sadness when….I was entering the Esplanade Park the day the Crimson Inflorescence art display was being installed. I was just about to step onto the wide circular area in front of the Epitaph at the entrance to the park, when an older couple walked across my path. They were in their late 70s for certain and very close to meeting as I waited for them to pass.
As they passed, the man exclaimed very angrily, “Waste of taxpayers money! Waste of taxpayers money!” as he looked at all the installation work being done.
I responded, “A tribute to fallen veterans, sir!” to which he even more angrily yelled, “I don’t care. It’s a waste of taxpayers’ money.”
I addressed the wife, “Does he always yell?” to which the man angrily responded, “You’re damn right I yell. I’m angry, really angry at how taxpayers’ money is being wasted.”
I never photographed the couple for obvious reasons and did not engage in the interaction further for obvious reasons. However, the incident troubled me a lot. Even days later, I find it troubling.
Why I am troubled by this man
It troubles me terribly that this attitude could mask what should be an attitude of sentiment and emotional nationalism. I won’t go judging the man, nor will I present arguments about how out of place his attitude toward this commemoration artwork is.
Instead, I will express my sadness and disappointment for his wife, for fellow City citizens and for the fallen vets for having a person like this in our midst. No matter what has sown such angry seeds in this man’s emotions, he should have some consideration for the people around him. As my life partner told me long ago when I was about to attend Church in jean shorts, “Respect your surroundings and respect others, even when you have differing opinions and views.” I try to live by that philosophy, but I would fear suggesting it to this man.
