We played tourist yesterday. It's one of the perks when you live here. We went to the Maritime Museum to renew our membership and take in the new exhibit there. The exhibit tells the story of the Columbia River bar from the perspective of the bar pilots and it's exceptional. It's the first time I saw video of the old pilot boat and how they used the launch to reach ships coming into the channel in huge seas. Those pilots make it look easy when they stand out on the deck and time the waves to grab the rope ladder leading up to the ship they will pilot over the bar. There is also an old film showing how they used to use a row boat to get to the ships. Just amazing.
Then we decided to jump on the trolley and ride it from end to end. It was fun to hear the commentary on points of interest along the way and I appreciate the people who volunteer time to run the trolley. Then as we were heading under the big bridge with a new conductor he talked authoritatively about the bridge and pointed out the big wooden fenders saying they are there to help protect the bridge pylons from collisions.
Then he goes on to talk about LNG tankers that could someday be going under that bridge and stated that "a few of us" are concerned about that and what would happen if one of those tankers should lose it's steering when going under the bridge. He went on at some length. I was sorely tempted to say something but my wife reined me in. I'm glad she did. It would have accomplished little other than to make the tourists uncomfortable. It reminded me of the last time I rode the trolley and a conductor was commenting on the LNG tankers and how dangerous they would be and how "most" Astorians do not support LNG projects. I stopped riding the trolley for awhile after that.
My issue is simply that I don't believe it's appropriate for that conductor to express his or her opinion and assign that as the opinion of the people of Astoria. It's certainly not mine. If the conductor wants to state a personal opinion that's okay (maybe not the appropriate venue but expression of a personal opinion is very different from representing that opinion as that of the people in the town). The trolley volunteer organization should take steps to curb this kind of thing.
I'm really not angry about it. It just sparks a knee-jerk reaction on my part. I was less disturbed after some time passed and this conductor started mispronouncing common local names and in talking about the Kindergarten Cop mural on Astor Elementary he says he's not sure if it's an elementary school or not. Obviously he hasn't lived here long. A newby who donates time can be forgiven an indiscretion.
The incident got me to thinking about the influence that the Trolley can have on outside opinion. Locals are very familiar with the LNG issue and many know far more about ship propulsion than the fellow who was offering his opinion as mine. He probably wasn't here the year a storm caused the mooring lines to part on a large ship at Pier one. He never saw that huge ship set adrift and slamming into the big bridge. He wouldn't know that ODOT inspections later revealed absolutely no damage to the very pylons he says a few of us are worried about.
Anyway, it was an interesting afternoon yesterday.
It is actually against their rules for trolley staff to be doing that. From their training manual: "No religious or political agendas shall be promulgated on the trolley"
ReplyDeleteFirst, I hope someone see's this who knows whomever is in charge. Second, I wish people would bother to get educated about something before they speak authoritively about it!
Tom,
ReplyDeleteYou probably commented on this subject live, but I wasn't able to listen to the radio this morning, so my comments may be semi-redundant.
I too am very disappointed that a political opinion was inserted by a conductor of the trolley. It's great to have volunteers do what they do (and I've experienced only conductors of history and humor) but it's not a license to sway public opinion concerning a political issue of interest to the conductor. He might have cited statistics regarding the incredibly safe transport of ships on the river by the Columbia Bar Pilots and the Columbia River Pilots. Any ship collision with the bridge could cause a problem, but to single out an LNG ship collision is to exaggerate for purposes of persuasion rather than simply inform. Your example of a bridge/ship collision that did occur without damage is a perfect example of something such a conductor could well learn about, among a host of other historic facts.
We seem to have a volunteer with a private mission, one who is willing to sprinkle political scare scenarios in with historic information in a subtle effort to persuade a captive audience. It sounds like he should have prefaced his announcements with, "this is John Doe, and I approve of this message."
Nevertheless your wife was right to hold you back from righting this wrong then and there; your willingness to listen to her wisdom speaks well of your marriage!
Yes only pro Bradwood Landing opinions are okay.
ReplyDeleteI hope you talk about the LUBA decision now that the County has really wasted our tax dollars
So don't ride the trolley anymore. That is exactly how I feel about KAST, I will no longer listen to it and I boycott all businesses that take ads out on KAST and those that support LNG.
ReplyDeleteAs of today, I will be blogging about how wonderful our trolley conductors are and I always, always tell people to steer clear of KAST because of their support of outside money i.e. HOUSTON TEXAS.
Believe it or not Tom, but there are MANY MANY MANY people who do not want LNG and we will fight it to the very end making sure that no tankers or TEXAS folks coming here (as opposed to those "California Folks") to change our way of life. LNG would do just that, and for the worst. LNG and KAST is dangerous.
So because Tom spoke about an individual promoting his agenda against rules he was breaking you (Anon) will boycott all advertisers on Kast and Kast. This is a very interesting approach. If you would send a picture and name we can then make sure you aren't seen or observed at any of them. You must adhere to all free advertising of charity and community events also. I will take a wild guess that your trips out of town for supplies, food and misc items will become very expensive. Hope you enjoy CNBc, CNN and The View.
ReplyDeleteMany, Many, Many people have spoken look at the elections and recalls you backed.
Wow Anon, watch out because the sky is falling.
ReplyDeleteNow, you say LNG would change our life? Speaking only about the LNG at Bradwood (not the Skipanon because that is a horrible location), there is absolutely nothing that will affect you directly. Unless you live on Puget Island, and then only your view. Although, it's a far sight better looking than Wauna Mill, so even that isn't an issue.
Oh, and by the way, I refuse to do business with openly Anti-progress business' as well, so what goes around, comes around, eh?