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Bravo Battery Sgt. Josh Albright and his wife, Sung Ja, live in Kelso with their children Cayden, 1, left, Dylan, 4, center, and newborn Payton. Greg Ebersole / The Daily News

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Online column: It's tough to see the forest for the palm trees

Thursday, June 26, 2008 1:28 PM PDT

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Column by Scot Heisel
Online editor

There’s a fascinating dynamic going on between the stories we publish here at tdn.com and the discussions they provoke within our reader-submitted story comments.

At times, the outcome is predictable. Any article or commentary with the slightest reference to an elected official — past or present — leads to a knee-high-in-mud political brawl.

Case in point: Our recent editorial on ethanol, which named but a single politician (President Bush) but managed to spark a nasty “debate” about who’s the most despicable character, Sen. McCain or Sen. Obama. Once tempers flared, the ethanol issue promptly evaporated.

Fascinating dynamic? That’s debatable. Perhaps, in a train-wreck sort of way.

Following the stories that spark a firestorm from left field can be a far more compelling pursuit.

Saturday’s Top Story about a business owner’s attempt to beautify the streets of Kalama serves as a prime example. Who knew so many readers would offer such passionate responses on the subject of palm trees?

Granted, there’s more to this story — business versus government, the city planners’ own ongoing beautification project, the letter of the law, etc.

The level of response, however, was surprising — 42 reader comments and counting.

One really stood out. Actually, two comments, submitted consecutively by the same reader:

“No wonder the media doesn’t pay attention to real news. Look at what a response this stupid article got. Most comments for the day. Boy are we all an intelligent bunch of Americans!”

“Oh yeah, congratulations. You have been successfully distracted from the utter chaos that is the world around you.”

A heavy dose of elitism with a sobering morsel of truth.

Who’s to say intelligent Americans shouldn’t divert their energy toward so-called matters of the mundane? Ignoring the issues big or small that shape your community won’t solve “the utter chaos” of the planet that has existed to some degree for eons.

It’s comforting to know that people still care about the state of their communities despite that ever-evolving chaos.

Can you help save the planet and still care about the palm trees?

And the sobering morsel of truth?

A certain level of distraction does exist, though it’s not always tied to the gravity of the subjects we discuss.

Rather, we distract ourselves by distilling every story into a black-and-white issue. We’re compelled to throw stones from the shadows of anonymity.

Gray areas and nuances rarely are acknowledged. Pro-palm trees, or anti-palm trees? Which is it gonna be? Go ahead, make my day.

Sometimes the fascination stems from what isn’t said.

One week prior to the palm tree article we published another Top Story with a Kalama connection.

On Sunday, June 15, we introduced our readers to a few members of the Bravo Battery, a unit of the U.S. Army National Guard’s 81st Armored Brigade, due to deploy this fall to the Middle East for the second time.

We offered a glimpse of what life is like for Spc. Tutulu Kaumatule of Vancouver, Pfc. Chris Merwin of Kalama, Sgt. Josh Albright of Kelso and their families as they prepare to accept a life-changing burden of separation, worry, sorrow and other likely complications yet to emerge.

The soldiers we talked to described the incredible bonds their unit already had built as it helped local people, including many in Lewis County, re-establish their lives during the devastating Northwest floods in December.

They talked about how inspirational that work was and how the experience likely will serve them as they guard U.S. military convoys in Iraq.

They were very candid about how difficult it will be to leave their families.

Newspapers often are accused of offering superficial coverage of our current war. Where was the latest attack? How many casualties? How does it affect the Pentagon’s war plan?

We’ve become numb to news of the war, partly because we’re seeing variations of the same headline every day.

That’s why The Daily News decided to publish something different, to show the personal side.

The response? To date, one comment offering best wishes and advice on ways to remember loved ones during the tour.

It’s understandable, to a certain extent. When honor and duty collide with hardship and uncertainty, there’s no room for the witty quip or the indignant rebuke.

We’re left with harsh reality, a complex mix of pride and empathy — ideas that are much more difficult to express.

No offense intended, I’m sure, Bravo Battery.

Indeed, we are a bit distracted. That doesn’t mean we don’t wish the best for you and your families.

And if at some point you’re able to let down your guard, ever so slightly, and capture a moment of solace beside one of the few palm trees still standing in Iraq, know that we're proud of you and we appreciate your sacrifice.

Even if we can’t find the words to say it.

Originally published June 26, 2008.

"Bravo to Iraq: Local Guardsmen prepare for looming deployment"

Links to tdn.com Bravo Battery videos:

Spc. Tutulu Kaumatule

Pfc. Chris Merwin

Sgt. Josh Albright

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TDN Bad Boy wrote on Jun 26, 2008 8:13 AM:

" The ethanol editorial in the TDN just happened to coinside with a front page story in the NY Times that was highly critical of Obama's undisclosed ties to the corn-based ethanol issue that is proving to be highly controversial for environmental and economical reasons. It is an issue that will help shape the 2008 presidential campaign, which should be to all Americans -- conserevative and liberal, Republican and Democrat -- extremely important. The TDN editorial to me did not go far enough on the issue. It did not include the viewpoints from the current campaign and that was a glaring hole. The current campaign is going shape the future of ethanol development in our country. And, Obama has campaigned heavily on his righteous claim of not being tied to special interests, which of course as the NY Times story points out is a flat out lie. Perhaps the TDN editors were unaware at the time of just how deep Obama's ties to the corn-based ethanol industry run, which is why I did not criticize the editorial. I did find it interesting though that given the importance of this issue in the campaign that the editorial really ignored the stances of the candidates. "

Beer&Skittles wrote on Jun 26, 2008 9:31 AM:

" Scott: Excellent comments in your article. It's fun sometimes to slap those mentioned in articles, if warranted (which is common, otherwise they might not have made the news)and sometimes even more fun to slap the commenters, as obviously happens. ...And to duck from being slapped! You're correct that in some, really great articles, it's all said, without opinion having room to roam, therefore, few or no comments. It would be interesting to have 'hit counters' on articles, since I know a lot of articles get sent to others via email, links on web sites, etc. What I'm saying is, that if you have an article on palm trees generates 42 comments, but 65 read the story in the first place, and the article on Bravo Battery has one comment but 299 people read the article, it kind of paints a different picture. Perhaps a notation of "most viewed stories of the last week" would be interesting as well. Just my humble opinion. You guys are doing a great job, by the way - but still, your job is a far cry from the outstanding efforts by Bravo Battery, and I know you wouldn't dispute that! :) "

Scot Heisel, TDN wrote on Jun 26, 2008 10:55 AM:

" For what it's worth, we can track the number of hits a story generates. I can't release specific numbers, but I can tell you the palm tree story has received nearly three times more hits than the Bravo story, which has been available a week longer. "

commenter wrote on Jun 26, 2008 11:33 AM:

" I don't recall seeing the Bravo Battery story. As a fellow soldier, I would have commented and wished them well. I've noticed there are a lot of stories I see on my break at work, but when I go back to read the article or comments later in the day, the story has disappeared. I like to see the different opinions expressed toward some of my comments and I find myself at times having to search the site for the article because it was moved. What is the procedure that determines when an article is moved, and where are they moved to? Maybe TDN could add a link to recent stories if there isn't one already. "

Louie wrote on Jun 26, 2008 11:59 AM:

" Maybe we, an posters and concerned citizens, feel that on a local level we might just possibly make a difference. Of course there are those who just want a forum to sound off and you have given us that...thanks.
I hate it when I hear of an American, or any other ally for that matter, getting killed so unnecessarily in a "war" in a place we just shouldn't be. But, as we all know, with this administration we will see no change in what is happening in Iraq. We are mostly all sick and tired of the entire mess and the deceit of the entire engagement in that country. I would wish for the servicemen no harm, a safe return and a long and healthy life. However, I would prefer they all just refused to go to Iraq in the first place. I wish they would all become 'conscientious objectors!' "

commenter wrote on Jun 26, 2008 12:39 PM:

" Well, refusing to go is not an option. I don't feel we should have gone into Iraq in the first place, but since we did, we have an obligation there. If we up and pull out of the country now, the country would fall further into turmoil. Terrorist groups would come and go as they pleased. There would be no possibility of a stable government in the country. A group similar to the Taliban or Al Quaeda would take over and the people would be worse off than they had been with Saddam in power. Regardless as to who is to blame for us going there in the first place, we must find a way to succeed. Rather than focusing on how soon we can pull our troops out, we should be focusing on a new strategy that will help stabilize the region. It would be nice if all our servicemen and women could come home, but that at this point is not an option. If we left now, Iraq would turn into the type of country Afghanistan use to be. "

Diesel wrote on Jun 26, 2008 12:39 PM:

" Another great piece. As for the story about Bravo Battery I'm afraid I missed it. I had more pressing matters happening at that time as my Mother had died on the 13th. The newspaper and the internet didn't seem important at the time. As someone who got to visit lovely south east asia in the very earily seventies I have nothing but admiration and respect for those who wear the uniforms of our armed forces. My prayers are with them always that they may come home safely. "

TDN Bad Boy wrote on Jun 26, 2008 12:48 PM:

" I certainly am proud that our service men and women have more backbone than Louie. Our military has done an excellent job in Iraq and the benefits that region has seen is very measurable. Saddam is longer alive, and the countrymen that he oppressed often brutally put him to death. The Iraqi people have held free elections for the first time in most of their lives. The Kurds are no longer being oppressed and punished by a dictator. They are actually part of a government that appears to grow stronger each day. Outside of Iraq, the presence of the U.S. military forced Syria to withdraw from its occupation of Lebanon and possibly democracy will take hold there. Hezbollah now feels like it is caught in a vice between Israel and the U.S. and appears to diminishing with Syria back inside its borders. Israel and Syria are talking peace. I, for one, don't care why we went to Iraq. I'm looking at results and I don't see a negative one. Yes we have spent a lot of money and will continue but to me money is better sacrifice than blood. I feel sorry for people like Louie who enjoys the freedom he was born with in America. Yet he isn't strong enough to stand up to bullies like Saddam, the insane leader in Iran or others who refuse to let people live in freedom and peace. I am proud that America and President Bush took the initiative. "

jackie wrote on Jun 26, 2008 12:57 PM:

" The quality of life is largely dependant on our ability and willingness to fight and agrue over the big and small issues of life. If you stop fighting and arguing then you may as well go live in your closet and never complain about anything. "

Beer&Skittles wrote on Jun 26, 2008 2:52 PM:

" Jackie - I believe you have it 180 degrees wrong - fighting and arguing begets more fighting and arguing - nothing more. If you want things to change, it's important to merely support an appropriate alternative - no fight necessary. Complaining, same thing. Instead of complaining, try supporting an appropriate alternative to what you're complaining about. It actually works. And 'support' does not mean bashing the other side. Pointing our errors is fine, as long as solutions are presented for contrast. Otherwise, they're completely meaningless. As for the war, as much as I hate it, and support the earliest withdrawal possible, this country is responsible for the previous regime, and we have blood on our hands for that, hence it makes it our responsibility to correct what may be incorrectable. A huge mess for sure. "

Rosey Glasses wrote on Jun 26, 2008 2:53 PM:

" Here Here jackie! I couldn't agree more. "

Zucchini wrote on Jun 26, 2008 6:07 PM:

" OK, I'll admit it... I don't read the war stories, or watch it on the news because I simply choose to live like an ostrich... I don't want to know, but likely for reasons that few would suspect. I am a veteran myself, discharged due to an injury sustained while on active duty - during peacetime. When 9-11 happened, and I wasn't able to do what I had trained over eight years to do, I found it rather difficult. With that being said, I didn't realize the affect my "ignoring" the war had overall... my elementary aged children hadn't a clue we were at war. When I brought it up, my son said, "For real? A real war? With guns and soldiers." I told him yes... his only response, before changing the subject (and never bringing it up again) was, "are people being killed?"

There are a myriad of reason people may choose not to be even passively involved in the war... it doesn't make them any less ~insert word of choice here~. "

Louie wrote on Jun 26, 2008 8:46 PM:

" There are a lot of lives that could be saved right here in the good ole' US of A with the money we are spending in Iraq. If TDNbadboy thinks we are in Iraq for any reason other than oil he is very naive.
Why do we have to be the watch dog and judge every country by our standards? The middle eastern countries do not think like Americans and I doubt they ever will. I cherish our democracy but we are a strong nation, or were, now we are not looked upon so fondly my many in the west of the world. "

buffalo bill wrote on Jun 26, 2008 9:38 PM:

" Unless you are specifically looking to fight there's no point in commenting on something as polarizing as the war in Iraq. Whether you are for it or not, it's not something that is going to end anytime soon.

As far as picking on Carl McCrary and Pete Poulsen, what they are doing with downtown Kalama is really befuddling. Downtown's biggest short-term issue is the lack of parking. The new round-outs that are part of the "beautification" project have reduced the number of spaces. Even with new trees, downtown will still be an eyesore so long as the satellite store and the old fairgrounds buildings are still there.

Like it or not, Kalama is and will continue to grow and they need city officials who are capable of figuring out how to accomodate the impending growth. Whether it's removing frontage road or expanding out into the field between Meeker and I-5, something needs to be done and those two have done nothing to demonstrate that they are up to the task. "

TDN Bad Boy wrote on Jun 27, 2008 8:08 AM:

" Louie, I don't care why we are in Iraq. I am looking at the results, and every result I see is good. That is a great credit to the work and sacrifice of our military men and women. As far as saving lives here in the good ol US of A with the money you speak of, let me give you a couple of examples of how the money is there but your Demoncrats in Congress don't care about the lives you speak: 1. NY Times reports "multi-billions" going to farm subsidies to support GAS-ethanol that hurts our environment and economy. No. 1 supporter of gas-ethanol in Senate -- Obama. 2. Newsweek reports $400 million taken out of U.S. budget for an aquarium in Chicago that made $8 million profit in 2007. Budget pork gift courtesy of -- drum roll please -- Obama. Personally I would rather our moeny be spent creating democracy for whatever reason you think then wasting it like this. And this is just an example. Newsweek reported that there were over 1,000 pieces of pork added to the budget and I will bet if you look at all of them you will find "special interest" money donations to Congressmen and women or to Senators. Both houses controlled by the Liberal Demoncrats. So when you want to end waste and start working for a better America give Peolosi and Reid a call and tell them to quit wasting your money and start saving lives. "

Louie wrote on Jun 27, 2008 10:54 AM:

" Like the Kalama City Government, who wants to dictate whether or not a business owner can plant a palm tree in front of their business, the US Government has a whole lot wrong with it. Maybe, just maybe, a change in political parties in the White House will make us all proud of our United States of America. The past nearly eight years have not made me proud of our country's politics. I understand many people, TDNBadBoy included, have no problem with the United States going to war in Iraq under false information and pretenses with the result being many deaths of military personell and Iraqi citizens. I for one just don't think we should be there or have any right to FORCE our views of Democracy on others. I feel fortunate to live in a democratic society...others may not. "

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