A tree was felled. Not great when these things are done unfairly, maybe as a dare, even for just a laugh.

Yes, the tree no doubt became picturesque and important within the landscape and to many people given its location. But, isn’t it more productive, collectively and certainly more so by those within the powers of the state so can do something about the things actually look at, better understand and begin changing for the better the systems and frameworks that may well have contributed to something like this happening, so the chances of it happening again are lessened?

It doesn’t always help if a reaction is just weighted to preserving what once was and then even, by local groups or more likely those with grand but limited and specific perspectives reinterpreting a new meaning to help preserve the memory of it, if stuff happened that was unexpected but likely a reaction to something that people did just to see what might occur, get some quiet, legendary status amongst certain groups, have a laugh and some control in a life that may be not having or getting much control and empowerment for its owner(s)?

It is a comforting and defensive factor and reaction of a society that likes to hang on to things and consequently be somewhat defined and made by them and the sense of story and emotion they do and can have and evolve. But, to perpetuate myths and tales, mould value and meaning in these things and put up a plaque or monument on or near to them as a means to remember seems too much and maybe more a symptom of the age of uncertainty the 2020s brings even more because of so many changes, lack of changes, inequalities on many levels, post-truths, oft-nonsensical politics, and a real sense of just what is it all about?

It’s all what we make it, but sticking to known and previous patterns, like nostalgia, isn’t always conducive to genuine progress, nor through that theme upholding certain objects that have certain meaning and values, memories and emotions attachec to them, just needlessly raises an object’s importance beyond reason, so when something unexpected does happen to it, segments of the world seemingly can’t cope and just kick up a fuss, even revert to type saying that these things are a shame so we should do this and other things because it’s not right and important to me and my bubble and group.

Hopefully though they are aware that other, more integral, non-tickable and non-efficient things over the mid- to long-term (generationally?) are needed to help mitigate these kinds of moments, first and foremost.

Life happens and unexpected things occur, even with the best of efforts to work at, on, with and around them to maybe improve, heal, even get back doesn’t always work out. It’s tough, life’s journey, but worth travelling for the stories. Like the new story gained from the felling of a ‘famous’ tree?

Anyway, all just opinion.