Tree stole their happiness
As soon as the first story broke with the phrase "city-owned tree," it was obvious a lawsuit was coming. Interestingly, while one might consider keeping logs of tree checks to be excessive bureaucracy, it's certainly helped in researching the history of these trees and their supposedly regular maintenance. What happened to Julia is a tragedy, and any news of improvement in her condition is good news, to be sure.
But. Am I the only one who thinks the coverage of this story is being too carefully managed by the attorney? He sure arrived on the scene early, and has been quite helpful, making sure TV cameras can get good footage of his experts examining the tree, reliably updating everyone on Julia's condition, and now generously offering to collect cards and gifts from Hawaii schoolchildren on her behalf. While well intentioned, it almost sounded like they were presenting a good "classroom project" for Hawaii's kids. Frankly, the footage from the press conference was jarring, at least to me, as it was almost festive.
And all the while, the story is, a lawsuit mightbe filed. Oh, the dramatic anticipation! Of coursea lawsuit will be filed. And keeping this tragedy on the front page is a good way to improve one's bargaining position.
Now, I am certain there is public interest in the case, and in Julia's well being, but the degree of warm-and-fuzzy exposure seems just a little out of proportion, considering how little we hear about other kids when they are hurt or die. I was just thinking of the girl abused on the Big Island - a big story, too, justifiably so, but already fading - and the last couple of kids who died falling from tall buildings.
There's a fine line between rejoicing in and celebrating the love locals freely give to those in need and taking advantage of it. I hope the "possible lawsuit" angle is tempered with simple and real hope for a full recovery for Julia.
[Julia Engle's mother Debbie] Engle, her 10-year-old daughter, Christina, at her side, spoke yesterday at a news conference at the office of her family's attorney, Rick Fried. "It is too early to say at this time. We can always be hopeful and optimistic," she said. "She definitely has youth on her side. Children are resilient." Behind Engle hung a bright yellow poster adorned with drawings of little cheerleaders that read "We Love You Julia."
But. Am I the only one who thinks the coverage of this story is being too carefully managed by the attorney? He sure arrived on the scene early, and has been quite helpful, making sure TV cameras can get good footage of his experts examining the tree, reliably updating everyone on Julia's condition, and now generously offering to collect cards and gifts from Hawaii schoolchildren on her behalf. While well intentioned, it almost sounded like they were presenting a good "classroom project" for Hawaii's kids. Frankly, the footage from the press conference was jarring, at least to me, as it was almost festive.
And all the while, the story is, a lawsuit mightbe filed. Oh, the dramatic anticipation! Of coursea lawsuit will be filed. And keeping this tragedy on the front page is a good way to improve one's bargaining position.
Now, I am certain there is public interest in the case, and in Julia's well being, but the degree of warm-and-fuzzy exposure seems just a little out of proportion, considering how little we hear about other kids when they are hurt or die. I was just thinking of the girl abused on the Big Island - a big story, too, justifiably so, but already fading - and the last couple of kids who died falling from tall buildings.
There's a fine line between rejoicing in and celebrating the love locals freely give to those in need and taking advantage of it. I hope the "possible lawsuit" angle is tempered with simple and real hope for a full recovery for Julia.
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