A creative use for Deferiet paper mill

We have witnessed wars' destructive toll on persons, cultures and Gaia itself. It would be unfortunate to introduce this imagery into one of our north country communities. Instead, let us consider some creative suggestions regarding the future use of the Deferiet mill in meeting the challenge as an opportunity for its reconstitution, mindful of the uplifting power of beauty.

It is folly to expect that the daily rounds of fire and mock killings will be a benefit to the people of Deferiet. On the contrary, the present eyesore instead would become a misdirected source of community pride. Deferiet is struggling to extract itself from a demoralizing decline. The military option does not reflect daily life as the average person wishes to live it with hope, neighborliness, peace and with themselves as purveyors of beauty.

One suggestion is its transformation into an artists colony. Writers, craftsmen and visual artists could be life-renewing to the north country. Private endowments, some public money and various means of local efforts will be needed, and the project will take years. Completion may never be realized as first conceived, but the endeavor offers a promise of beneficence to the soul of the people.

Yes, in general we revere our military and credit it with defending our freedoms, although, in this instance, we might emulate the Greeks — our forefathers of democracy — for whom personal freedom to choose truth and beauty with self-imposed discipline in order to encourage mutual gratification was a necessity to a life well lived.

And thus, the excellent becomes permanent.

Marie Ford

LaFargeville