I have "philosophical" issues with this memorial. But ideological considerations don't really have a place in this crap economy.
On 31st anniversary of Hyatt disaster, skywalk memorial still lacks funds
As usual, there's KANSAS CITY TAX MONEY CAUGHT UP IN THE SENTIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT FAIL . . . Here's a money quote:
"The foundation has received several large contributions for the project, including $75,000 in tax revenue from the city of Kansas City. The Hallmark Corporate Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the company that owns Crown Center, pledged $50,000. After initially declining, Hyatt agreed to donate $25,000 for the project."
Short on cash and long on hard feelings and empty promises . . . This memorial development is already a perfect example of the enduring Kansas City spirit. Or something.
DEVELOPING . . . Or not.
Well I'm sure the Hyatt wanted no part of this, for it's bad for business.
ReplyDeleteFact is, though, everyone who attended Tea Dances down there (as my dad did) would be dead by now, or nearly so. It was frequented by the Geritol for Lunch Bunch and none of them could be younger than 75-80.
The Hyatt disaster was no worse than any airline disaster in the number killed. We don't mark THOSE, do we?
Its not a bad story today, but the reasons for NOT doing a memorial aren't listed here, until now.
In my view, money is better spent on the living, because there are so many needs, even for that generation with a one or both feet in nursing homes.
Well said 6:30. You speak for lots of us about the Hyatt tragedy.
ReplyDeleteWhy'd they let the monkey go and blame the monkey wrench? Rockin' at the T-dance.
ReplyDeleteWe don't need to memorialize every tragedy. Besides, the truth is that families of the victims made quite a bit of money themselves (some lawyers got rich off of it). If we need to do this, they can kick in a few bucks to get it going.
ReplyDelete6:30 & 7:04 said it well. Tragedies are a part of life. It doesn't do much good to keep the wounds open.
ReplyDeleteMeh....who cares anymore?
ReplyDeleteExactly! Put this fucking thing to sleep and move on to the living. Enough's enough.
ReplyDeleteDumb idea from the start. Slowly dying a slow death. Good.
ReplyDeleteI think most people want to move on but at least we should make sure there is at least a plaque in the building or nearby so people know. If you don't remember history, you forget.
ReplyDelete11:40
ReplyDeleteWELL SAID---WELL SAID!!!!!!!!!
The past always leads to the future. We must remember the past in some way to stay on the right path. There is always some good that come out of a tragedy even if you see it or not. A placard or small memorial fountain would be fine. In these economic times you need to learn how to do A LOT with VERY LITTLE
Right on, 6:30! We can't memorialize every tragedy.
ReplyDeleteIf we can't memorialize every tradegy who will buy candles?
ReplyDelete1:03, good point! We can stop the nonsensical Hyatt memorial AND Alvin Brooks at the same time!
ReplyDeleteThose victims' families got huge settlements from Hyatt lawsuits. Can't they pony up the money?
It sounds like the board must be made up of a bunch of politicians – they’re indefinitely delaying the project until they get the funds they WANT, rather than using what they HAVE to create the best memorial available. Based on statements in the article, they already have about $600,000. If you can’t put together a nice memorial for 6 hundred grand, then step aside and let someone have a shot.
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