How can you be against having a statue of TR at the entrance of Oyster Bay? Well, it's a tough position but we would like to explain our view.

Why put something visually exciting at an intersection that is already a transportation hazard to the village. It is one of the worst traffic areas in town, as noted in the report by Fredrick P. Clark Associates. We are not against the proposed statue of Theodore Roosevelt, we are just opposed to the location of the monument.

And, we are opposed to a statue of TR as a Rough Rider. Although that is what he is known for world-wide, here in Oyster Bay, his hometown, he was a man on horseback, riding into town, and greeting local children from astride his mount. That kind of appearance is entirely different from a man in uniform.

Why not put the statue in a more imposing area, such as in front of the post office, or the walkway from the parking lot behind Townsend Square and South Street. That area was suggested as the center of town by Dan Burden of Walkable Communities, Inc., when he visited here.

The finished Walkable Communities plan suggested the statue be placed in a newly created center of town. It was suggested to join the entrance to the post office with the Derby-Hall bandstand and make that a grassy area. That too would be a nice place to see a statue of TR.

TR did so much more than charge up San Juan Hill. Things that he did continue to amaze us, as we learn more and more about him.

Maybe the statue could be placed in the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park in the grassy area leading to the flagpole by the sea wall that is reached by walking down the treed avenue. That would certainly uplift that area of the park and make it a "place of importance."

TR would also be a welcome sight looking out at the bay. He brought the American fleet to Oyster Bay for the signing of the Russo -Japanese treaty, for which he received the Nobel Peace Prize.

Another reason for dissing the location at the triangle leading into Oyster Bay is the wonderful quirkiness of the Busy Bee. City planners who have walked the streets of Oyster Bay have mentioned how the very oddness of some areas make a village unique. Why close another unique Oyster Bay business?

And - we love the coffee at Busy Bee, and love their turkey with Swiss cheese, lettuce and mayo on fresh rye bread, (that we order) and love meeting local people who work there. Add on another benefit, getting cheaper gas at the Coastal station pumps.

We like the uniqueness of this historical town that has been bypassed by change. The whole character of Oyster Bay is one of reticence and politeness. A warrior president is not the way we would like to see local resident TR represented. He is also known as the president who wrote the most books. Now if he was pictured doing that, that would make us much happier.

Is that just self-interest?

No. We don't think so. The man was an intellectual with great ideas that shaped this nation. Shouldn't we find a way to celebrate that and not the obvious one. He did receive the Congressional Medal of Honor but he also received the Nobel Peace Prize.

You decide which is more important. We have.

- DFK