I too have noticed a change on the island lately.

That old island ambience and goodwill seems to be a relic of the past. Indeed, there are a few pockets of that traditional compassion and empathy for fellow “rock-bounds”. But you have to know what it is, to see it, to feel it, to be what kind of islanders we used to be known for.

A lot of people are escaping the messes in their former nest, which constant and steady population increase contributed to. Along with themselves and their big fancy, ugly houses, and their four card per family, and their fear, yes, their fears of other humans.

You can tell easily the city mo: “Don’t think of anyone but yourself, unless they’re in the same social strata.”

They bring money for some, profit is the key word for some of the people who make a living pimping the beauty that once was shared.

Anyway, I miss San Juan Island as it was not too long ago, and it’s sad to know that everyone loses. Well, some do profit immensely, but the ones that come from the metro areas have never known what we really had at one time, and they could care less.

I love this island, and love the old islanders as a people. And I must keep in mind, they suffer for this invasion of city bred wealth, and all the deficits it brings.

And I really must express my extreme distaste and sorrow accordingly.

Danny Stough, San Juan Island