You don’t know what you have until it’s gone

This morning I happened to see something in my video feed that I had somehow missed. This particular video had been uploaded a month ago but for some reason I was unaware of it, despite the fact that I have set up notifications on the subject. I wasn’t sure if hadn’t seen it before, and so I took the time to watch it. It was an half hour long memorial of sorts (mostly) to something that no longer exists. First up there were lots of pictures and video clips of the subject in question along with narration by various people who had a connection to it. The feel of this video was not unlike a funeral service in which a lifetime of photos and videos of the deceased are displayed and eulogies are given.

Various people gave testimony as to how much they missed this iconic structure that is no more, and some recounted fond memories they had of it. These reactions were not unlike those of local coaster fans and amusement park goers upon hearing that Six Flags America will soon be closing. But at least we have the chance to bid farewell to that amusement park; by contrast those in the tribute video suffered shock and disbelief at that sudden loss. And worse yet, the destruction of the Key Bridge was not unlike when the breadwinner in a large family passes away suddenly without warning. Six Flags America gave some locals jobs and a place to go and have fun every summer. But Baltimore’s major bridge provided so many economic benefits to the area around it. Its absence is painful for far more people in worse ways than will be the loss of that Six Flags park.

The video continued on, devoting just a little bit of attention to the night the metal monster was struck down. Surprisingly, however, it made not even a mention nor showed an image of the ship which inflicted that untimely demise. This is to be expected of a tribute where, if it is for someone who was murdered, then no mention would made of the killer.

Then, the tone changed as those interviewed began to look towards the future. Plans are already in progress for the resurrection of this demolished icon, and those who have connections to the project detailed the expected process. One thing of note that was said is that the people of this area will apparently have some input as to certain aspects of the new design. I do plan on putting in my two cents worth for sure! They may not like hearing what I have to say, but I’ll say it anyway. As this is a project paid for mostly with public monies, it is only fair to allow tax payers to have some say. That, and a bridge is intended for public use, especially by locals. On the other hand, Six Flags is a private corporation beholden only to its shareholders. Amusement parks in general do try to take note of what their customers like and dislike, and many try to cater to coaster clubs like the one I belong to. Like most businesses, they understand that we can give them good (or bad, as the case may be) PR which will help their bottom line.

Finally, as the eulogy to the iron monster concluded, I noticed what was missing. The darkest aspect of all was no where in view, and it bore no mention whatsoever. I am toying with the idea of leaving a comment on the video regarding this omission, but I have to think about that for a while.  I can understand that this was not the point of that video, yet still I think it must be said that not everyone has pleasant memories of the Key Bridge.  Reactions to the demise of Six Flags America also contained little of the complaints people had about the park, and how it had a reputation of being sketchy and crime ridden. There is of course a tendency to wax nostalgic when someone (or some thing) is dead or otherwise gone. There is that old saying about the good dying with someone but the evil they do lives on and on. I suppose that’s generally true, but only up to a point. Perhaps how kindly history looks back on someone (or some thing) might depend on the severity of the faults as opposed to the beneficial aspects. Six Flags America was mostly beneficial to the area, although one could say it drew rough crowds at times which in turn brought crime. The Key Bridge, by contrast, facilitated an unknown number of deaths in its working lifetime, not counting the construction workers who went down with it in the end. But the good it brought about was untold, at least until it was no longer there. And now the rush is on to replace it with another monstrous bridge. The only thing that will replace the Six Flags park will likely be apartments, town homes, strip malls and associated urban sprawl. This also highlights another tendency, which is to take things for granted. Six Flags America was, for most park goers and enthusiasts, just there…and, so it seemed, it would always be there. This is also the sentiment echoed by those sharing memories of the metal monster. Finally, there is yet another old axiom which states “you don’t know what you have until it’s gone.” How true that is….