Editor,

This letter is regarding the madrona tree and McDonald’s’s in Oak Harbor.

I am in full agreement with prior citizens concerns with what that little madrona tree represents.

One little tree that can’t be accommodated by a billion-dollar corporation, even if the store is locally franchised.

It reveals the values of the city in which it is about to be cut down.

One writer stated that Whidbey Island is standing at a crossroads.

He is correct.

Now is the time to check our own hearts and values and stand up for what we are potentially about to sacrifice for someone to make money. Money is a necessary tool, but not the end all. We are at a crossroads with greed and an irreplaceable natural environment.

Losing our values and environment would fill a few pockets and devoid our communities of what truly makes this place worth living in.

If one wants to live in a city or suburb, there are plenty to go to. We don’t need one here. If we lose what it is that we value, we have no value here.

We may just as well move in shame.

George Bullis

Langley