OK, so there are apparently a lot of people who are taking seriously a proposal by Art Mjares, a self-proclaimed devout Christian from Oakley, to rename Mount Diablo after the 40th president of the United States. Or, these people are enjoying the sense of community in bonding over their objections to Mijaras' proposal.
More than 76,000 people have joined Facebook's account, People Against Re-Naming Mt. Diablo Mt. Reagan. Maybe it's fun to bash Mijares' contention that the name "Diablo" is “derogatory and profane," and that the late Ronald Reagan, also a California governor, was a great man--or something--and deserves this honor.
I suspect this grass-roots movement to keep Mount Diablo named Mount Diablo stems from the second motive--a shared sense of community--rather than a true fear that our 3,800-foot East Bay landmark is anywhere close to getting a new name.
As if anyone in authority is going to take Mijares' proposal seriously. His complaint about the supposedly blasphemous nature of the name Diablo has been trotted out every few years and generally dismissed. OK, so people are having fun with this campaign. Fine, although, folks, it does ends up giving Mijares' proposal more public attention than it probably deserves, and, possibility, more credibility than it would warrant otherwise.
"Show your support for our wonderful Mt. Diablo and its historic name." That's the pitch to purchase the white or black t-shirts and hoodies for $12 to $30. Proceeds from the sales go to Save Mount Diablo's Restoration Team, a group of volunteers who do clean-up, fence building, trail construction, planting, watering and habitat restoration, creek cleanup, and non-native plant removal for land that the non-profit Save Mount Diablo buys and turns over to park agencies.
As I've said before, unless I'm being terribly naive, I'm not particularly worried that Mijares' idea will gain much traction. But thousands of people, some who are friends--Facebook and otherwise--are united against this perceived enemy. Meanwhile, I like Save Mount Diablo, the t-shirts and hoodies are cool looking, and I happen to need a new hoodie. So, maybe I'll be buying one.
If you are interested in purchasing one, go to the Don't mess with Diablo website.
9 comments:
Excellent cause, I'm in. The guy from Oakley is an attention monger and the media gave him exactly what he wanted. In the end it's created a great fund raising idea for this group.
I for one support the name change, and of course I loved Reagan.
Nice idea. I do with they'd come up with more original lead-in than "Don't mess with..." (which was a brilliant idea when Texas did it).
I liked Reagan as well.
At first I didn't like the propsed name change because I like the name "Mt. Diablo", but after seeing everyone's head explode at the thought of a mountain being named for a conservative, it grew on me.
I support the name change.
I love the look of the T-shirt! I may have to buy one of those.
I actually saw them on Facebook last night, after I saw that a Facebook friend (and former co-worker) had linked to their site -- and as far as I know, she doesn't live in CoCoCounty -- but we have a shared antipathy for the Reaganites. And, regardless of residence, who doesn't LOVE Mt. Diablo ??? :)
Reagan destroyed America.
Bought one to support the USA!
If only we had Reagan back in office...he might be able to save us.
He would make short work of Obama.
As an Englishman I think Reagan would be a good name choice as with Mrs Thatcher he is now looked upon quite fondly
Reagan was responsible for the homeless problem we have today due to cutting funding for mental health services.
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