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Trees are not exactly in long supply at Morgan Lake, the picturesque lake high on the ridge above La Grande. And trees grow slowly in the harsh climate, which makes the recent crime of vandalism there, the cutting down of a century-old ponderosa pine tree, all the more troubling.
The vandal or vandals who cut down the tree also drove vehicles out of bounds, creating ruts in roadways. They burned a pile of pallets and tires outside of officially approved fire rings and stole a barricade at the lake area entrance that was posted with a no-vehicle sign.
And they did even more perfidious endeavors. The moral bankruptcy displayed in such a cowardly act cannot be tolerated in a civilized society.
Of course, the act of vandalism is totally senseless. All the lectures in the world probably won’t stop the vandals, but still people who care can put their ears to the ground. Anyone with information concerning the Morgan Lake crime should come forward to see that the vandal or vandals responsible pay for their cowardly actions.
Vandalism has been a steady problem at Morgan Lake. As just one example, the sign marking the area off limits to motor vehicles in winter has been stolen four times this winter alone.
Most people develop a social conscience. Or at the least they act in regards to the Golden Rule, doing to others as they would have done to themselves. Vandals seem to operate in a whole different ballpark. They have senseless disregard for the rights and feelings of other people.
As a community, we need to continue to aspire toward high moral and ethical standards. We need to make sure we don’t get desensitized to vandalism, as we have to violence on TV. We need to show a zero tolerance for vandals and their mindless works of destruction.
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Opinion 
