I'm not an activist. I'm not a religious person. I'm not a rabble-rouser.
What I am is an older person, 89, a veteran of World War II, a person who still has the ability to recognize unwise actions taking place.
The demolition of St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet is one of those actions. This is one of the most valuable pieces of architecture in the Capital Region, yet it is being destroyed.
I've placed videos on YouTube, taken in 2012, showing the beauty of this church and, taken this year, showing the destruction.
I've published an article on Yahoo of an imaginary conversation with this church. I've written a letter to someone involved in putting a supermarket there, and I've written to a congressman hoping some action could have been taken to prevent that wrecking ball from swinging.
My wife told me none of these efforts would have any effect. My conscience would not let me alone unless I tried. I'm old enough to have seen other places that, when they were gone, they were gone forever, no matter how sorry people felt.
Mario V. Farina
Troy