To the editor:
Marblehead, in its own fight for independence from bullies of various kinds, be they from Salem, Great Britain, or the more insidious kind right here on Marblehead soil, has never been a fight for individuals but a community and if I can be so bold, a higher cause. Certainly, the powers that be are at a crossroads. The claiming of public land, for private use, through legal means and what Korzenik calls “landscaping over” (Marblehead Current by Will Dowd, 8/13/25) rights-of-way, if left uncontested by the community, will be a harbinger of what’s to come, and one that may not be a blessing to Marblehead’s legacy.
I agree with Korzenik, summer resident (Neck homeowner blocks access to popular beach pathway), that “the issue extends beyond the Neck.” If we do what is right in our own eyes, we are not going to have a thriving community where the highest good of all matters. It matters how we regard others, whether we give honor to others, and count the many blessings we already have. Gratitude changes our attitude.
I am glad that town officials are considering the precedent this might set and its mark on the future of this town, whose decisions will one day be a permanent part of town history.
I have heard Broughton Road referred to as ‘broken road.’ Well, I am seeing much kindness here that I haven’t seen anywhere else. Besides, broken is a good beginning. I see this road becoming brighter! May we all be humbled and consider the very great task of humanity: learning to take responsibility for doing our part, for leaving this world a better place than we found it. Learning to love our neighbors (ouch) does not mean that we have to like them. Love gives honor where honor is due, for we are all living on equal ground here. We don’t have to feel love; we might feel hate. What we choose to do with those feelings, however, marks our character.
May this community of Marblehead rise up and face the giants threatening growth and community spirit, town qualities of character that will sustain its blessings when the storms are raging all around us. Fighting for our individual rights without considering the community we live in is a faulty perspective of what matters.
I believe we are like a land unto ourselves, much like a city or nation, and that each one of us is responsible for what we are given to steward in the earth. It would behoove us to think not only about the spiritual legacy we want to lead behind but the one we want to take with us when we go.
Brendalee Baughman
Broughton Road
