Talk:Louis Bacon/Archives/2015

Latest comment: 9 years ago by Paulhummerman in topic Criticisms; "Noblesse oblige"

Criticisms; "Noblesse oblige"

As a general policy, I feel that all Wikipedia biographies should include a criticism section - even those for Jesus Christ Mother Theresa, Einstein and Bach. Hopefully this section could be very short in most cases, though it should never be perfunctory. In Bacon's case, at least 2 criticisms should be raised. First he has closed Orton Plantation Garden to general public visitation, abandoning a nearly-hundred year tradition. I feel that "noblesse oblige" applies here (almost literally, given Mr Bacon's direct descent from Rory Moore). I realize he has done sterling work for nature conservation, but there is more to life than the natural world, vital though that might be. Presumably Mr Bacon spends relatively little time at Orton. When he is not in residence the garden should be opened to the public at least one day per week; a relatively high fee could be charged, to cover the cost of the personnel required. Alternatively, a "Friends of Orton" association could be created to take on the task promoting regulated public access.

Second, and similarly, Bacon has closed Robins Island (Long Island, NY) to all forms of public access. Again, some form of limited public access should be restored.

Orton and Robins are important parts of the American cultural patrimony, which goes far beyond its natural glories. Visitors to these places would in general be educated, responsible, and respectful, and I suspect rather rare. Paulhummerman (talk) 11:53, 26 April 2015 (UTC)