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Move the “bucket” from in front of the Government Center?
A reader wrote recently that the “bucket” memorializing the 2001 water cutoff on the Klamath Reclamation Project should be removed from in front of the Klamath Government Center.
It’s been suggested previously it should be moved to the Klamath County Museum. The 10-foot tall bucket was put in place Aug. 21, 2001, to protest the federal government cutoff of water on the Klamath Reclamation Project in a historic collision of the legal rights of irrigators, protection of fish protected by the Endangered Species Act and treaty rights of American Indian tribes.
Among the events of that painful year, was the a show of support for irrigators by people from across the nation. An estimated 4,000 people gathered downtown and after a parade of tractors and other vehicles, the bucket was put place.
The events of 2001 put tribal members and non-tribal members on different sides. There’s support to keep the bucket right where it is as a permanent reminder of 2001, but there are also those who believe it’s a constant thumb in the eye of tribal members. And then there are those who don’t think the bucket says much of anything and wonder what it means.
The words on the bucket read:
“Klamath Bucket
Brigade
Elko to Klamath
NV UT ID OR”
Should it stay where it is, or should it join other memorials of Klamath County history at the Klamath County Museum?
— Opinion Editor Pat Bushey
It’s been suggested previously it should be moved to the Klamath County Museum. The 10-foot tall bucket was put in place Aug. 21, 2001, to protest the federal government cutoff of water on the Klamath Reclamation Project in a historic collision of the legal rights of irrigators, protection of fish protected by the Endangered Species Act and treaty rights of American Indian tribes.
Among the events of that painful year, was the a show of support for irrigators by people from across the nation. An estimated 4,000 people gathered downtown and after a parade of tractors and other vehicles, the bucket was put place.
The events of 2001 put tribal members and non-tribal members on different sides. There’s support to keep the bucket right where it is as a permanent reminder of 2001, but there are also those who believe it’s a constant thumb in the eye of tribal members. And then there are those who don’t think the bucket says much of anything and wonder what it means.
The words on the bucket read:
“Klamath Bucket
Brigade
Elko to Klamath
NV UT ID OR”
Should it stay where it is, or should it join other memorials of Klamath County history at the Klamath County Museum?
— Opinion Editor Pat Bushey
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Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of HeraldAndNews.com. Comment Disclaimer: The editors of heraldandnews.com reserve the right to refuse publication of any comment posted for consideration. We may refuse for any reason, including use of profanity, disparaging comments, libelous comments, etc. Any reader who notices a comment they believe is particularly offensive, should notify us at webmaster@heraldandnews.com.
Brian wrote on Sep 25, 2008 12:07 PM:
" Everything that is historical makes it way to the Museum sooner or later. Those that have a genuine interest in the history of our county will go to a museum not to the local government building. Yes, it is tacky, but it is historical, move it to the museum where it belongs, so that newcomers to our county can learn about our history and become more understanding of our enviroment and our life style. It does not belong in front of our very beautiful government buildings. "
Evil Empire wrote on Sep 22, 2008 10:18 AM:
" While your at it you can bring that bucket to chiloquin dip it in the sprague where the dam used to be. (I'm sure it will span the entire creek) and take all the water you want. What's left anyway. That way you can put that bucket to use. Then put it back in front of your govt buildings as a reminder of your continued destruction of our environement and all that this county stands for. "
Truth wrote on Sep 22, 2008 8:07 AM:
" Terry,
I would appreciate you identifying a myth that I have brought to this discussion. I don't think you can.
Name Calling? I was trying to help you out. You are so wrong in anything you say. I thought your head was....anyway.
You brought 'sides' into this. I didn't.
I have taken the requirement to fulfill a Bachelor of Science at the AAU flagship University for the State of Oregon. I won't be taking any grammar classes any time soon.
Terry, you are shunned. I can't argue with someone that can't keep a train of thought. "
I would appreciate you identifying a myth that I have brought to this discussion. I don't think you can.
Name Calling? I was trying to help you out. You are so wrong in anything you say. I thought your head was....anyway.
You brought 'sides' into this. I didn't.
I have taken the requirement to fulfill a Bachelor of Science at the AAU flagship University for the State of Oregon. I won't be taking any grammar classes any time soon.
Terry, you are shunned. I can't argue with someone that can't keep a train of thought. "
Terry wrote on Sep 20, 2008 6:47 PM:
" Truth...Yes, I regret what happened to the indigenous people in the past. Your statement on remembering our history is partially true, the rest are myths. You are the one resorting to name calling. I will not lower myself to your level.
Truth..."Condolences to the family of the man who was beaten to death but what does that have to do with the topic of this thread?"
Terry...Re-read my thread, he was severly beaten, not beaten to death.
Terry...I was comparing it to your reference about the Bonanza men that "came to Chiloquin and shot up the town and cursed the children and got slapped on the hand."
Truth..."embarassing your side."
Terry... Have we now chosen up sides? I was born and raised here also. I know what has happened in the not to distant past. You, need to move on from what has happened in the past. Bind up the old wounds.
You also need to take a course in grammer and punctuation. I did learn that in the 3rd grade. "
Truth..."Condolences to the family of the man who was beaten to death but what does that have to do with the topic of this thread?"
Terry...Re-read my thread, he was severly beaten, not beaten to death.
Terry...I was comparing it to your reference about the Bonanza men that "came to Chiloquin and shot up the town and cursed the children and got slapped on the hand."
Truth..."embarassing your side."
Terry... Have we now chosen up sides? I was born and raised here also. I know what has happened in the not to distant past. You, need to move on from what has happened in the past. Bind up the old wounds.
You also need to take a course in grammer and punctuation. I did learn that in the 3rd grade. "
plute wrote on Sep 20, 2008 8:15 AM:
" I understand it is an important symbol for the Basin. But the time has come to move it. If not, I would like to build a giant tin canoe and have it displayed next to the bucket to symbolize the battle lost by local Native Americans who had this land stolen from them! Talk about rural cleansing! Don't get me started on the offensiveness of that saying on the bucket in the fairgrounds. "
Dani wrote on Sep 19, 2008 1:08 PM:
" I realize that some people find the bucket an eyesore but it is an important part of this county's history. If people are woried about liability and that it "looks horrible" then we should move it to a museum or somewhere where it won't be an eye sore. It should NOT be destroyed. "
Truth wrote on Sep 19, 2008 11:10 AM:
" Guilty of what? You can keep your guilt. My 'side' isn't guilty of anything. Condolences to the family of the man that was beaten to death but what does that have to do with the topic of this thread? I wasn't even talking about government aid, either. If that's what you are worried about, look into the Feds buying AIG.
You should really pull your head out before you get on here and vomit the capacity of your intellect, embarassing your 'side'. "
You should really pull your head out before you get on here and vomit the capacity of your intellect, embarassing your 'side'. "
Truth wrote on Sep 19, 2008 8:02 AM:
" Guilty of what? You can keep your guilt. My side isn't guilty of anything. Condolences to the family of the man that was beaten to death but what does that have to do with the topic of this thread? I wasn't even talking about government aid, either. If that's what you are worried about, look at the Feds buying AIG.
You should really pull your head out before you get on here and vomit the capacity of your intelligence, embarassing your 'side'. "
You should really pull your head out before you get on here and vomit the capacity of your intelligence, embarassing your 'side'. "
Terry wrote on Sep 18, 2008 9:37 PM:
" Truth...Both sides are guilty. I remember a PP&L lineman being viciously beaten in Chiloquin. Do two wrongs make a right? We can't change the past. How much more government aid do you want to make everything right? "
Truth wrote on Sep 18, 2008 2:42 PM:
" Terry, does the truth hurt?
Terry, did you think about anything I wrote or did you just dismiss it because it isn't what your 3rd grade teacher taught you about Indians?
Terry, is what I said the Truth?
Terry, the discussion on this board was about the significance of the bucket. The significance, according to some, is it's past. So, Mr. Smart Guy that Doesn't Whine, what's your problem with what I wrote? Where am I wrong? What do you have to say that, somewhat, resembles intelligence?
Don't just grunt at your computer and turn it off either. Speak up. Use your brain. Don't resort to name calling, unless you are a 3rd grader. Then, it'll all make sense. "
Terry, did you think about anything I wrote or did you just dismiss it because it isn't what your 3rd grade teacher taught you about Indians?
Terry, is what I said the Truth?
Terry, the discussion on this board was about the significance of the bucket. The significance, according to some, is it's past. So, Mr. Smart Guy that Doesn't Whine, what's your problem with what I wrote? Where am I wrong? What do you have to say that, somewhat, resembles intelligence?
Don't just grunt at your computer and turn it off either. Speak up. Use your brain. Don't resort to name calling, unless you are a 3rd grader. Then, it'll all make sense. "
Sue wrote on Sep 17, 2008 3:10 PM:
" I am surprised that the city would allow it on the sidewalk for liability reasons. I fear that someone o r something could get trapped inside it . Does it have a screen over the top? "
Truth wrote on Sep 17, 2008 8:15 AM:
" I'd like to see it destroyed but moving it to Elko would be fine, too.
If it goes into a museum, the plaque/description should also remind everyone of those Bonanza men that came to Chiloquin and shot the town up, cursed children, and got slapped on the hand.
Maybe Herald & News could go through their archives and find all those Letters to the Editor that had nothing good to say about Indians and put them up next to that bucket too.
See EVERYONE wants to remember their history EXCEPT the negative parts. Non Indians never want to remember Treatys, or Genocide, or biological warfare, or forced sterilization of women, or boarding schools, or forced termination, or racial disparities in sentencing. I could go on and on. You all want to remember the 'good fight' you put up against Indians and the Feds but you can't just pick and choose your history.
We remember, you forgot.
You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free. "
If it goes into a museum, the plaque/description should also remind everyone of those Bonanza men that came to Chiloquin and shot the town up, cursed children, and got slapped on the hand.
Maybe Herald & News could go through their archives and find all those Letters to the Editor that had nothing good to say about Indians and put them up next to that bucket too.
See EVERYONE wants to remember their history EXCEPT the negative parts. Non Indians never want to remember Treatys, or Genocide, or biological warfare, or forced sterilization of women, or boarding schools, or forced termination, or racial disparities in sentencing. I could go on and on. You all want to remember the 'good fight' you put up against Indians and the Feds but you can't just pick and choose your history.
We remember, you forgot.
You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free. "
Kirk O. wrote on Sep 16, 2008 4:42 PM:
" The bucket has historical community significance, regardless of your position on the issue. That said, it is a horrible eyesore.
If it were showcased, elsewhere, with a modicum of functionality (I loved Pril's Bucket Park suggestion) then it has a place in the community less unsightly than the wart on downtown that it is today. "
If it were showcased, elsewhere, with a modicum of functionality (I loved Pril's Bucket Park suggestion) then it has a place in the community less unsightly than the wart on downtown that it is today. "
OneChick wrote on Sep 16, 2008 3:21 PM:
" The bucket is a symbol of this country's blindeye to saving the earth. Our earth is suffering and the bucket shows just how much no one cares. What is going to happen to all people if we won't stop our self Destructive behavior. "
Pilar C. wrote on Sep 16, 2008 2:16 PM:
" Every time I come home to visit my parent, I am embarassed that such an eyesore is still where anyone can see it. That bucket does nothing to promote Klamath as anything but a town full of hicks and rubes. "
Wetwater wrote on Sep 15, 2008 10:15 AM:
" The bucket should be relocated to a nice concrete pad right across the road from the Bureau of Reclamation and the Fish and Wildlife office. That way the next time a rally needs to be held at that location the bucket is already there and serves as a daily reminder of what happened. "
DLO wrote on Sep 12, 2008 7:43 AM:
" The "Bucket' does have some historical significance and should be placed at the museum. or on display at an appropriae water district. Placing it at the headgates may not be a bad alternative either! "
I remember and understandwemw wrote on Sep 10, 2008 8:22 AM:
" History is replete with examples of nations and peoples who have forgotten tyrannical behavior by oppressive governments- only to find themselves lacking in basic liberties when they "forget" their pasts and allow their basic rights to be taken from them once again by overzealous governments.
Remember the old saying "History repeats itself". If the bucket is taken down people will forget exactly what transpired in the Klamath Basin and it should not be forgotten. Many people apparently already have forgotten or never understood what happened to start with.Basic human liberties were taken from farmers who "owned" their property and adjunct water rights and the federal government tried to stop them from irrigating in the middle of the farming season. For anyone who doesn't understand, farming/ranching is the lifeblood of this area and without it and irrigation we would be no more than Burns or Lakeview,
economically. Farming and ranching is the second largest economic driver in Oregon behind
electronics. Alfalfa and cattle/dairy are worth hundreds of millions to our state's economy. This doesn't even address the Tulelake Basin in California, which depends on this water also and raises millions $ in row crops seasonally.
This bucket does not represent some obtuse idea - it stands for our basic rights and the government's promise/contract with the farmers in the Klamath Project. "
Remember the old saying "History repeats itself". If the bucket is taken down people will forget exactly what transpired in the Klamath Basin and it should not be forgotten. Many people apparently already have forgotten or never understood what happened to start with.Basic human liberties were taken from farmers who "owned" their property and adjunct water rights and the federal government tried to stop them from irrigating in the middle of the farming season. For anyone who doesn't understand, farming/ranching is the lifeblood of this area and without it and irrigation we would be no more than Burns or Lakeview,
economically. Farming and ranching is the second largest economic driver in Oregon behind
electronics. Alfalfa and cattle/dairy are worth hundreds of millions to our state's economy. This doesn't even address the Tulelake Basin in California, which depends on this water also and raises millions $ in row crops seasonally.
This bucket does not represent some obtuse idea - it stands for our basic rights and the government's promise/contract with the farmers in the Klamath Project. "
Richard wrote on Sep 9, 2008 6:52 PM:
" I think it is time to move it, maybe out to the fairgrounds where the rest of the relics set. Put a plaque and picture up on Main to tell its story. It really is a eyesore where it is. "
BP wrote on Sep 9, 2008 4:57 PM:
" Besides being a grossly ugly eyesore, the Bucket is a reminder to many of us of the near riots that were being provoked by extremist locals and out of town right wing agitators, and the racism that was voiced by many participating in those actions.
It shouldn't be on any public property. The best "placement" for the Bucket is the scrapyard. "
It shouldn't be on any public property. The best "placement" for the Bucket is the scrapyard. "
Chris P wrote on Sep 9, 2008 4:06 PM:
" Yes the "bucket" should be moved to the museum along with a written history of the bucket's symbolism to our local history. This piece of history should not be viewed as an eyesore or a symbol of division amongst the people but as a symbol of the rights of irrigators, tribal members, and all of the people involved with that time. Emotions are running hot amongst the people over this bucket and so it is time to retire the bucket to the museum with a story of history and symbolism for those who wish to see our local history. "
ken w wrote on Sep 9, 2008 3:38 PM:
" Why???
That bucket serves as a valuable reminder
that we really must stand for what is right!! "
That bucket serves as a valuable reminder
that we really must stand for what is right!! "
DONALD wrote on Sep 9, 2008 3:18 PM:
" Yes, move it already! However, I'm not so sure the headgates would be a good location. If moved there, it might be a target for vandals. "
Move It wrote on Sep 9, 2008 12:56 PM:
" We got the point already! Move it to the museum or the headgates. "
Linda wrote on Sep 8, 2008 4:58 PM:
" Please, please move it!!! It is a total Eyesore in front of that beautiful new building. We know what it stood for then, however, new people coming to relocate, or just to visit don't have a clue, like my brother who was raised here, but has relocated to Bellingham,Wa and was recently home for a visit. It should have been moved along time ago. And.....to "part of history" NO, we shouldn't destroy it nor our museums, just move the darned bucket to the museum. Down at the gates sounds great! "
DD wrote on Sep 8, 2008 7:07 AM:
" The "bucket's" time has come and gone. Our county commissioners have kept it there to gather votes, but many of us regard it as an eyesore that detracts from the attractive appearance of a government building paid for by all of us. Move it to the county museum. "
JMR wrote on Sep 7, 2008 6:30 PM:
" Move it to the museum - plaques can be put up in numerous places, but it is an eyesore! Regarding the comments about the paper, a local paper's job is to report local, state, national and international news - without the local piece, how do we stay connected as a community? "
Bev wrote on Sep 7, 2008 6:06 PM:
" I think a nice thing for the "Bucket" would be a nice cement pad or somekind of resting place at the head gates ot even at the head of the nature trail with a plaque explaining the purpose of the bucket. All of the people that complain about the bucket being in front of the Govt buildings could maybe donate a small amout of time or money to have this done. Im sure the community as a whole can come together and find a resonable solution. It personally does not bother me. It was built as symbolism for us by perfect strangers to show Our community support. Would you do the same? Would you just toss it aside? Dont be so ungrateful. It may not be covered in gold it may not be pretty but it was made from someones hands and heart. Keep that in mind. "
Wary wrote on Sep 7, 2008 4:33 PM:
" When and if the settlement agreement is signed AND the Federal agencies can prove that they are willing and committed to minimizing economic impacts resulting from the ESA, Clean Water and Air Acts, etc., then and only then should the bucket be moved to the Museum as an affirmation of community support. "
Diane wrote on Sep 7, 2008 2:34 PM:
" WW3? What kind of crazy statement is that, we are winning the war if you care to pay attention. And YES this is the internet NOT the newspaper. Move it to the museum, good place for it. "
To Fireye wrote on Sep 7, 2008 12:52 PM:
" First, I don't really think we are on the brink of World War3. Second, this isn't in the paper, it's on the internet. And you obviously read it. So please, don't discount other people's opinions. Please find another blog if you can't find something constructive to say. "
Fireye wrote on Sep 7, 2008 12:18 PM:
" I find it hilarious that we are on the brink of ww3 and this is the kind of stuff we see in our local paper. Just goes to prove that what they say is right. The only place to get any REAL news anymore is the internet. "
Willard B. wrote on Sep 7, 2008 11:38 AM:
" Cut it up for scrap metal and donate the money to the wounded soldiers returning from Iraq. "
lee wrote on Sep 7, 2008 11:01 AM:
" the bucket did not make sense in the first place as it only repersented one group of people take it to the scrap pile it is ugly "
Ekena wrote on Sep 7, 2008 10:58 AM:
" The bucket should be moved to the museum as it is a part of Klamath County History. It is tacky looking and detracts from the beauty of our county buildings. "
pril wrote on Sep 7, 2008 8:16 AM:
" pave one of the empty lots downtown with bricks or something nice and put it there with plaques describing the events and why the bucket is still around. Put some benches in and maybe plant a couple of trees. You could even put a representation of the area in the pavement, a map carved from the concrete or laid out in brickwork design or something. Where the bucket is now it looks like it was just kind of put there because no one could figure out where else to put it. Give it its own space that's interesting. Something like that would also be a boon to downtown with a nice shady spot in the summer to enjoy a lunch or something. "
pete wrote on Sep 6, 2008 6:48 PM:
" Move it. It is unsightly and is history so it should be in a museum. "
D.A. wrote on Sep 6, 2008 3:24 PM:
" I do not have problem with where it is at, or if it was moved to the county museum. I do have a problem that there is not commemorative plague at the head gates in appreciation for the magnificent 9 or 10 or 12, I forgot the exact number of people that was there endlessly. I do know that now there are countless numbers of people taking credit. The ones that was there know who I am talking about. Lets get them a plaque. "
The big picture wrote on Sep 6, 2008 12:15 PM:
" I don't think anyone wants to rid the community of the bucket, but we do need to think about how we are telling the story of the water crisis. If you weren't here in 2001, it is impossible to figure out what that thing is. (Trust me, it took me months).
It needs some sort of plaque explaining things. And it should be moved to the museum. It's a great opportunity to explain the important, complicated issues involved in Basin water crisis. I know it's really easy to get attached to the way things are, but think about the bigger picture. "
It needs some sort of plaque explaining things. And it should be moved to the museum. It's a great opportunity to explain the important, complicated issues involved in Basin water crisis. I know it's really easy to get attached to the way things are, but think about the bigger picture. "
H. wrote on Sep 6, 2008 9:59 AM:
" Please DO NOT remove the bucket. It represents citizens standing up against an ever infringing federal government that seeks to remove ranchers and farmers from this Basin and other ranching/farming communities by cultural genocide.
This is not a piece of history to be relegated to a museum - the bucket represents an on going cultural war between the federalization of rural America and the far left environmentalists and their Interior Department followers. "
This is not a piece of history to be relegated to a museum - the bucket represents an on going cultural war between the federalization of rural America and the far left environmentalists and their Interior Department followers. "
Ariadne wrote on Sep 6, 2008 9:40 AM:
" It is definitely time to move it to the museum. The bucket will be an important symbol of the strife that occurred at the beginning of this century, but leaving it in front of the courthouse implies that our government (and by extension all the people of Klamath Falls) fully approves of its message, is still mired in anger, and is unwilling to heal. We need to remember what happened, but we also need to move forward. "
Louise wrote on Sep 6, 2008 7:19 AM:
" Its UGLY, weird, no one even remembers why it was put up there! I have company from out of state & they LAUGH at the ugly monstrocity. It is time for the 'bucket' to come down. "
Part of History wrote on Sep 6, 2008 7:09 AM:
" I was down at the gov't building the other day and watched people standing there reading the inscriptions. People still have their pictures taken there. I do not believe it should be removed, it is part of our history. If you want to remove that, than what is the next step? Remove the museums and buildings that speak of our past, because they may not agree with what we think? History is history and we should not forget it. That bucket represents much more than just Klamath County. That event has affected many neighboring states. Leave the bucket alone!! "
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Beverly wrote on Sep 28, 2008 7:16 PM:
If not why not??
I moved here 2 years ago and my immediate question was why was this allowed - without both sides being represented??
Someone explain this - It would seem to honor both sides of the "argument" which one can only hope will one day be long forgotten. "