Wrong to profit from tragedy

I was absolutely appalled to read about Pacific Northwest Float Trips offering sightseeing trips along the Stillaguamish, past Oso. (March 13, “Rafting company holds off on trips past Oso mudslide.”) It is a tacky, “looky-loo” thing to do.

Last year I went to meet up with my best friend who was partaking in an archery competition being held in Darrington. She had gone around the north side, and I left from Snohomish, not even thinking about the fact that I would be driving through Oso. When I reached the site I was completely overtaken by emotion. I wept as I drove by, and though my friends and family know I am an avid photographer, I never even once thought about reaching for my camera. I knew this was a sacred place and I felt it would be defiling to take photographs, or even stop along the way. To think of someone making money from this disaster is reprehensible. I stand by the folks of Oso in the hope that Dave Button will cease this practice.

I also think that those banks who won’t forgive the mortgages ought to have their names published again in the hopes they will be boycotted.

Jana Horst

Snohomish