An open letter to the residents of Camano Island

Dear Residents of Camano Island,

As a so called "fan" of Colton Harris-Moore, I want to first express my deepest sympathy for the anguish that he has put you through. I was listening to the radio today and heard one of the locals on the island discuss the heightened security your community has faced since the increase in theft and crime committed by Colton, and believe that your voice needs to be heard.

As a respectful citizen of the United States, I understand how any kind of threat to a community can cause change in ways that are not always beneficial. The resident commented that due to the threat, many residents are being more cautious with their valuables and that some members of the community are purchasing weapons in order to protect their property. However, as i lament the plight your community is in, I recognize the un-tamable nature of Colton as a dieing trait in our culture.

I am a fan of Colton for many reasons. Anywhere from the tenacity he has to teach himself how to fly a Cessna, although mistakenly forgetting that landing such vehicle requires serious training; to his willingness to overlook the multiple threats he faces and commit to daring need I say extremely dangerous acts and actually succeeding in them. I dare to say that many of the people who have become fans have done so because they understand the same societal 'restrictions' that he is confronting or even escaping.

There is a longing in everybody to experience this sort of empowering and I think that any time people are confronted by a rebel, they tend to project their own personality onto that person. Somwone who has risked it all for that moment of satisfaction, especially when a direct threat exists. Since the beginning of time, man kind has done this, from Jesus to Jesse James, although different types of rebels, the nature of man to go against the established system emboldens even the weakest of characters.

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable.”

Members of Camano Island, and the greater Seattle area, especially those of you who have become frustrated by Colton, we express our deepest sympathy and wish all of you the happiest of lives.

Signed,

The Colton Watch Blog