Letter e-mailed to the Detroit Free Press on February 24, 2011 regarding the DSO Strike/lockout.

Dear Editor:

I fear that we are witnessing the equivalent of a murder-suicide pact involving the Detroit Symphony Orchestra management and the striking musicians. Unfortunately, and certainly not intentionally, the parties are threatening the very future of our community. Vibrant communities offer their residents and visitors a comprehensive menu of cultural opportunities that become woven into the fabric of life. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra is an integral part of Detroit's cultural fabric. In today's mobile society, we make choices about where we will live. Jobs are only part of what attracts people to live in a community. Just imagine the negative press coverage that will accompany an announcement that the DSO has disbanded as a result of this protracted lockout-strike. If you're tired of the world media using pictures of the abandoned Michigan Central Train Station as evidence of our City's decay, imagine for a moment images of an abandoned Orchestra Hall. Don't be so smug to think that couldn't happen. Think of the devastating impact that would have on the recruiting efforts of our companies, our medical centers, and our universities.

We are in a "bite-the-bullet" period. Our automobile industry - primary sponsors of our cultural institutions - nearly disappeared two short years ago. Michigan, along with many other states (witness Wisconsin) are having to make some very difficult budgetary choices. If we are to get through this period and survive, much less prosper, tremendous sacrifices will have to be made. I plead to the DSO management and the musicians alike to settle this labor dispute before it's too late - for all of us.

Thomas E. Page

Letter e-mailed to Detroit News, February 22, 2011, regarding the Detroit Symphony Orchestra strike/lockout.

Dear Editor:

I'm fearful that we are witnessing the equivalent of a murder-suicide pact involving the Detroit Symphony Orchestra management and the striking musicians. And unfortunately, both parties, intentionally or not, are dragging down the very future of our community. Vibrant communities have a palate of cultural opportunities that are woven into the fabric of everyday life. A Symphony Orchestra is an integral part of that cultural fabric. In today's increasingly mobile society, we make choices about where we will live. And jobs are only part of what attracts people to live in a certain area. I moved back to Detroit after 25 years in Southern California. Frankly, if the DSO disbands and we are left without a world-class orchestra, I will rethink my commitment to this area. To many of us, culture isn't a luxury; rather, it's a necessity.

We are in a "bite-the-bullet" period. Our automobile industry - primary sponsors of our cultural institutions - nearly disappeared. Michigan, along with many other states (witness Wisconsin) are having to make some very difficult budgetary choices. If we are to get through this period and survive, much less prosper, tremendous sacrifices will have to be made. I plead to the DSO management and the musicians alike to settle this labor dispute before it's too late - for all of us.

Thomas E. Page