The current social, political and economic climate provides us with an incredibly long list of things to be worried and contemplative about … a pending war, the economy, health issues, terrorism, violence … on into the night. But a candlelight vigil for a tree?

Just this week an old elm tree at Eighth and Vermont streets was cut down after apparently becoming a victim of Dutch elm disease. One can understand why people would want to demonstrate against injustices of a major nature, such as war policies, the underprivileged and mistreatment of people anywhere. But while there might be some trees somewhere on the globe that merit deep spiritual contemplation, vigils and prayer, this one is not it.

It matters not whether the downed elm was beautiful or ugly, or even old. The evidence is that it was infected with an ailment that some years ago wiped out about a third of the local elm population — at least a third, perhaps more. Dutch elm disease got a deep grip on things here some 40 years ago and has been a menace ever since.

Some elms have survived, of course, but they remain allergic to infection. If the tree at Eighth and Vermont happened to have the problem, it could spread to others of its kind and even more elms would be lost. The risk was greater than the loss of the tree.

It is not difficult to become attached to a tree, shrub or flowerbed that one creates and nurtures and helps struggle to beauty and maturity. Many of us have done that, and have felt great pain when there has been decimation or loss. And while there may be local “historic” trees and plantings of note, the elm at Eighth and Vermont was certainly not among them.

Further, it is highly doubtful any of the demonstrators in this case had anything to do with planting the tree or an awareness of its early trials and tribulations. They know only that it was a big tree they happened to take a fancy to, and that there was a handy cause to be pursued. Are we that hard up for crusades anymore?

It is quite difficult to take too seriously the comment by one opponent of the tree-razing who commented: “If you believe in the spirit of living things, it (the tree) seemed to be reaching out for glory to all the world.” That’s quite a stretch even for someone with deep love of the earth and its accouterments. How many, seriously, stopped to contemplate the outreach of the old elm?

Another observer commented, “I think we need a place to pray for peace more than we need a paved parking lot.” Did any of the recent peace and justice demonstrations center around the tree at Eighth and Vermont? It seems demonstrators have found countless other venues at which to express their feelings — most of them much more public and visible than the tree site at Eighth and Vermont, where detractors of the Borders book store still have not relented in their opposition.

Comments and displeasure and opposition about the downed tree are understandable and acceptable. But a candlelight vigil for a tree and an alleged parking lot where people would gather to pray for peace? Sounds like a dog that won’t hunt.

There really are a lot more important issues to get worked up about, particularly at this time in our history.