In Tony Sheridan’s guest commentary in the June 26 edition, “Coast Guard Museum site has broad support,” we’re told the National Coast Guard Museum’s location is “settled.” Wade Hyslop, in his June 14 commentary, informs the “misguided few” that the debate “is over.”

These commentaries suggest that the matter of rising oceans, future hurricanes of the 1938 or Sandy magnitude, the need for permitting by the state environmental agency and approval from the Federal Emergency Management Agency are also "settled."

Having been present a number of years ago at the Fort Trumbull festivities announcing the National Coast Guard Museum, I’ve been taken aback by the shift to downtown. Some say the Kelo decision gave the Coast Guard cold feet since they didn’t want to be tarred with that brush (even though the museum plot had no relationship to Kelo). Then the Coast Guard tried to purchase part of Riverside Park that abuts the Coast Guard Academy as a possible museum site. Nice idea, but New London voters shot that idea down. Shortly thereafter, New London decided they “loved” the Coast Guard and put up a few window signs in the railroad station saying so. Heartwarming. The next thing we know, a tiny hidden plot of flood plain becomes a terrific idea.

The artist’s rendering accompanying Sheridan’s letter shows the “glass menagerie” on a somewhat elevated site. Interesting. If we are to accept what the “many talented designers, planners, and engineers” have proposed, one has to ponder how many millions of dollars will be required for site work to build a foundation. Add that to the cost of the pedestrian bridge and you now have an accumulated waste of approximately one-third of the total museum cost. None of this would be necessary at Fort Trumbull.

The argument that ferries, trains, buses, and autos traveling through New London’s transportation center will bring multitudes of museum visitors is just plain silly. There’s a name for those folks: “Commuters.” This argument would assume passengers deplaning at Bradley head for The New England Air Museum. Highly unlikely.

The National Coast Guard Museum Foundation, Council of Governments, and numerous state, local and federal political leaders have dug their heels in because they’ve painted themselves into a corner and now don’t want to admit their folly. Lately, they’ve unleashed their Dobermans to scold the many area residents who have questioned the proposed location and to suggest that those who don’t go along with their highly suspect plan puts the project in jeopardy.

I’m not without sympathy for downtown merchants and businesses who hope to benefit from the museum, however, they are being sold a bill of goods regarding regional traffic. They’ve been resilient through decades of magic shows offered up to “save” New London.

I have received dozens of unsolicited comments from fellow retired Coast Guard officers, including those of flag rank, supporting the position outlined in my April 29 letter to The Day.

Not surprisingly, I haven’t heard any support for the downtown site. So, as “misguided” as the many people who have voiced opposition are, I would hope the powers that be would stop talking down at us.

Neil D. Ruenzel is the former director of communications for Electric Boat. He lives in East Lyme.