Published: September 27, 2007 11:18 pm      

Our Readers Speak — September 28, 2007

Make feelings clear about black fly spraying



I noticed an article in the newspaper detailing a renewed effort by environmentalists to curtail the black fly spraying program. They release statements saying they’re not asking for much, just a moratorium.

My dictionary defines the word moratorium as “an authorization to delay payment.” So apparently, having suffered a failed lawsuit to block the spray program in the past, these individuals now intend to use the ploy of convincing the government to not fund the program for some length of time.

Our elected representatives worked hard to obtain funding for this program and our government has been diligent in supplying the money year after year. It is pretty common knowledge that our government has a policy of “if you don’t use it, you lose it.” It is my contention that if a moratorium is imposed, the funding for this program could be jeopardized or even eliminated. Those opposed to the spray program are smart enough to know this and are hoping against hope that by using this tactic they will cause funding to disappear for black fly spraying.

I love our environment also, and I insist that the most important element of our environment is people. I am extremely happy to see my tax money being used in a manner that alleviates suffering and enhances enjoyment of the outdoors for the people.

I beseech those of you who are in favor of keeping this black fly spraying program in effect to make your feelings known loud and clear.

No moratorium, please!



Edward H. Lively

Hinton



Family’s heritage turns into a nightmare



My local paper, The Ledger, published an editorial titled, “Stop Decapitating Mountains,” concerning the possibility of expansion of mountaintop removal in Appalachia.

This subject is dear to my heart. My sister is currently in West Virginia trying to address water issues on a homestead that has been in our family since the 1800s. The primary drinking water was a large spring down from the house. People from miles around came to fill up containers of that water, cold and clear, which filtered down from the top of the mountain.

This is drinkable no more. The well used for non-drinking purposes has turned so filthy that it is actually unusable for washing dishes or hair.

There was always a coal mine farther back into the hollow from the house, but the destruction began when the strip-mining started a few years ago. What was destroyed was the natural water flow, the animal habitat and the culverts and drains carrying the rain water away from the home. The latter has been decimated by the constant truck passage and the tonnage of coal they carry. That and the damage done to the running creek in front of the house by the West Virginia turnpike authority has turned our heritage into a nightmare.

No government figure will respond to requests to pipe water in, open up the creek or fix the damage caused by King Coal. It is no wonder that the population of West Virginia goes down.

When the elders, who will not leave their dreams of a paradise long ago, die off, there will be few that care. I know why the American Indian cried when his land was destroyed.



Linda Campbell

Lakeland, Fla.