Discussions promoted by the recent comments on this blog go right to the heart of a troubling trend in the U.S. that, seemingly, will never have answers. Until an issue surfaces that affects you, personally, citizens will maintain a do nothing approach. I have been as guilty of this as anyone.
BUT...this issue affects me, my loved ones and my neighbors. I did not want to become involved. The City of Buckhannon and Upshur County (and the long history of events that have led to the current debacle) has forced someone to take a lead. I don't ask for your or anyone else's sympathy. I only ask that those in power do what is right. It is their responsibility to first, protect the citizens that voted them into office.
Our neighborhood has congealed in a way that makes me quite proud. My neighbors have demonstrated effort that has renewed my hope in the U.S. democratic right to assemble and protest against what is seen as unjust.
The local government has failed in its promise for transparency. This blog is the result of that neglect.
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2 comments:
I hope you speak of your own comments. You know the ones that go straight to the heart. The trend in this country that continues to rise is that of the people who like to complain.
You are right when you say that people do nothing until it affects them. I am as guilty as you. Except, I am on the other side of the fence. You want me and others to understand your point, so you need to try to understand mine.
This issue effects me, and my loved ones. If Weatherford decides to pull out of Buckhannon that effects me and my family. Sure, they will work in Upshur County but they don't have to have a permanent location here.
Here is my background. Just to give you a bit of an understanding. My husband drove 75 miles per day to work for the past 9 years. He worked full time until they cut his hours and many many others to just 3 days per week. We could barely afford for him to go to work, let alone pay our bills. He landed a WONDERFUL job with Weatherford, which he LOVES. We would be extremely upset if he continues to have to travel a great distance each day to work, because the company decides to move elsewhere.
I don't want to hear you say: "Weatherford won't go anywhere else because Buckhannon is where the money is". Unless you work for them or have spoken to an official person don't make that assumption.
About my comments concerning Dave Cooks store. They are totally relevant to the point. I was told by the Mayor himself, that Mr. Cook's main concern is the health of the community. HELLO!!! Wake up, something is wrong here. If I had to take a guess, I would say that approx. 50% of the people that are opposed to the silos are smokers. So, Mr. Cook and others are selling cigarettes, a cancer causing source to the same people that say they are concerned about lung and respiratory illness. Those same people are more than likley lighting up in an enclosed area or somewhere around their children or someone elses children. So, now they are exposing others to there smoke. HHmmmmm.....That is one of the top causes of cancer. And, that isn't to mention the ones that are also drinking or gambling. Which effects the community and their families. If you look at the big picture you will see that these people are just following your lead. And as for Mr. Cook, he is the biggest hipocrit this county has ever seen or dealt with, and you don't even see it.
When I spoke with the Mayor he informed me that Mr. Cook was now complaining about the Head Start access road. Because, my understanding from the Mayor is that traffic would be diverted away from his business.
In closing, I am very passionate about my stand on this issue, as you are as well. I just think that people should hear both sides and decide for themselves. Not follow someone elses lead because they think they have to.
I read Mark Lewis' post. Mr. Lewis, in case you missed my earlier post, I have contacted the EPA and CDC concerning this issue. I spoke with 3 people at the EPA and was told that they do not even require air quality testing for silica. And the CDC told me that from what they could find there has been no increase in lung or respiratory illness in towns where these same silos have been placed. Just in case you missed it. :)
I can now understand your personal dilemma Mrs.pgd. Sure, an entire established community should make the sacrifice for the convenience of your family. My question to you is why would your family choose to live in Buckhannon for the past 9 years while your husband has to drive that far to work? Would you consider that there are many of Buckhannon citizens that drive much further distances to work, but they choose to live here?
Also, in your investigations, you might want to go to more reliable sources than the mayor, one who speaks with forked tongue! And, I sugguest that you investigate the connection between the EPA and the oil and gas industries (namely Halliburton). Or, you could check out www.texaskaos.com and further understand citizen protection.
Furthermore, let's put the issues of the cigarettes, alcohol, and gambling in the proper place of the state and federal gov't, not in the city gov't. These items are sold at every store!! They, also, are personal choices.
You will save yourself time if you focus on the topic.
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