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SENATOR HENRY JACKSON of the State of Washington flabbergasted a syndicated columnist by asserting that “land use”—in all its many ramifications, from growth controls to development, from conservation to housing—is the biggest problem facing modern Americans, and will probably develop into the biggest political issue of the decade.
The columnist confessed that he was skeptical of this Jassertion, but that after he had studied data about Senator Jackson’s national land use planning legislation, he concluded that the appraisal was indeed correct.
Well, we welcome the columnist to the fold. That “land use” is a leading issue of the day has been known for quite some time by Rappahannock citizens and officials—and so has it among our hapless neighbors, who have beem more sorely pressed by the forces of “growth” and “progress.”
And it’s hard to think of an issue that is more controversial. Land use proposals inspire debate because they seem to conflict with some deep and basic convictions Americans have about owning property, and using their own property.
Historically, it has been possible up to now to allow for a “frontier ethic” of anything (almost) goes. But as population continues to rise and as it becomes increasingly obvious that even in the vastness of America there is a limit to,the land, the old attitude of “I own it and I’ll do what I please with it” has got to give.
IT DOESN’T HAVE TO be thrown out entirely, but where one man’s “right” encroaches on his neighbors, or on his community, then it is time for a new look at old traditions.
Perhaps the^issue isn’t %11 that controversial, viewed in that light. For, after all, even Americans who fancy themselves as “rugged individualists” also take pride in being good citizens. And what better definition of citizenship than concern for neighbors and community? □
4-H trip is planned
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