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Taunts Not
Justified
To the Editor:
At the risk of reducing myself to a level frowned upon by both by upbringing and the most basic precepts of commom courtesy, I would like to respond to some of the taunts and misinformation so vehemently put forth in Mr. Powers’ letter of last week.
First, what exactly must one do to pass that imaginary barrier from boyhood to manhood? Obviously getting an education and becoming a doctor, a lawyer, a journalist or selfmade businessman does not fit Mr. Powers’ lofty criteria.
Second, what “clique” is it that has such power over these respected individuals? Could it be the clique of Rappahannock natives and landowners that have a valid concern for their lands and the environment? Or could it simply be the clique of people who remember a time when cyclamates and dioxins were considered perfectly safe and cigarette packs did not carry warning labels?
Third, in reference to land values, does Mr. Powers honestly believe that a piece of land located next to a farm that hasyegular sludge applications would bring as much in the market as a piece of property that is nowhere near any sludge applied land? If so, then the property next to the Warrenton Sewer Plant that Mr. ► Powers referred to must surely be the most valuable parcel in the state. And speaking of that sewer plant, no I don’t think that the the stench it emits keeps people from going to work but I also doubt it encourages many commuters to stop and srpell th(? roses in that particular area. Also, if, as Mr. Powers alleges, there is such a demand for sludge application in other areas, why then do we need to open our unspoiled county to it?
Lastly, I must ask why is it that important issues here in the county cannot be discussed in a civilized manner without rancor and thinly veiled insults? It is no wonder that so few people are willing to give their input at the various public hearings held on different issues throughout the year. Why should they, when they know that they are opening themselves up to unwarranted criticism from others who fail to accept any viewpoint other than their own.
I don’t think that any of us have all the answers to any particular issue which is why public hearings and sharing of opinions are necessary. I may not agree with Mr. Powers or others who are supportive of sludge application but I am at least willing to listen to their arguments. Is it to much to ask that they extend the same courtesy to others?
JAMES E. SWINDLER II
Sperryville
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