Used to be less acrimonious
Recently, a Juneau friend called and before our conversation ended he referred to what Juneauites call environmentalists: CAVE people (Citizens Against Virtually Everything). Isn't that also applicable to Haines?
Read your letters to the editor column and you find the same old redundant bunch, singing the same old superfluous diatribe, "Government is against me!" I would suggest to these malcontents that there are three ways out of this valley. Perhaps, they could build an ark, load it with trees and mountain goats and go in search of their Utopia, where there are no planes, carcinogens, mining and logging activities, and tourists. Any form of détente is futile and nonproductive. Their motto should read, "My way or the highway!"
Formulating and implementing public policy is tedious. Trust me, I have been there. For the 10 residents you placate, twice as many hold you in contempt for your action. However, these feelings appear short-lived and life moves on. Never forget, we live in the greatest nation in the world where majority rules.
In conclusion, I must say you are a crafty bunch. Your doctrine that in numbers there is strength is plausible. However, I wonder how many people feel like I do, but have not publicly expressed such.
Haines was a beautiful place to be raised in the 1940-50s. I do not recall the acrimony that is so prevalent today. Several of us from that era have discussed the advent of the extreme environmentalist; however, that is another story.
A happy holiday season to all!
Ronald K Sparks
Haines