Matt Creamer’s article applauding EPA’s decision to allow the incinerator to burn PCBs, sounded more like an Army press release than a news story. The article said, “Under federal law these incinerators are required to destroy 99.9999 percent of the PCBs, which are regarded as a probable carcinogen by the EPA.” Yet, the article failed to mention that the Army plans to destroy almost 20,000 gelled M55 rockets, which contain PCBs in the deactivation furnace, which has a destruction rate one hundred times lower than the level Mr. Creamer quoted.Mr. Creamer quoted David Baker, the head of Community Against Pollution, as saying that he is comfortable with (the incinerator) at this point.” Yet, Mr. Creamer failed to tell The Star’s readers that Mr. Baker and CAP are paid outside consultants to FEMA to the tune of $88,000. No wonder Mr. Baker is now “comfortable” with the Army’s plan to emit more of the PCBs that CAP has spent the last several years fighting against.
Finally, buried at the end of the story, is a quick mention that the agent trial burns have once again been delayed by the Army until December. It is mighty strange that The Star would only mention this development in passing. For years The Star has screamed about the need to destroy the stockpile as quickly as possible, regardless of whether Calhoun County has any safety measures in place. Yet, The Star finds the Army’s latest delay not to be worth a headline.
What’s next? Who knows. But if you read The Star, you are only going to get the Army’s side of the story.
Julie A. Gray
Anniston
Burn it now
I plan to vote for Gov. Don Siegelman and my present commissioner this fall, however, if the governor persists in delaying the incineration of the deadly chemicals stored at the Anniston Army Depot then I shall vote otherwise. It makes much more sense to rid our area of these chemicals, which have depreciated our property probably as much as 25 to 40 percent, and get on with some sensible problems. The governor should get a restraining order on the sale of alcohol and tobacco products, which cause our citizens much more harm than destroying weapons that most reasonable people feel would be safe.
If the governor feels he must do something to get votes in Calhoun County and also force the federal government to give us $40 million then let it be spent wisely. Give this money to our elementary schools. The money could be spent to build better and safer schools.
They could also upgrade security around the depot and Pelham range to keep terrorists out.
Terrorists are probably a bigger threat to the security of our citizens than the burning of the chemical weapons. Dollars seem to worry our governor and present commission more than doing what is best for our citizens and county.
Getting rid of the stockpile of obsolete weapons would greatly enhance the Southeast and the rest of the country.
Allen Hudson
Ohatchee
Let freedom ring
Perish the thought! I confess asking on 25 June. “Is this trip back to the polls necessary?” With Independence Day approaching, I cast a ballot and sported an “I Voted” sticker for having done so. I deserved a reprimand for initial cynicism.Pealing of the nation’s cracked Liberty Bell symbolizes fragile freedoms that we enjoy. Four highlighted by FDR are freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. Free speech is also echoed by our swashbuckling commander-in-chief. Hopefully it will be perpetuated by his administration.
The Democratic-Republican Party, led by the drafter of the Declaration of Independence, was founded on ideals that are still widely accepted.
Thus, Independence Day memorializes an idealist who was more a political philosopher than a practical statesman. He and his old rival, John Adams, died on July 4, l826, on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Twin daughters entered my household on July 4, l957. I trust that they and their children will ever cherish Thomas Jefferson’s profound belief in human capacity for progress.
John A Vanderford
Jacksonville
