A particularly mean-spirited letter to the editor (July 8) suggests that those who oppose the incinerator should move somewhere else and asks, “Why stay here complaining, whining and being a nuisance to others?”What a peevish, and odd, thing to say in view of the results of the recent survey taken by the prestigious George Bush School of Government and Public Policy at Texas A&M University, which revealed that a majority of the residents of Calhoun County oppose incineration.
The writer thus appears to be suggesting that the majority should move to some other place to live. This would cut the population of America’s worst city by more than one half. Is that what she wants?
I believe we can do better than snipe at each other in such an ugly way. First, we need to recognize that we all want the weapons destroyed as soon as it can safely be done. Next, we must see to it that the maximum protection we have a right to by federal law is in place before destruction begins, for surely even those who favor incineration also support maximum safety for our children and all the rest of us.
Third, we must educate ourselves about “chop ‘n drop,” the plan to cut up gelled rockets and burn them in a single furnace. Once we understand what chop ‘n drop means, the rest is conjecture.
My best guess is that the vast majority will then agree that the only way to safely destroy the stockpile is by retrofitting the incinerator for an advanced alternative that will not be allowed to have toxic emissions (unlike the incinerator) and that will not subject us to the dangers the National Research Council warned against in categorically rejecting the principles of chop ‘n drop.
After all, why did they build four separate furnaces in the first place, if not specifically to avoid such things as chop ‘n drop?
Whatever happens, let us all decide now, as responsible citizens and neighbors who love our community and wish to continue living here together, not to say to each other counterproductive, insulting things that can be taken personally.
Rufus Kinney
Jacksonville
Paying for online
I read the article, “The Star’s online access to be available by subscription,” and frankly I could not believe it! It is just another way for The Anniston Star to get all the money they can get. You don’t see other major newspapers that are far better than The Anniston Star, like the Birmingham newspapers, charging for their Internet services! When will this stop? I have worked at The Anniston Star and I can tell you firsthand that their money does not go to the workers. In fact, they have a freeze on all the raises right now.
I know this will not get published, but I felt the need to speak out!
Jennifer Kilgore
Anniston
Thanks
I would like to thank those generous people in your lovely state, Alabama, who sent me information regarding food, lodging and family activities. Thank you for your time and prompt consideration.Jonathan Stroud
8th Grade Student
Washington Manor Middle School
San Leandro, Calif.
