I have been trying to figure out what the clamor over this shipment of PCBs is all about. It is made to sound as if there has been a sinister military plot to bring this equipment to Pell City for processing. Exactly how does anyone plan to sneak seven million pounds of PCB-contaminated equipment anywhere?Where have all these people been? TCI has been processing PCB-contaminated material for some time now in Pell City. Is there something special about these "Military PCBs"? The equipment that the military must dispose of is no different in this case than any public utility or other organizations that have PCB-contaminated electrical transformers to dispose of.
This equipment must be processed somewhere, why not Pell City? Is the senator, The Anniston Star, or anyone in the public concerned about the equipment that was processed yesterday, last year or even today?
This area has had to deal with the effects of PCBs on human health and community spirit. It appears to me that this information is reactionary and inflammatory. What value is it to the public interest? PCBs are coming to Pell City; they have already arrived, if not by the military, then by someone else.
The time for concern would have been prior to allowing TCI to open up for business. At least we have a TCI and other legitimate facilities to assist in the proper clean-up and disposal of this waste.
Is there need for concern? Certainly there is. However, let us direct and focus this concern on insuring that our government and required regulatory agencies are doing their jobs.
Mark D. Voorhest
Anniston
Shuttle tragedy
Shock and grief are, of course, the first response that we humans have when tragedies occur, such as the terrible deaths of the brave astronauts who died aboard Columbia. Let us grieve, we need to; but then we need to examine the voting records of our congressional representatives and understand that Congress had adequate warning about safety concerns with the shuttle more than a year ago.It would also be in the best interest of all Americans to examine the White House response to the information that it had about those safety concerns. We must grieve, but we must hold those responsible for tax money spent on U.S. citizens’ safety in the space program, as well as the security of citizens anywhere in this country.
We bow our heads, now, as is right. As those directly responsible for the dispersal of tax monies that should have been spent to prevent this tragedy, let them bow their heads in shame.
Elvin K. Price
Lincoln
Veterans assistance
At a time when veterans are fighting for the things they were promised, it is nice to know that there is help available. I am hearing from more and more veterans who are frustrated with the VA system and the way it seems to be the first target for cuts each year.Lots of Veterans are in need of assistance in filing claims and getting clarification on issues such as the Veterans Homes and medical eligibility.
As your paper reported recently, there are people in the community to assist in claims.
I would like to add some other names and numbers for claims and other veterans assistance. The State Department of Veterans Affairs is at 1702 Noble St.
Call them at (256) 241-2950. They are open Monday-Friday. Assistance for claims, VA Home Loans, widow’s benefits and all other veterans issues are handled in that office.
Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #502 has two certified claims officers, and they work claims Monday-Saturday.
You can reach them by calling Virgil Bright at (256) 358-0365 and Joanie Stoner at (256) 782-2999. All of this assistance is free.
Ken Rollins
Oxford
