Choosing to disagree
Sun Journal, www.sunjournal.com 21 January 2011
The editorial of Jan. 16, “Opponents want to drape turbines in more red tape,” was very disturbing to citizens who believe they have the right to disagree with a plan for Maine which they’ve found to be poorly crafted.
Yes, former Gov. John Baldacci wanted to get rid of red tape for the wind lobby. It was job security: He hopes to work in the renewable energy field. It was protection for his friends: They’ll make millions from taxpayers’ dollars. They’d suffered a loss at Redington. The wind lobby wanted to make sure that didn’t happen again.
It worked. How many wind developers have been denied a permit since that time?
The Sun Journal expects people to feel bad for Angus King. Has he truly spent $5 million, or could that be the triggering number to ensure he receives government subsidies? Before submitting his revised application, he said that stack of paperwork represented $2 million. If the editorial writer is going to quote such high numbers, those figures should be verified.
Does the Sun Journal not want concerned, informed Mainers to oppose a misguided and terribly expensive plan because the developer made a poor judgment call – investing in something which is viable only due to the government’s largesse with taxpayer money? Rob Gardiner stated in a 2009 Highland meeting that wind energy couldn’t exist without huge subsidies, and wouldn’t support itself.
I have limited sympathy for wealthy individuals who are selling Maine’s “quality of place” in order to fill their pockets with taxpayers’ money. Independent Mainers are determined to see common sense rule the day.
I’m disappointed that the Sun Journal chose to castigate Mainers for trying to work within the system established for us, especially when we truly believe this wind energy plan is a colossal mistake, maybe even a scam.
We weren’t allowed to have a “say” before the government foisted an expensive, dangerous plan on Maine. When citizens researched the facts about industrial wind, it was found that wind’s paltry benefits were greatly overshadowed by huge negative impacts.
Regular citizens have been trying to educate others through informational meetings and by sharing resources, distributing literature and talking to neighbors. Knowledge is power, and power is something our industry-controlled government is taking away from people.
By manipulating Gov. Paul LePage’s desire to cut red tape, the Sun Journal is hoping he and the Legislature will disregard protective bills when they come up for votes. How shameful.
The wind lobby and its media supporters are getting worried. Mainers are known for staring down bullies and doing what is smart.
Karen Pease, Lexington Township
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/01/21/choosing-to-disagree/