READER’S EDITORIAL: THE BUZZ OVER POWERLINK--WHY WE SHOULD SUPPORT WORKERS ON THE LINE
By Michelle Mann, Boulevard
“In a time of economic fallout it is nice that there are still jobs for good hard working Americans. That is what these guys are that are out building the power line.”
March 19, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) -- It is amazing to hear all the buzz about this new power line going in. It is astonishing how many people are trying to sabotage this project and oppose it. I would like to see all those people who are making such a stink about this project turn their power off. The only reason why these guys are out here building the power line is to provide power to those that are complaining.
If you don't like it so much then turn off your power. Make it so there is less of a need and then maybe they wouldn't have to put them in. These people who are complaining are the same people that would be the 1st ones to complain if the power did go out in the middle of the night. Line work is an extremely dangerous job and we should support those who are out working in the line, not trying to jeopardize their safety.
In a time of economic fallout it is nice that there are still jobs for good hard working Americans. That is what these guys are that are out building the power line.
The time and place for trying to get this type of project stopped is in the planning stage, not when people are out trying to work hard on the line and support families. They are also living here in your local community supporting your local businesses. Think about all the businesses that are being support grocery stores, gas stations, laundry mats, movie theaters, and restaurants.
I do agree that we need to protect wildlife but at the same time we have to be realistic in that idea. I think there has to be a balance. In the summer I work for the Grand Teton National Park and I fully agree with protecting wildlife. But at the same time I understand that people need power and people need jobs. I think there can be a balance. Yes we should try and protect as much wildlife as we can while building for our futures; that is why SDG&E have hired an abundance of wildlife monitors. They are there to do their jobs as well and I don't think they need your help.
You want to help and make a positive impact. Try driving a hybrid; oh wait all the energy that comes to build one comes from dirty coal plants. Try turning off your power; oh wait, then that would make your life a little harder. Try getting others to reduce their power consumption. Try being a better lobbyist when things like this are up for vote. This is obviously a needed resource so stop being so petty.
I think that instead of trying to make these guy's job any harder we should support them. The sooner they can get their work done the sooner they can be out of the area and on to the next job. Putting stuff like this up only prolongs the job and prolongs the expose to the wildlife and the residence. Sometimes it is worth sucking it up and staying out of other people's business so a job can get done.
The opinions expressed in this editorial reflect the views of its author and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine. To submit an editorial for consideration, contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org.