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The Forum:

I won't stand on the side of fanaticism

To the Editor on Dec. 4:

I have sat back and watched this whole thing unfolding over the last months and beyond, unsure of how to approach it or think about it. I have done some research and can find information that supports both sides of the overall argument, as well as information like in the letter here in the forum that makes it clear that there are just as many other dangers to the lake from other business ventures. To argue that point though is futile, as both sides feel strongly about what they believe and I applaud them for their persistence to stand behind what they believe.

What I really want to address is the protest itself. I have never been one to shy away from a debate over something I feel strongly about, I have done so several times right here on this very website, but what I do not really understand is this constant disrespect for the town and the law. I understand civil disobedience and the need for it when human rights are being violated or unjustly withheld, but at this point I believe the protesters are working against themselves. If they want the support of the local community as a whole they need to take a different approach. They have managed to make it appear they are fanatical and obsessed. To those of us who have jobs and can not spend our days in jail or hanging out by Crestwood, who can’t afford to miss a day of work even for a cause we strongly believe in, they look like bored, rich people who need a cause to feel they are accomplishing something. If I took off 15 days to sit in jail, I would probably lose my house, definitely my job.

And as for the jail sentences, I do not believe they should be getting shorter sentences, even the older people. They knew what they were facing when they broke the law; they should pay the price that comes with it. If you do not want to do the time, do not break the law. It might be different if they were unaware of what the sentence was, but they did it knowing full well what the consequences are. By lowering their sentence they can make their unlawful statement and get their press time without the consequences. This will only encourage more people to waste the time of our officers and the court, knowing they will not have to do the time. There are so many more lawful and effective ways to get the point across without looking so crazy.

They have essentially alienated the average person by being extremists. Have rallies, circulate petitions, write the government -- but stop these ridiculous tactics, please. They have lost their impact and are just getting lamer by the day. At this point the lawmakers are not taking you seriously; your actions are too far out there.

Like I said, I do not know where I truly stand on the issue. I have a feeling it is somewhere in the middle as I do not have all the facts. It's like building a prison no one wants it in their town, but they know it needs to go somewhere. Everyone wants the product but no one wants to think about how or where it comes from. But I also do not want anything unsafe to endanger the community and people I share time and space with. As a healthcare professional I understand there may be risks associated, but what are they, and how do they compare to the risks the multitude of people who are still smoking take on knowingly? What are the actual risks of an explosion? How often does it happen in other storage facilities, etc.?

No matter where I stand, though, it is definitely not on the side of fanaticism. If you decide to wage a war that involves lawful endeavors and impartial information dissemination, I would not mind learning more, but I have heard enough preaching and therefore wash my hands of the subject like everyone else who chooses not to have an opinion rather than be associated with the subject or group.

In the meantime, I will focus my energy on fighting for the education opportunities the children in this community need, trying to stop or delay Common Core, addressing the Gap Elimination Adjustment so our districts can try and survive, and putting my feelings out there about how the schools in this community can provide the most effective and best chances for our children to learn and grow. Oh, and I left my title on here so you could see I’m educated as well as opinionated.

Christy Rumsey, RN, MSN-Education