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Proponents of wind are sold on the idea that wind power and other “renewables” will eventually power our economic engine to new heights of GDP, with benefits for all. We really do not have to change our life styles, as we will merely substitute renewables for non-renewables.
Throw in “green” jobs, payment of money to leasers, tax breaks and incentives for developers, taxes for local governments, etc., as well as constant PR propaganda, and you have a public generally convinced of the good behind this industry. Gas, coal, and nuclear are all lumped together as undesirable alternatives for producing electricity.
Furthermore, if you oppose wind because your health and happiness, as well as that of your loved ones, might be affected by nearby turbines, then you are labeled a NIMBY. If you complain of noise or light flicker affecting your health afterwards, then you are spreading falsehoods, are a hypochondriac, or are delusional.
The wind industry and their propagandists will tell you that there is no evidence of noise or light flicker affecting the health of anyone living near these machines, dismissing studies and complaints to the contrary.
Like a ticking clock, these devices could not possibly be keeping you awake at night! If they are correct, why are there no wind developers, politicians, or county commissioners living next to industrial wind turbines?
I have been told that a few residents on Backbone Mountain must suffer for the needs of the many who receive clean, renewable electricity, and what about all those “green” jobs!
In fact, I read that Constellation estimated that there would be two, full-time permanent jobs for their project on Backbone Mountain! According to County Administrator Pagenhardt, the county should get $1 million yearly in utility tax revenues, a whopping 1 percent of the county budget.
Proponents will also argue that even if wind replaces not a single coal-fired power plant, it does contribute something to the grid and helps with the increasing demand for electricity.
Little do they consider that if we try to maintain or increase our per capita consumption of energy, there will never be enough, as our population continues to grow exponentially drawing upon limited resources. Just a 1 percent growth rate means a doubling every 70 years!
Until we deal with the real issue of “growth,” we will never find a solution to the energy crisis, or any other crisis for that matter.
J. Edward Gates
Frostburg
Letters
We must deal with ‘growth,’ or energy crisis will never end
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Besides, they’re not interested in dental health
Dear Governor:
I am writing to thank you for your leadership in the recently called special legislative session to avoid the Doomsday budget. -
Here’s why he prefers the school he’s now attending
School is boring but we all have to go, so choose your school carefully. I attend a Christian school because I don’t have to listen to people cussing, teachers and some class mates are caring, and I’m learning about Christ.
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Friends Aware grateful for support of public, legislators
Friends Aware Inc. would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank Sen. George Edwards, Delegates Wendell Beitzel, Kevin Kelly and LeRoy Myers and the members of the Allegany County Commissioners for their support of our organization in the awarding of $250,000 through a state bond bill.
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They’re not bad; they just want the same rights
Quite frankly I’m sick of the constant bashing of same sex marriage, I’m a heterosexual with enough morals and common sense to see that what the gay community’s asking for isn’t anymore then basic equal rights.
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Sounds like communism didn’t work out too well for them
I read with interest R. Steele Selby’s letter of May 18 (”It may be that God would prefer communism”). I will limit myself to commenting on just one of his arguments.
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Day of Caring, Sharing proves he was right to move here
Being part of 2012 Caring and Sharing (I painted the entrance area at the Gilchrest Center) was yet another example of why Cumberland was the right place to relocate when I retired last summer.
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Will having a casino really be of benefit to Allegany County?
The idea of the county to have a casino may sound glamorous and exciting, but will it really help the economy of the area?
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Their goal is common good, not personal gain
At his request, I am responding to Arthur Squires’ commentary, “She believes despite evidence to the contrary” (May 17 Times-News).
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Common sense says: One high school and a VA hospital
First we build a hospital we did not need in place of two good hospitals. Now the architects tell us we should tear down the former Sacred Hospital to build a new high school we do not need. (“New Allegany architects: Tear it down — all of it,” May 9 Times-News, Page 1A)
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Historic Cemetery Organization sets Memorial Day activities
Once again members of the Cumberland Historic Cemetery Organization are decorating hundreds of our designated or protected grave sites for the Memorial Day season.
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Besides, they’re not interested in dental health
