‘Cap and trade’ deserves support
We were disappointed to read Brandt Hershman’s letter (Pharos-Tribune, Oct 4) urging the public’s vote against cap and trade legislation.
It is not “dangerous legislation that will harm the United States economy far more than it will help the world’s ecological condition.” It is, rather, a bill with quantitative limits on air pollution that will spur American innovation, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, improve energy conservation and motivate us to join a trillion-dollar industry.
Sen. Hershman’s concern that the bill will increase the cost of living for Hoosiers by $1,600 per year is based on projections. Truth is, over the years nearly every environmental regulation has resulted in costs significantly less than projected, while benefits were higher. We tend not to give America’s entrepreneurial spirit and innovative creativity enough credit. A few decades ago, automotive manufacturers were mandated to install catalytic converters on all new vehicles for the sake of cleaner air.
The Big Three said it would be their demise. It wasn’t. Costs were significantly less than projected, and our vehicle emissions were improved.
Hershman’s statement that the ecological implications will be “minimal, at best, if the U.S. is the only participant” is interesting. The bill includes a provision for the president to impose a carbon tariff on imports. Given the reliance on American dollars by countries such as China, if we implement cap and trade, we will likely see adoption of the practice worldwide, resulting in broad scale ecological improvements. And there is abundant evidence that other industrialized nations, including China, have moved or are moving ahead with their own clean energy standards and technologies, putting U.S. efforts foolishly behind.
If we miss the opportunity we have with the current energy bill, we miss the stimulus we need to join China, Germany, Japan and others in developing and manufacturing the green energies of tomorrow; we miss what scientists tell us is a crucial, time-limited opportunity to act on behalf of the planet.
And if cap and trade is not fair to Hoosiers, what is? Business as usual, where we remain the sixth highest consumer of fossil fuels and the second highest consumer of coal? Forbes Magazine rated Indiana 49th among states in terms of “toxic waste, lots of pollution and consumption with no clear plans to do anything about it.”
Yes, contact Senators Bayh and Lugar as Mr. Hershman suggests, but with strong support for the energy bill. Help get Indiana on a green path.
Joe and Lee Scheidler
Logansport
Why don’t farmers allow deer hunting?
To all the farmers around Indiana: There is a problem in our counties with deer .Why won’t you let deer hunters on your land to hunt? I have been hunting since i was 16 years old. Now that I’m unemployed, this is how I will feed my family again this year.
I only kill what i can use to feed my family every year. There are a few of us that don't destroy the land left . I don’t use tree pegs. I sit on the ground and hunt.
I’d like to know why. If it’s because you don’t like deer hunters or what.
Fred Reid
Camden
Opinion
Public forum, Oct. 6
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Putting our best foot forward
Projects to enhance Logansport’s curb appeal for visitors are coming together. The community owes a debt of gratitude to the hard-working volunteers who made these projects happen.
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Public forum
Letters of up to 400 words may be submitted to Public Forum, Pharos-Tribune, 517 E. Broadway, Logansport IN 46947. The email address is publicforum@pharostribune.com, and the fax number is 574-732-5070.
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Taking the cow to school
Managing editor Kelly Hawes says a recent highly publicized prank shows the quality of kids in Logansport.
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Public forum
Letters of up to 400 words may be submitted to Public Forum, Pharos-Tribune, 517 E. Broadway, Logansport IN 46947. The email address is publicforum@pharostribune.com, and the fax number is 574-732-5070.
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More than just an extra day off
Monday is Memorial Day, a time when the nation pauses to remember those who have given their lives in defense of the freedoms we all enjoy. It’s great to have a long weekend, but let’s not forget the holiday’s original meaning.
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Have fun, safe start to summer
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer season. Have fun this weekend, but be sure to keep it safe.
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Thorns & Roses
Thorns & Roses is our staff’s compilation of the best and worst of the week, but if you have your own nominations, feel free to send them along for publication in our Public Forum. Submissions of up to 400 words may be addressed to Pharos-Tribune, 517 E. Broadway, Logansport IN 46947. The fax number is 574-732-5070, and the email address is publicforum@pharostribune.com. Don’t forget to include your name, address and daytime telephone number.
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Meeting students where they are
A mall-based alternative school in Indianapolis is working to reach students who weren’t able to succeed in a traditional classroom. The approach is similar to the one now being taken by Logansport schools.
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A woman on both state tickets
Columnist Dave Kitchell writes about the running mates for gubernatorial hopefuls John Gregg and Mike Pence.
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Public forum
Letters of up to 400 words may be submitted to Public Forum, Pharos-Tribune, 517 E. Broadway, Logansport IN 46947. The email address is publicforum@pharostribune.com, and the fax number is (574) 732-5070.
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