Brought to my attention by Famine
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I read the article and I added the information I recently gleaned from friends who live on Amherst Island near Kingston, Ontario to form my opinion. Unfortunately, it is still on the fence in a manner of speaking. Let me explain.
First, I think the title of this story is misleading because it never specifically outlines any actual facts concerning the effect on the actual environment itself. It does mention ruining the picturesque views for some folks but the photo opportunity of your horizon is not argument enough to stop such projects. It would have been far more effective an article with actual facts on what these projects do to the surrounding lands, animals, erosion patterns, etc. I expected better than a half-ass report from a national newspaper and Mr. Frum, you should be ashamed of printing this incomplete report.
Next, on the island they have some true concerns about these windmills and very little of those concerns have to do with how things look from their window. The island is in the migratory path of many birds and the ONLY resting spot for certain owl species. Schools, scientists and birdwatchers flock to the island to observe these birds all year long. with approximately eighty-six wind turbines being slated for the island, smack dab in the middle of these lands, the obvious question is "what happens to these birds?" Now, I am all for alternative power but it seems that in order to lessen the installation cost, the obvious site out in the water is being ignored in order to lower the price of putting these items in. THIS is a true example of the environmental cost and impact Mr. Frum. Do some research and get back to us.
My finally note on this topic is one I have sung before. If this is not the solution to the issue, what is? Once again, right or wrong, we have the government pushing forward a solution and a bunch of people nay saying and running against it going through. Everyone is well within their right to protest against it BUT what other solutions has anyone come up with? People want the coal burning stations shut down, they want no more nuclear plants built, they want less cars on the road, they want the moraine saved and they want no further lands flooded for hydro electric damns as it displaces (and kills) the wildlife. Uhm, okay, so then what do you propose as a solution to provide the power for a growing population in 2009 without doing any of the previous items you don't want done? CRICKETS!! Yeah, thought so.
I'm not saying what Dalton's government is doing is the absolute right answer or that how they are going about it is necessarily the right way. i am saying that I am tired of the Conservatives and everyone else simply bitching about the decisions without coming up with a concrete plan that can be put forth and measured directly against the current plan to PROVE it is the better way to do things. One does not have to be in power to effect change and if that is all one is seeking by going against the plan, then what incentive is there for anyone to listen to you.
I don't think the people of Ontario, or across Canada, should simply shut up and accept the current plan as it is being put forth. I DO think that those in a position (i.e. opposition leaders, etc.) to get the current plan changed should shut up until they have something meaningful and useful to say. It is 2009 people and this planet is quickly running out of time. Grow up and start behaving like adults and fix this before it is too late for us all.
Peace.
Shut up and pay for your windmill
-----------------------------------------
I read the article and I added the information I recently gleaned from friends who live on Amherst Island near Kingston, Ontario to form my opinion. Unfortunately, it is still on the fence in a manner of speaking. Let me explain.
First, I think the title of this story is misleading because it never specifically outlines any actual facts concerning the effect on the actual environment itself. It does mention ruining the picturesque views for some folks but the photo opportunity of your horizon is not argument enough to stop such projects. It would have been far more effective an article with actual facts on what these projects do to the surrounding lands, animals, erosion patterns, etc. I expected better than a half-ass report from a national newspaper and Mr. Frum, you should be ashamed of printing this incomplete report.
Next, on the island they have some true concerns about these windmills and very little of those concerns have to do with how things look from their window. The island is in the migratory path of many birds and the ONLY resting spot for certain owl species. Schools, scientists and birdwatchers flock to the island to observe these birds all year long. with approximately eighty-six wind turbines being slated for the island, smack dab in the middle of these lands, the obvious question is "what happens to these birds?" Now, I am all for alternative power but it seems that in order to lessen the installation cost, the obvious site out in the water is being ignored in order to lower the price of putting these items in. THIS is a true example of the environmental cost and impact Mr. Frum. Do some research and get back to us.
My finally note on this topic is one I have sung before. If this is not the solution to the issue, what is? Once again, right or wrong, we have the government pushing forward a solution and a bunch of people nay saying and running against it going through. Everyone is well within their right to protest against it BUT what other solutions has anyone come up with? People want the coal burning stations shut down, they want no more nuclear plants built, they want less cars on the road, they want the moraine saved and they want no further lands flooded for hydro electric damns as it displaces (and kills) the wildlife. Uhm, okay, so then what do you propose as a solution to provide the power for a growing population in 2009 without doing any of the previous items you don't want done? CRICKETS!! Yeah, thought so.
I'm not saying what Dalton's government is doing is the absolute right answer or that how they are going about it is necessarily the right way. i am saying that I am tired of the Conservatives and everyone else simply bitching about the decisions without coming up with a concrete plan that can be put forth and measured directly against the current plan to PROVE it is the better way to do things. One does not have to be in power to effect change and if that is all one is seeking by going against the plan, then what incentive is there for anyone to listen to you.
I don't think the people of Ontario, or across Canada, should simply shut up and accept the current plan as it is being put forth. I DO think that those in a position (i.e. opposition leaders, etc.) to get the current plan changed should shut up until they have something meaningful and useful to say. It is 2009 people and this planet is quickly running out of time. Grow up and start behaving like adults and fix this before it is too late for us all.
Peace.
Shut up and pay for your windmill
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