Published: April 26, 2008 10:35 pm            

Letters to the Editor 4/27/08

Energy answers

To the Editor: Why are our national policies encouraging the production of corn and other grains for conversion to ethanol? When all the costs of using feed grains for biofuel are thoroughly analyzed, this makes no sense at all.

In the first place, when one counts the energy used in production, transporting, distilling, transporting again, and all other inputs required, the net gain in energy is quite low, if indeed there is any gain at all. And when the long-term effects on greenhouse gases, depletion of soil and water resources, and higher food costs are considered, every gallon of ethanol made from grain is a net loss.

Ethanol made from native grasses may compare more favorably in a similar analysis, because once the grass is established, little or no fuel is needed for planting, cultivating, irrigating, fertilizing, etc. And land covered with permanent grass has a huge environmental advantage over land planted each year to corn. However, energy costs of harvesting and other steps in the process would likely remain the same.

We are certainly in favor of encouraging policies that would reduce our dependence on imported oil. Greater use of our own reserves of natural gas is an ideal alternative. Conventional use of coal is a rather poor choice, but if we can develop and use the technology for clean burning coal, that may prove to be a good alternative.

We should continue and accelerate the use of wind power and solar energy, and continue to develop fuel cell technology. Greater energy efficiency for autos and other machines should remain a priority, as should expanding the availability of public transportation.

These and other positive steps are needed and should be pursued, but let’s get off this band wagon of ethanol from grain. It is not the solution to our energy problems. Rather, it is taking us toward greater problems.

Bob Kral



To the Editor: The Daily Sun’s article March 12 “Power plants at the Palace” succeeded admirably at restating the argument of power plant “proponents.” It failed completely in capturing the emotion and resolve of the 400-plus people there from Navarro County and Pisgah Ridge that oppose those power plants. The overwhelming opposition was noted by the mediator to be 10 against and one for as he kept score for four hours.

The entire town hall meeting can be summed up in a few words. The Corsicana city council and the Navarro County judge and commissioners have obviously embraced power plants as economic development. Their desire for more budget money has left them “deaf” to taxpayers and voters. Our quality of life, air, water and property values should be protected by our government rather than “destroyed” by it.

Watch closely as your elected officials vote on water sales and tax abatements to power plants. You can then vote wisely in future elections for your children’s sake.

Harold Prater



To the Editor: If they’ll only locate on the west bank of the Trinity River, and draw water from that source, will I ever be for power plants in Navarro County.

So what if the river level drops too low? Pump water from Richland-Chambers into Lake Halbert and from there over to the plants.

Power lines are fairly close, county and city receive revenue, pollution drifts into Henderson County, and Yankees up north get their cheap Texas power.

C. Robert Keathley



Lee school student concerned

To the Editor: I still believe that our side of this conflict still did not get across effectively. I am talking to students to stay with the program, but a couple have already given up on school. It’s sad that economics can lift or destroy a human’s, or students’, life.

Jesse Ortiz



Derrick Days missed by troops

To the Editor: I’m a soldier deployed overseas; I’m stationed at camp Bucca, Iraq. I just was wanting to let all my friends and family know that I will be returning home at the end of May and I can’t wait to see all of them. Well, on another note, I missed Derrick Days this year, but there’s always next year. Well, if you post my letter, it would be cool and from all the soldiers overseas we appreciate what y’all have done for the support of the troops.

Spc. Bradley Smith



Council consideration

To the Editor: I’ve known Tom Wilson since the first grade and I know how lucky we are to have him serve on the city council. Tom is a born leader and was always our quarterback. I can still hear the cheerleaders at Sam Houston School chanting “Wilson, Wilson is our man. If he can’t do it, nobody can.” Tom was a leader on the outstanding Texas Tech teams of the mid-1960s. After graduation, he was on the coaching staff of Texas Tech and Texas A&M and was head coach of the Aggies for three and a half years. Tom had the good sense to follow his heart and coach high school football from 1986 to 1999, first in Palestine and then back home in Corsicana. I trust Tom’s judgment and know he will give thoughtful consideration to every matter that comes before the city council and vote to do what is best for Corsicana.

Ed Erwin



Two sides of the brick streets issue

To the Editor: This letter is written in regards to Ted Rich’s letter in the April 20 Daily Sun.

I do not know what made him decide that it would be the downtown merchants that want the terrible brick streets. I have been a merchant downtown for 21 years and I assure you that I hate them and so does everyone that I speak with.

I think if you would take the time to survey people in the downtown area, the number would be very small that are in favor of the brick streets. Do you think we like having our cars repaired? We have to drive on them every day. I have been told that it is people wanting to preserve history and do not ever come to town so they don’t care if it ruins other people’s cars. Just another way for our fair city to throw away more of our tax dollars! Just think how many roads could be fixed properly with that money — such is life in Corsicana!

Margy Cooper



To the Editor: Being a recent transplant to Corsicana, the brick streets and old world atmosphere of Downtown is what drew us here. I am a downtown property owner and I am 100 percent for the brick streets in the downtown.

Putting asphalt down is not the answer. These brick streets are almost a century old and there is nothing to compare with their durability. Extreme life expectancy for a concrete road is 50 years, and I doubt seriously if there are any that age that have not been repaired! A large portion of the reconstruction is dealing with sidewalks and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility.

I hope this is just a starting point, and we see Beaton Street returned to brick someday!

Dan Wilkes

        

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