Local economy needs Rock Creek Mine

To the Editor:

With the economy of our nation on the brink of disaster, unemployment on the rise, bankruptcies and foreclosures reaching record levels, what a wonderful time for environmentalists to throw yet another obstacle in the way of the Rock Creek Mine operation.

Another absurd lawsuit filed by the Clark Fork Coalition, Earthworks and Trout Unlimited adds another impediment for Revett Minerals, whose plan to develop their mine property has been delayed for 20 years.

The environmental rules and regulations of the United States are already the most stringent in the world, putting an immense burden on business in our country and raising costs of production so high the only way we can be competitive in the global market is when our currency is devalued.

I thought it was outrageous enough when grizzly bears were tucked into our area and then used as justification for closing most of the forest to development, but now mine development is threatened because sediment from the operation might pose a problem.

Apparently, just the possibility of something deleterious occurring is enough to stop industry.

I wonder how safe the environment will be when all industry in our country is shut down and the 300 million residents have no means to buy the necessities for life.

Industry is dusty and noisy. It causes a certain amount of pollution. It uses resources.

Without vigilance, it can become monopolistic, but for modern society to exist, industry is absolutely essential. In addition to the threat of running our national economy, the excessive regulations brought about by activists like the enviros, the price of all commodities and all services are raised as the cost of business is raised in overcoming the mandates and litigation put in the way.

Ralph Nader puffs himself up in self importance as the great consumer advocate, but I believe it’s safe to say the automobile today costs twice as much as a direct result of features his advocacy has brought about.

The enviros and their dubious ends as well as means are costing us all dearly and threatening our very livelihood and way of life.

These fanatics are newcomers, yet fail to see the moral outrage incoming here and upsetting the lives of the people that have been here for generations. I believe the time has come to ostracize these fanatics if not tar and feather.

William Payne

Libby