By THE EDITORIAL BOARD
Published: February 16, 2011
To the editor:
Regarding the proposed lifting of the moratorium of uranium mining in Virginia, and the consequential mining and milling which will begin at Coles Hill: If that happens, I have to wonder.
As I follow the progression of our neighbors’ responsed to this news (Halifax, Virginia Beach, Floyd, Orange), I am humiliated. These neighbors are obviously people who are not willing to sacrifice their health — or the beauty of the birthplace of this country — to become “the energy capital of the world” and/or a “dead zone.”
Because we are locally “economically challenged” right now, are we suddenly ready to sell our souls? Short-term gain, long-term responsibility/debt/payoff, for us, as well as our friends? If the moratorium is lifted, what guarantee does Virginia Uranium Inc. give us in terms of our economy?
There are no guarantees — only risk versus loss. Will that be a Canadian company’s “bottom line” — or yours?
There are so many new opportunities arising in this area that will not be “hazardous to your health” as the tobacco label puts it (remember — that’s the one that put us all out of business in the first place). We are repeating the same mistake.
The rest of Virginia is noticing, and taking a stand — let’s not embarrass ourselves by selling out.
LINDA WORSLEY
Chatham
http://www2.godanriver.com/news/2011/feb/16/are-we-willing-sell-our-souls-ar-845854/
