JUST WHO, IF ANYONE, IS REPRESENTING THE PEOPLE?Submitted to Shelton Blog by Tom Davis
As has been posted on this blog, the Pacific West Biomass Convention and Trade Show will be hosted by the Seattle Sheraton Hotel, on January 10 - 12.
It is my intention to join in the demonstration outside the hotel, 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, this coming Tuesday, January 11th. I urge everyone concerned with saving our planet from the devastating effects of biomass fueled power plants to join in this event.
What follows is an exchange of emails between myself and Tom Bryan, in charge of press registration for the convention. I include it here to give readers some insight into the mentality that pervades the biomass industry.
Dear Mr. Bryan,
As a freelance reporter homed in Shelton Washington, I would like to attend the above referenced conference.
As you may know, Adage Mason, LLC has proposed a 60MW biomass to energy facility in Shelton, and many residents are opposed to the siting of the facility in so close proximity to a populated area.
As an experienced photo journalist and contributor to the Shelton-Mason County Journal, I would welcome the opportunity to separate fact from fiction, and report my findings to the readers of our local paper.
Toward that end, I am requesting a press pass for the full duration of the conference.
Thanking you in advance,
Tom Davis
Mr. Davis,
With all due respect, your request for a press pass has been denied.
I think it’s pretty clear that you are part of a biomass opposition movement.
We are holding a private business-to-business event. BBI is not a government or public entity. Therefore, we have no obligation to allow you to participate.
Perhaps you can find a more fitting venue for the type of journalistic research you’re interested in.
Thank you for understanding.
Dear Mr. Bryan:
Thank you for your reply. Please know that my request has no association with any organizational effort in opposition to biomass fueled power plants.
Admittedly, my personal research into the matter has resulted in some bias, but I remain open to information that would contradict these views. With all due respect, I am exactly the type of person the industry should be eager to engage.
If biomass fueled power plants are a credible alternative to our energy needs, and such endeavors have no harmful effect on public health, then you can count me among one of the industries strongest supporters. That said, please reconsider your decision; you will find me a reasonable candidate for conversion, if warranted.
Very truly yours,
Tom Davis
No further reply has been received. What I take away from this exchange is that the biomass industry seems about as enthusiastic of engaging the public as are our local officials.
One cannot help but wonder, in the matter of biomass, just who - if anyone- is representing the people?
Next time try saying you are a blogger with Mason County Progressive Shelton Blog. I'm SURE that would work!
ReplyDeleteSee you there!
Good Luck to all of you who will be attending, i.e., making your presence and sentiments known! For those of us who cannot be physically present, we want you to know that we will be with you in spirit and intent!
ReplyDeleteMay the Citizens Prevail!
Dick/Jo
We wholeheartedly agree with everything you just said, Tom!!
ReplyDeleteIs there any way to get this type of information, as you so ably phrased it, out to the general public? We were an active part of some of the door-belling, and can verify every word you printed herein. The general public NEEDS to become aware of the "Popular Majority" in our Mason County community.
Dick/Jo Curtis
There are ways to get factual information into the hands, and minds, of the public. More on this later.
ReplyDeleteTom - Your logic was so sound, I wonder if they were tempted for even a moment? It speaks volumes that they would not let someone attend who states his willingness to be persuaded, provided their evidence/science/facts trump yours.
ReplyDeleteI look forward with anticipation to your report of the event.
Thank you, Tom, for all that you do!