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Passage of clean air bill
shows people make a difference
Editors, Asheville Global Report,
The passage of the Clean Smokestacks Act is a
dramatic victory for the people of North Carolina. Those in
our state government who deserve particular credit include Governor
Mike Easley, bill sponsors Representative Martin Nesbitt and
Senator Steve Metcalf, Speaker Jim Black, Representatives Phil
Haire and Marge Carpenter, and most of the legislative delegation
from western North Carolina. Also deserving of mention is the
excellent coverage by major daily and weekly newspapers, radio
and television stations, statewide.
But it’s the people of this state who made this
happen, and the results are a tribute and a triumph for the
democratic process. The people have power in our state and
in our country and the success of this legislation proves it. When
people work together it makes a difference. It’s important
for all individuals to lift up their heads and take note of
this significant and historical event. You have power. Don’t
let anyone convince you otherwise.
Now, having demonstrated this dynamic, it’s time
to elevate this movement to the federal level and to the steps
of state capitols outside of North Carolina to complete the
job of clearing our air. The margin of victory in the NC House,
111-4, and in the NC Senate, 45-1, coupled with the high standards
of the bill itself, ensures that a powerful message has been
sent to the federal government and to other states. It will
take a sustained, broad-based effort to make this tree grow
from the seedling we have planted in North Carolina. But, now
the soil is fertile and the path is clear. Let’s keep growing
and going until we get what we need. Clean air.
Avram Friedman
Executive Director of the Canary Coalition www.canarycoalition.org
Animal cruelty should not
go unpunished
Editors, Asheville Global Report,
[This letter refers to the case of Leann and
Steve Kay, who each face two counts of animal mistreatment and
abandonment after more than 40 pets were left without food or
water at their home for at least three weeks. The article, by
Charmaine Smith, ran in the June 18, 2002 edition of the Anderson
Independent-Mail and can be read in full at www.andersonsc.com/stories/story
page.asp?id=66003]
I am requesting that compassionate people contact
Anderson, South Carolina officials and point out that if this
is, as Anderson County Public Safety Captain John Chambers proclaims,
“one of the worst cases of animal mistreatment in the county’s
history,” Anderson County officials need to treat it as such
-- and charge Leann and Steve Kay with the MAXIMUM possible
counts of FELONY animal cruelty, order psychiatric evaluations,
and NOT allow either of them to own or harbor further animals.
As things stand, each could face a maximum of
only 30 days in jail and/or a $1,025 fine for each of only two
charges presently filed.
For the Animals,
John Kimbrell
Inman, South Carolina
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