The Herald has recently reported very disturbing information regarding the pollution in Puget Sound. More than one article reports that Boeing was a significant polluter, maybe one of the largest single source polluters. No comments from the public in reaction, none. No response from Boeing, either. Boeing reportedly cannot afford the hundreds of million dollars necessary to prevent its destruction of our Sound. This position despite simultaneously reporting a first quarter net profit of $1.8 billion this year.
The informative reporting reveals that Boeing lobbied Gov. Gregoire to disregard the findings and recommendations of the EPA regarding the levels of toxins found in our local seafood as well as the consumption rates currently of our residents. These carpet baggers pushed 30-year-old, out-of-date data to justify the brainwashing of the governor, and they succeeded. No public reaction over these disclosures, none. Public disclosure shows Gregoire knew better.
Now, Snohomish County Councilman and fisheries biologist, Dave Somers writes an opinion in Sunday’s paper. (Viewpoints, “Puget Sound can’t heal itself.”) He expresses his concern over pollution of Puget Sound, commenting on surface water runoff, and how the government (i.e. taxpayers) needs to be more involved in preventing pollution, and cleaning up the Sound. Of course we do. But shame on Dave for not having the courage and moral responsibility to call out the taxpayer-subsidized polluter responsible for much of the problem. And shame on those who sit idle and have no opinion at all.
Boeing is our own local example of big business telling government what to do, and career politicians aka public thieves accepting contribution crumbs to allow these harmful practices. We have seen the endgame: the taxpayers will bear the cost of trying to repair our Sound, and at a cost in the billions — not the millions that Boeing should have contributed as an honest and responsible community player. And no public reaction. Goodnight moon.
Rob Dietz
Arlington
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