Towering opposition
An open letter to AT&T:
AT&T’s application to build a 195-foot cell tower on the Hermosa Cliffs, adjacent to the scenic San Juan Skyway just north of Durango, demonstrates a failure to recognize the values and concerns of the residents and general public, including present and future customers, who come to this area to be inspired by the unique beauty of the area. AT&T should withdraw this application NOW and demonstrate social responsibility for both the community it claims to serve and the national scenic resource this area represents to the nation.
An open letter to AT&T:
AT&T’s application to build a 195-foot cell tower on the Hermosa Cliffs, adjacent to the scenic San Juan Skyway just north of Durango, demonstrates a failure to recognize the values and concerns of the residents and general public, including present and future customers, who come to this area to be inspired by the unique beauty of the area. AT&T should withdraw this application NOW and demonstrate social responsibility for both the community it claims to serve and the national scenic resource this area represents to the nation.
This tower would be constructed alongside the San Juan Skyway, a National Scenic Byway and All American Road (only 31 designated as such in the nation), and would be seen for miles. The tower would permanently scar the unmarred views of the Hermosa Cliffs, which are the visually dominant feature along this section of the Skyway.
Scores of concerned citizens went through the formal process set forth by La Plata County to ensure that all issues and legitimate concerns raised by this application were studied and addressed. There was overwhelming opposition to this tower being built along the San Juan Skyway.
AT&T failed to seriously participate in this formal process by providing crucial information repeatedly requested by the county, such as alternative locations with less visual impact and visual simulations, and has offered no substantiated justification of need for a cell tower at the proposed location. The only visual simulations have been done by residents and the County and clearly show the severe negative impact. AT&T must not only comply with the public process, it must recognize that the public will not support any company that places its interests4 above those it claims to serve.
Claims by AT&T that the tower is needed for traveler safety and emergency services have been shown to be unsubstantiated. Even the coverage area quoted in the application is NOT the area to be covered by the proposed tower! Errors, omissions and misstatements like these evidence an alarming failure by AT&T to conduct its business in the professional manner expected by those familiar with the AT&T brand. Those who currently use AT&T services or own company securities should be very concerned about AT&T’s actions in the Durango area.
We are not opposed to cell towers, just not one on the view corridor adjacent to a National Scenic Byway. The majestic views and natural beauty of this area is no place for a cell tower. If built, this tower would set a dangerous precedent for the future impairment of national scenic areas for commercial purposes. AT&T cannot be allowed to benefit by either its unwillingness or failure to participate in the process designed to fairly serve and protect all interests. It is unacceptable behavior in Durango; it will be equally offensive to a national audience.
AT&T…Do the right thing and withdraw this application now.
– John and Linda McClelland, Martis and Judy Ballinger, Beverly Sinclair, Brian and Kitty Benzar
Church, state and libtards
Dear Editors,
“Nothing is as terrible to see as ignorance in action.” Nothing illustrates this maxim of Goethe’s as well as Doug Karhan’s recent letters. He claims the U.S. Constitution does not require the separation of church and state because the words “separation of church and state” do not appear there. Using the same bizarre logic, one could assert that the Constitution does not address slavery, because the word “slavery” does not appear until the 13th Amendment. So, “three fifths of all other persons” (Article I, Section 2); “person held to service or labour” (Article IV, Section2) refer to what? Dismembered bodies? Scullery maids? Or did slavery not exist until after it was abolished by the 13th Amendment?
“Nothing is as terrible to see as ignorance in action.” Nothing illustrates this maxim of Goethe’s as well as Doug Karhan’s recent letters. He claims the U.S. Constitution does not require the separation of church and state because the words “separation of church and state” do not appear there. Using the same bizarre logic, one could assert that the Constitution does not address slavery, because the word “slavery” does not appear until the 13th Amendment. So, “three fifths of all other persons” (Article I, Section 2); “person held to service or labour” (Article IV, Section2) refer to what? Dismembered bodies? Scullery maids? Or did slavery not exist until after it was abolished by the 13th Amendment?
As to the Second Amendment, it refers to an antecedent in Article I, Section 8, enumerating the Powers of Congress, to wit: “To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia,…” Hence the introductory restrictive clause of the Second Amendment: “A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State…” It was never intended to give carte blanche to gun fetishists. What part of “well-regulated” does Mr. Karhan not grasp?
And “lib-tards”? I’m sure that’s the height of cleverness on a grade school playground. What pre-adolescent wouldn’t giggle when adding the suffix “-tard” to an insulting prefix? Let me just offer Mr. Karhan this perfectly suited proverb: “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.”
– Juris G. Odins, Farmington
Chile whispering
Dear Editors,
Just wanted to write all my customers from the past summers and offer my apology for not making it to Durango this summer – expenses just kind of ate my lunch. But it was fun for me while it lasted. Thanks so much for all your support and for the Telegraph’s awesome support also. The same chile is still available at Chile Traditions in Albuquerque, www.chiletraditions.com.
Dear Editors,
Just wanted to write all my customers from the past summers and offer my apology for not making it to Durango this summer – expenses just kind of ate my lunch. But it was fun for me while it lasted. Thanks so much for all your support and for the Telegraph’s awesome support also. The same chile is still available at Chile Traditions in Albuquerque, www.chiletraditions.com.
Bad news would be that you would have to drive to Albuquerque, bag and freeze right when you got home. Good news is you could get twice the amount of chile for the same price you were paying for in Durango. Special thanks to Jeff and Sherri Watson for the roasting location at Nature’s Oasis. Already missing ya’ll!
– John Blevins, The Chile Whisperer, Albuquerque
Greater Durango
Dear Editors,
I had the delightful opportunity to attend “Greater Tuna” at the Durango Arts Center recently. What a remarkably written, directed and performed play! Terry Swan has pulled off a real coup in bringing and creating this production at our very wonderful Durango Arts Center.
The acting of the two young actors, Miles Batcheider and Geoff Johnson, borders on mind-boggling as they instantaneously, seamlessly, change costumes and characters (with the help of a fabulous crew). The two bring life to the young and the old, men, women, boys and girls, of the little pocketed town of Greater Tuna in Texas and the subtle complexities of the human psyche in day to day reality. Several times I wondered if one of the actors actually was a woman! And then, to meet these fresh, vibrant “baby faces” in person afterwards, I was truly impressed!
I went with a 23-year-old male friend who laughed and laughed at the ironies that his young mind was quick to recognize. In the packed house, the many seniors there enjoyed it as much or more!
I encourage you to go see “Greater Tuna” while you still can! We are so fortunate to have such a quality production in our own little “Greater Durango!” Thank you to the Arts Center for all that you share with us!
– Susan Urban, Durango