Can Ordinary Citizen Make A Difference?

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Can an ordinary citizen make a difference?

   In this complicated world can an ordinary citizen like me make a difference? Is it all too much? In writing I am often afraid of being frank - of being myself. Do people care about the fundamental issues of life? Does what I think matter? Wouldn't it be simpler if I just went fishing? It is tempting to say yes if I could go west right now.
   Someone said recently, "Write about the water problem." Well, I have been out of the USAF since 1971. Our area has been growing in population ever since and folks have been arguing about an adequate water supply for the future the whole time. While water lines are being run around the area, thereby reducing the need to drill more wells, little or nothing has been done to guarantee an adequate, drought-free water supply for the future.
   It seems water can't be transferred from the Savannah River system which is in another watershed and folks downstream are keeping a sharp eye on upstream events. There is the Chattahoochee River which is fed by the Soque River and other headwaters. However, Atlanta and other cities downriver, plus the states of Alabama, Florida and Georgia, are fighting for a bigger share of water from the river and would begrudge another gallon taken by folks upstream. We argued and dallied around while viable options just "washed" away. While out west years ago I learned about "water wars" which may well be in the future for the Southeast U.S.
   The logical water sources are streams and lakes which seem to abound around here but all have "Posted" signs. A few years when a dam was proposed arguing factions led to nothing done.
Recently a comment from local officials discussing options for more water mentioned drilling wells. Since the water table in this area is much lower than in the past that idea does not sound appealing as large capacity wells would drain the table even faster. We sit atop rock formations here through which veins of water run, and we do not have the great underground "pools" of South Georgia.
   Someone said, "What about the proposed sale of US Forest Service lands." It's a complicated subject; however, I am opposed to the sale of any US Forest Service land, no matter how small or large. Why? Well, if a tract of land comes open, developers immediately move in and soon over-sized homes cover the scabby looking landscape after bulldozers get through dozing. Precious trees disappear, deer lose their homes, and water quality is lost as streams choke up with silt, killing trout and tadpoles. Yes, keep every scrap of US Forest Svc land.

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columns by Bob Justus.

   Why is it becoming so hard to access public lands any more? A barrier of private property with "No Trespassing!" signs block huge tracts of public lands across America. (Aside: Government bureaucrats ought to insure adequate roads lead into our land! Yes, citizens, public lands are our land.) Yet many existing forest service roads are now closed or open only a short time each year. If you say, "Go in another way," it may be several miles and hours of walking to get where you want to go. Yes, I agree that the citizen is lucky who lives up against public land with a vast backyard in which to play and signs to keep people out.
   How about the spread of dangerous carnivores? I am against it! Out west one must beware of grizzly bears in many areas. In some areas mountain lions are becoming a menace. Wolf packs are spreading. Lying in a flimsy tent at night, I relax to the sound of rushing waters nearby until I hear footpads just beyond the plastic wall. One day soon carnivores will eliminate deer and elk so humans won't be needed to hunt them. Then it becomes unnecessary so take them away. As dangerous carnivores spread far and wide, the growing hosts of humans who enter the wilds to enjoy nature will be in harm's way and may have to severely curtail their "wilderness adventure."
   What about immigration? No matter where I go people, both natives and foreigners, are pouring in from somewhere else. Subdivisions crop up far from cities and upon hills and mountain crests. On a recent drive to Franklin, NC, I saw many large houses perched on high ridges which I thought were US Forest Service land. Not so! Even small towns amid pastoral scenes are now reaching out with strip malls, convenience stores, subdivisions and mobile home parks. It's happening in the Rocky Mountains - especially where scenic beauty and fragile terrain occur! Cities along the Front Range will soon merge. People want the wild and scenic view but crowd in and turn pristine areas into concentrated civilization called "growth and progress." The air in the Great Smoky Mountains is polluted! Indeed we are a country developed by immigrants but too many folks can degrade the environment and bring poverty to the masses. All prejudices aside, too many people destroy the environment, as well as prosperity and the good life along with it.
   Can an ordinary citizen make a difference? Only if millions of us say "Enough!"