The Tennessean-TVA not to blame for energy consumption
Letters to the Editor: TVA not to blame for energy consumption
The Tennessean
Published: Thursday, 05/11/06
To the Editor:
The article, "Power plan jolts rural area," May 6, plus the letter by Stephanie Robbins reflects the disconnect between Americans and the consequences of our lifestyle. ("TVA should look elsewhere for land," May 10)
While I dislike the idea of a new power station that infringes upon the families and vistas in Rutherford County (or anywhere for that matter), it is important that we ask, "why this solution?" The only answer that makes any sense is to inconvenience the fewest citizens to feed America's growing energy needs.
It is easy to blame TVA, but the burden rests on the shoulders of every citizen to use less energy. America has only 5 percent of the world's population, but we use 25 percent of earth's natural resources. The size of new homes in America keeps going up, meaning it takes more energy to heat, cool and light our houses. Houses are filled with power-hungry electric devices. If we maintain our current lifestyles, then some people's dreams will get crushed to accommodate society's appetites.
Our leaders should be asking Americans to sacrifice or (gasp) to take a less convenient path in the name of being responsible. They should promote conservation and stigmatize gluttonous consumption. Show us how not to lust for power, money and energy.
If our leaders had the guts, and individual citizens the self-discipline, this power station might not be a "need." It is you and I who are crushing dreams, not TVA. I know, I am asking a lot, but only because I believe we can do better.
Alan Powell Nashville 37205
editorialresponse@earthlink.net
The Tennessean
Published: Thursday, 05/11/06
To the Editor:
The article, "Power plan jolts rural area," May 6, plus the letter by Stephanie Robbins reflects the disconnect between Americans and the consequences of our lifestyle. ("TVA should look elsewhere for land," May 10)
While I dislike the idea of a new power station that infringes upon the families and vistas in Rutherford County (or anywhere for that matter), it is important that we ask, "why this solution?" The only answer that makes any sense is to inconvenience the fewest citizens to feed America's growing energy needs.
It is easy to blame TVA, but the burden rests on the shoulders of every citizen to use less energy. America has only 5 percent of the world's population, but we use 25 percent of earth's natural resources. The size of new homes in America keeps going up, meaning it takes more energy to heat, cool and light our houses. Houses are filled with power-hungry electric devices. If we maintain our current lifestyles, then some people's dreams will get crushed to accommodate society's appetites.
Our leaders should be asking Americans to sacrifice or (gasp) to take a less convenient path in the name of being responsible. They should promote conservation and stigmatize gluttonous consumption. Show us how not to lust for power, money and energy.
If our leaders had the guts, and individual citizens the self-discipline, this power station might not be a "need." It is you and I who are crushing dreams, not TVA. I know, I am asking a lot, but only because I believe we can do better.
Alan Powell Nashville 37205
editorialresponse@earthlink.net
posted by BryanY. at 8:09 AM
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