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Show Aerial spraying issues Dear Editor: I would like to write and say to the people and the farmers of the area that I apologize for a statment I made on the radio last week. The statement was twisted around by the following caller to the effect that I called the farmer uneducated. The statement I made was that at the public meeting, the farmers acted rude, uneducated and uncouth. I did not mean this statement as a carry-over to their everyday living or working habits. I have always had a great regard for the farmer. He is hardworking, hard-working, ill-paid and generally good hearted. I would never wish anyone to think that I felt this about them, as I have farmer friends and my father is a small farmer. I have great regard and respect for them, and consider them educated men. I do feel however, there is a right way and a wrong way to treat others and conduct yourself in a public meeting and this standard was what was violated. Some of those who came to the meeting were concerned about the crop spraying not only for the sickness that has occurred among many, but the hazards it may be creating for the valley. The United States has always been valued for its freedom of thought and speech and in expressing a concerned viewpoint for everyone. At the meeting, everyone was exposed to a lot of rudeness. I fully understand we were badly out-numbered and .that the farmer thought he had the upper hand, but it did not change the issue: that some people are concerned, upset, and being made sick. They just want to find an answer or solution for everyone. I have been a flyer and have worked at our local hospital and clinic and I have taken care of and given much service to many of these farmers. Regardless of their opinion of me, my first love and concern shall be the safety and health of the people of this valley as I love it and them. I am concerned about the spraying and I have been giving it much study, I feel there are still a lot of questions to be answered. The chemical representative told me after the meeting, and I quote, "Five major chemical companies are watching wat-ching this area to see the results." I wonder why? Also he told me there are some new spraying methods being used in other states that are being very effective. ef-fective. Many farmers don't wish to listen to change, it takes time to change, he said, but remember always that chemicals can be dangerous." It is important that we all be concerned con-cerned about major issues that may affect both our health and future. We are having school, water, building, and spraying problems and we need to have public opinion and concern about them all and come to the meetings and be involved. Our problem in America today is that we have become too passive about everything. If we don't become concerned, our valley and people will not be as we see it today. Every authority states the spraying question needs more study, and many feelings are being expressed about it all over the country. Is it safe, does it hurt, does it cause birth defects or long term illness? How many times in the past have we been told, "Oh, it is safe," and found out otherwise later. We don't want to be like the people of Love Canal, or St. George with radiation, or Viet Nam with the Orange Spray Syndrome. We want to get on the problem now, not too late. We must think and act now concerning ourselves, our children and our valley. I fully understand the farmer provides income, food, and good neigh-' neigh-' bors to this valley, so we must work together for everyone's general good health, and that doesn't mean move! It means let's get some solid answers on why a lot of people are having side effects from spraying. It is not a matter of who wins or who is right or has the upper-hand, but that we care four our people. For above all in life, first and foremost, must come love, understanding and mankind. . Again I say to those I have offended, forgive me, but please work with me to find an end to our problem. Sincerely, VIKKI GARCIA |