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Show SOUTHERN UTAH NEWS WEDNESDAY MARCH 22, 2000 Opinion 4 Guest Editorial Media coverage of Lake Powell event a sorry affair By Brad E. Hainsworth After witnessing the demon- at Lake Powell held on March 14, one in. support of the lake, the other in support of keeping it in place, an observer is compelled to wonder ifthe electronic media is capable of dealing with environmental issues with any degree of hon- esty. Are they capable of genu- ine analysis? Is it within their to identify even the most obvious economic and environ- mental issues? Can they get be- reac- yond their usual knee-jer- k to those who oppose the constant flow of liberal environmental cliches? To watch the report on Salt Citys own Channel 2, as an one would come away with the sure knowledge that those opposed to draining the lake were merely concerned citi- zensofPage, and they were there only to save their jobs. A very motivation, to say the least. And to underline the shal- lowness of the citizens of Page, the Channel 2 crew found for an interview the most ridiculously person in the crowd. This foolish fellow responded that he there to save his favorite fishing hole. The man wore a silly beany, a dunce cap of sorts, so he was at least dressed for the role he so adequately portrayed, a cursory check of the license plates in the crowded parking lot would have revealed the presence of concerned indi- viduals from Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and other states. No effort expended there. But the more troublesome question is, why were issues not identified and responsible re- spondents sought out to discuss those issues, or at least identify them. Herewith, Journalism 101: What is the point of draining the lake? If it is to reclaim Glen Canyon, can that ever truly be done? Or has the ecological sys- tem of that once beautiful can- yon been destroyed forever? Would draining the canyon sim- - create environmental prob- that are even more intrac- table than filling it with water? Would not hundreds of miles canyon and lateral canyons be scores, perhaps hundreds of feet of silt? Has anyone given silt, tons and tons of it, will go with the almost constant yon winds? What of the delicate ecological system of the rounding desert when the air fills with tons of blowing dust? What happens when all of that silt begins to blow down stream into the Grand Canyon? What of the tons of garbage can-stratio- ns sur-draini- ng that will undoubtedly be found p at the bottom of all those can-gras- yons everything from boats to batteries to camping equipment, and who knows what else? Will these dedicated environmental-tio- n ists, so concerned about consumptive use, be here to clean it up? Or are they more likely to lobby Congress to cre-Laate yet another bulging bureau-examplcracy for that purpose? Finally, neither last nor least, what about electricity? Where will all of the wattage that will be lost with draining the lake h come from? What of the of sands consumers dependent on that electricity? All of this spells economic and environmental dislocation of the most serious kind. Any discus-dresse- d sion of that? Sadly, the answer would ap-wpear to be no. Channel 2 sought out only the most clownish individual they could find, and they got exactly what they wanted: someone who could easily be n missed as representing all of those present at the rally to save the lake. The whole matter was nothing to be taken too seriously, Nor were they honest in paring the two demonstrations, Those for the lake were shown as no more in number than those for draining the lake. The truth is, lake supporters outnumbered the others by at least of factor of 20 to one. Is it any wonder the mainline media is rapidly losing credibil- ity and viewers and increasingly taken seriously by few other than themselves? Brad E. Hainsworth served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the United States Department of the Interior during the Nixon ad-pl- y ministration. He has taught s litical science at several universifies and has recently retired as a professor of communica-o- f tions from Brigham Young versity. He and his wife, Jackie Webster, currently reside in non-almo- st ke e, thou-selfis- as dis-Eve- com-Californ- ia, po-lem- Uni-und- er any thought to where all of that Kanab. Letters to the Editor What is your opinion ? This newspaper welcomes opinions from its readers concerning any subject. Anything of a libelous nature or defamation of character will not be considered for publication. Please limit your letters to 300 words or less. We reserve the right to edit for clarity or length. Letters must be signed and include your full name, address and telephone number. Thank you all Dear Editor: The Chapter of the Mule Deer Foundation held its second annual banquet & fundraiser on March 4th at the Page Elks Lodge. The sold out event was a huge success with banquet goers, and fundraising activities netted close to ten thousand dollars. The revenue generated through generous area business donations and personal contributions will assist in endeavors Kaibab-Paunsaugu- nt to promote effective management of mule deer herds in southern Utah and northern Arizona. In addition, it will provide to the resources for essential restoration and acquisition ofvital mule deer habitat throughout the western United States and Canada. The Chapter sends out a sincere thank you to everyone already involved with the foundation and wants to invite anyone interested in joining to call local area representatives for more inforKaibab-Paunsaugu- nt mation on our membership drive and upcoming general membership meeting & fun day. Laura Esplin-643-793- 9 3 Danny Hoverman-644-247- 5 Roger Button-643-713- Thanks Dear Editor: folks who called and congratulated me for winning not knowing there will be a runoff election in May before the second councilmember is seated. I would appreciate your consideration in voting for me at the May General Election. I will do all I possibly can for Fredonia. AAA Deadlines AAA Thanks again, Barbara Kimball FRIDAY 1 PM See LETTERS, Page 5 The Southern Utah News (ISSN No. 0049-165is published every N. at Main 26 Utah 84741 . The SUNews serves St., Kanab, Wednesday Kane County, Utah, and the Arizona Strip. Address communications to 26 N. Main St., Kanab, Utah 84741 , or telephone Fax Advertising rates available upon request. Second Class postage paid at Kanab, Utah 84741 . Newsstand price is 50$ per copy. and Fredonia and Yearly subscription rates to Kane Count Moccasin, Arizona, $22; others $30 (out of U.S. $50). The SUNews reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement or submitted items. 9) 435-644-290- 0, 435-644-292- 6. osses Dennis and Dixie Brunner Publishers and Editor Sharlotte Brewer Production Staff Michael Evangelista ProductionLayout Thanks to the People of Fredonia who voted for me in the March 14th Primary flection. Your vote was greatly appreciated. Thanks also to the SOUTHERN UTAH NEWS Carol Sullivan Laurali Noteman Reporters Myma Cox Valley News Lori S. Mohr Corrigan Fredonia News Postmaster: Send change of address cards to - 26 N. Main St, Kanab, UT 84741 Barbara Pyles Feature Writer |