Understand What They [Virginia Uranium, Inc.'ers] Really Want

Another excellent letter supporting, and defending, the volunteer, free-to-the-public, anti-mining educational efforts of Southside Concerned Citizens. Ms. Maute makes several very good points both in her description of VUI's intentions (they're not nearly as pure as VUI would have you believe) and of SCC's intentions (they're not nearly as lunatic or sinister as VUI would have you believe either). VUI stands to gain everything, including the gazillions of dollars that will let them walk away from the mess they create and live healthfully (and richly) somewhere else. SCC members and their neighbors stand to lose everything. It's that simple although Ms. Maute clearly spells it out in a little more detail.


By Published by The Editorial Board, Madison Messenger and Danville Register & Bee

Published: October 5, 2008

To the editor:

I applaud Gregg Vickrey for his volunteer efforts in presenting information regarding uranium mining and milling. Recent letters to the editor have belittled the efforts and presenters at Southside Concerned Citizens’ public meetings. I am a member of SCC, and to be honest with you, our members do not always see eye to eye. Perhaps some of us would have presented material in a different format or fashion.

SCC members and supporters come from all walks of life. We volunteer time and money to further our understanding of uranium mining and milling practices of the past, present and future. We share information regarding real and potential impacts uranium mining and milling will have on our lives and those who live downwind and downstream from Coles Hill. We know if the state’s uranium mining moratorium is lifted, other areas in Virginia will be explored and mined. We network with other parts of the United States — and even with other countries — gathering, sharing and publicly presenting information. We like honest, open conversation. Our members and supporters may not be polished, paid, politically connected or uranium investors (hoping to win the lottery), but I can assure you that we are passionate regarding the rights of citizens as stated in the Constitution of Virginia.

Recent letters also persist in the notion that a “scientific study” will ensure safe mining and milling of uranium.

Common sense dictates that any study in Virginia would be (at best) an educated guess that is based on incomplete data. Mining and milling of uranium does not exist in Virginia. How can you prove something that does not exist? Virginia Uranium Inc. has yet to produce a plan. They will not (or cannot) supply the name of even one single location similar to ours that has been mined and milled without human health and environmental degradation.

What would be studied?

The study is a distraction to draw attention from the fact that VUI and their lobbyists are vigorously trying to lift the present moratorium on uranium mining. All VUI needs is to lift the moratorium. Then their engineers and our politicians will determine your level of health, safety and well-being. I like our odds better with a ban being imposed on uranium mining and milling in Virginia. [emphasis mine...SB]

I have grave reservations about those who hold exclusive, closed-door meetings and dole out money to individuals, politicians and organizations to garner support of projects that will ultimately be self serving. There is nothing at present which illustrates that uranium mining and milling can be done in a safe manner anywhere. There is a plethora of easily accessible, credible documentation that illustrates major problems with uranium mining and milling world-wide.

I have respect for those ordinary citizens — diamonds in the rough — who won’t wait for a flawed study to tell them how to think. They know that government regulation won’t protect us if uranium is mined and milled here. They don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.

KAREN MAUTE

Mount Cross

http://www.godanriver.com/gdr/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/danville_letters/article/

amy_says_thanks_and_what_they_really_want/6611/