Response to Beck
Response to Beck
I am writing in response to the Tribune-Herald’s Aug. 16 column, “Reject the War on Roundup,” in which commentator Curtis Beck sarcastically criticizes the public’s and my concern as a councilwoman about the use of Roundup in our public spaces.
Frankly, I wish he were correct in comparing the concerns about Roundup with concerns about drinking coffee. Unfortunately, I fear his analysis is wishful thinking.
Roundup generally is such an effective and convenient killer — but as more and more scientists are concluding, it also is harmful to people, especially to children. And the big problem is that Roundup and similar toxic chemicals used to kill weeds in public parks, along roads and waterways, unknowingly expose children to these harmful chemicals.
So my question is: How do we balance potentially long-term adverse health impacts to our children and the environment versus the convenience of using toxic chemical sprays such as Roundup in our desire to kill weeds?
My proposed legislation, Bill 71, does not restrict the use of Roundup on private property. Private property owners can take precautions to prevent exposure to children, pets and sensitive ecosystems, but unknowing park-goers and schoolchildren walking along where Roundup recently was sprayed cannot.
I do recognize the transition for the county from using Roundup to using more eco-friendly sprays — and other alternatives, such as cover crops — is not something we can figure out overnight. We will need to work together to determine the most economical alternatives appropriate in the differing circumstances.
Assuming Bill 71 passes as is, or in an amended form based on council debate, I encourage Curtis Beck, with his engineering ability, to join in the conversation.
Margaret Wille
Council member,
North and South Kohala
‘Ludicrous’ comparison
Curtis Beck’s “Reject the ‘War on Roundup’” appeared more like “rejecting the obvious.”
Comparing Roundup with coffee is about as ludicrous as comparing ice cream with cyanide.
To think the millions of gallons of Roundup sprayed on fields across the nation each week is not harmful to the land and inhabitants with runoff into the streams, rivers and oceans doesn’t make logical sense. This article so elevated Roundup’s benefits I’m almost ready to add a few drops each morning to my coffee as a cure of whatever might be ailing me.
Gary Turner
Pahoa