To the editor:

Two recent political events invite comparison and present an important lesson. The Secretary of KDHE denied a necessary permit for the massive expansion of a coal-fired power plant, and the Lawrence City Commission voted, 4-1, to ask the feds to destroy the Baker Wetlands in the name of progress. Over the past year, the governor changed her position on the power plant and the need to prevent global warming, and this surely was due in part to the loud and persistent outcry from Kansans and others – including many from Lawrence. Yes, doing something can make a difference!

City commissioners clearly believe big roads equal more money and that trumps everything – aesthetics, preservation of ground sacred to American Indians, preservation of an invaluable green space. “Progress” at any cost is their guiding principle. If you are outraged at this action, as I am, don’t blame the commissioners; they simply voted the way they see the world.

The people who are responsible for allowing this possible destruction and desecration of the wetlands are the people who stayed home on election day in April. More than 80 percent of eligible voters did not participate in that community decision, which allowed a complete change in the outlook of the City Commission.

If you are reading this letter you likely are not part of the apathy-and-ignorance crowd, but maybe you know someone who is. If you do, please tell them what has happened. Every vote does count. Voting does make a difference.

Joe Douglas,

Lawrence