Editor's Focus: July 1998

As we move through our daily lives, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that those around us view the world as we do. Obviously, this isn’t always the case. But, in some situations, the facts that we have at our disposal make taking a certain position on an issue such a logical move that everyone simply must agree with us, right?

Wrong again, hence our industry finds itself fighting battles nationwide in order to defend its use of products such as gasoline-powered blowers and organophosphates. Why do our opponents continue to fight us when the evidence is so clearly on our side? Again, the way we understand such evidence isn’t necessarily a view shared by others. In addition, perhaps we’re overlooking the fact that we, as an industry, can be accused of suffering from the same myopia. Perhaps our opponents actually possess evidence that illustrates just how destructive these tools of the contractor’s trade are to the environment. Consider the following excerpts from a recent letter to the editor:

“Will you join me in working to outlaw all uses of the chemical hydrogen hydroxide?

Numerous medical and scientific reports have documented the following results associated with this chemical, such as: it causes vomiting and excessive sweating; it is fatal when inhaled, even in relatively small quantities; it is a major component of acid rain; in its gaseous form it can cause severe burns, it has been found in practically all tumors of terminally ill patients.

Because of the power of this chemical, there have been many recorded incidents of it being a major cause of political unrest and perhaps even wars, as those who want it are willing to go to any extremes to assure their own supply.”

I don’t know about you, but my checkbook is open and ready to support his effort. I’ve never heard of hydrogen hydroxide before, but it is obviously a scourge of the earth and we’ll all be better off without it.

Some of you may see the problem with attacking this chemical, better known as “water.” As portrayed above in this tongue-in-cheek letter, however, it merited ranking with nuclear bombs.

Our industry must continue to work to protect its best interests where they are also in line with the environment’s. We must continue to supply our opponents with the necessary facts that support our position, and, perhaps most importantly, we must be sure that their arguments are based in a foundation of factual accuracy and not an inflammatory manipulation of the truth that slants the battlefield against us.