Childish hyperbole
I am on the road on the East Coast this week and trying to keep up with things. I meant to say something about this before I left, and that's the use of the phrase "Love Canal," when talking about the demolition of the old Masonite factory.
To compare the Masonite site to Love Canal is just ludicrous. First of all, the Love Canal site was an intentional chemical waste dump. Of course, in the 1950s the nation had no environmental laws, and we were much much less educated about the effects of dumping hazardous wastes. In 1978, when the Love Canal toxic waste became evident, here's what one witness, Eckhart Beck, wrote at the time:
"Corroding waste-disposal drums could be seen breaking up through the grounds of backyards. Trees and gardens were turning black and dying. One entire swimming pool had been popped up from its foundation, afloat now on a small sea of chemicals. Puddles of noxious substances were pointed out to me by the residents. Some of these puddles were in their yards, some were in their basements, others yet were on the school grounds. Everywhere the air had a faint, choking smell. Children returned from play with burns on their hands and faces."
OK? Enough. THAT's Love Canal. To call the Masonite site our own "Love Canal" is not only stupid, it makes a mockery of what was indeed a serious toxic site and one that residents there would hardly compare to a former factory site in Ukiah.
I am not opposed to making sure that the Masonite demolition is done safely and with no environmental accidents. However, there is no evidence anywhere that environmental safeguards are not in place or that toxics are present. The state toxics watchdogs are perfectly aware of the Masonite demolition. Sure, let's have a public meeting if need be, but let's stop the childish hyperbole.