The Editor,
Re. "Desperate and unreasonable" (Face to Face, The Tri-City News, Aug. 3).
I have just read the arguments about B.C. Premier Christy Clark's strategy on the pipeline project and find the comments by Face to Face columnist Andy Radia both simplistic and cliché.
I am on holiday from Spain, where there have been similar discussions on the benefits and risks associated with the development of oil fields in particular. Premier Clark's stance is not unreasonable, especially considering the risk to the environment of British Columbia and the possible - and, some would say, inevitable - results of a major oil spill.
It is obvious all negotiations involve balancing gain against risk but to compare the damage caused by an oil spill and the resulting devastation to the environment against the building of a railway is not comparable. It illustrates that Mr. Radia seems to know the price of everything but the value of nothing.
By listing the other premiers who disagree with Premier Clark does not mean they are right. Were the majority right when they said the sun revolved around the Earth?
Mr. Radia then extends the taxation issues to other situations and industries that are only comparable in a world where you view issues in a simplistic way. Mr. Radia may have to really think about "Beautiful British Columbia" when in the future he drives to the coast only to find oil-soaked beaches and dead wildlife. Then he can drive home and drink his polluted water.
Value what you have you may not have it the future.
Oscar De Galicia Sanchez
