In a recent commentary promoting the proposed new Energy Security Act, state Rep. Sylleste Davis implicitly perpetuates the common misconception that endless economic growth is not just beneficial but essential for our welfare.
Economic growth means more.
More buildings, more consumption, more congestion, more pollution.
As we’re learning on Johns Island, more is not always better.
We need a way to measure quality of life that is more inclusive, more than just infinite growth in production and consumption.
Rep. Davis also says that burning natural gas will ensure a stable energy future.
While that may be true in the short term, it comes at a high cost.
The devastating consequences of fossil fuel consumption for Earth’s climate and sustainability are now well-known.
Contrary to industry propaganda, natural gas is a major contributor to global warming due to the emission of carbon dioxide when the fuel is burned and from methane leaks from supply pipelines.
Continuing our reliance on fossil fuels simply delays the inevitable transition to clean energy and makes that transition more difficult, painful and costly.
Governments should rely on well-informed long-range planning rather than stopgap measures.
More of the same is convenient now, but our children will pay the price.
As individuals and communities, we are part of and depend on a healthy, sustainable natural world.
Prolonging our reliance on natural gas isn’t the answer, it’s the problem.
RICHARD WILDERMANN
Seabrook Island
Pull out of race
Catherine Templeton‘s decision to remain in the 1st Congressional District race is increasingly untenable.
The recent revelation that her son is accused of beating a fellow classmate, which resulted in hospitalization, is deeply troubling.
While it’s acknowledged that parental responsibility doesn’t always equate to a child’s actions, Templeton’s handling of the situation warrants scrutiny.
Attempting to downplay the severity of the beating by likening it to a “high school fight” seems callous and dismissive.
Such rhetoric diminishes the suffering of the victim and portrays a lack of empathy. The absence of an apology or any sense of accountability further compounds the issue.
As voters, we expect integrity and leadership from those seeking public office.
Templeton’s failure to address this matter appropriately reflects poorly on her candidacy.
While she did not physically harm anyone, her son’s alleged actions have likely tarnished her reputation and undermined her campaign.
For the sake of the constituency and the integrity of the electoral process, Templeton should step down from the race.
Continuing to pursue political ambitions in the face of such controversy only serves to erode trust and confidence in her ability to represent the people effectively.
LISA MERCALDO
Edisto Island
Fix potholes
I recently hit a pothole at the end of Rivers Avenue near Carner Avenue.
The damage resulted in a nearly $600 repair bill for my vehicle, which included a bent tire rim, a new tire, an alignment and towing costs.
In order to file an online claim, the S.C. Transportation Department says on its website that it “must have known about the condition or defect before damage occurred and did not correct the condition in a reasonable time.”
It was too late for me.
I reported the pothole to DOT on April 17, the day after the incident.
As of Saturday, there was no barrier or cone marking the location.
Maybe some of our state’s newly discovered $1.8 billion could be allocated for road maintenance in the Charleston area.
ROBERT BURNER
Charleston
Leave female crabs
The easiest way to control blue crab harvesting? Stop catching females. Make it illegal.
PATTY ECKELS
Hollywood
Send us your letters
What’s on your mind? Join our community conversations and let your voice be heard by writing a letter to the editor. Letters can be a maximum of 250 words and are subject to editing for clarity, tone and libel. They must include the writer’s name and city for publication and a daytime telephone number for verification. Email your submissions to letters@postandcourier.com or fill out the form on our online portal.
