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Letter writer challenges factory farms in hometown 8/99
During a recent tax review meeting I realized that no one else at the table could name the person who owned a specific house when I was a child. It made me feel old. I also felt how deep in my land, in Martell, I have set my roots. I will not remain politely quiet while my land, water, air and farming neighbors are threatened by the destructive plans of a few short-sighted, self-interested individuals who seek financial gain at the price of the irreplaceable. The effects of factory farms on the areas where they have established themselves are well documented. The lagoon leaks and spills that contaminate the ground water, wells, rivers and streams; the family farms in the area that suffer economic ruin; the air that is filled not with "bad smells" as some have said, but with toxic levels of air-borne contaminants. Factory farms use farm animals as the machines to produce a toxic industry. There are already agricultural products from the U.S. that are banned in European countries because of the hormones, etc., that are commonly used at these facilities. The economic future of farming does not lie in the direction of products that cannot be sold. All of these truly disastrous affects and others have been experienced by other Americans, other people living and farming in formerly beautiful rural areas. We have the opportunity to learn from history and not make the same mistakes. It is our duty to use our God given common sense and demand that our elected officials protect our health, safety and well being by opposing the establishment of factory farms in Martell Township and all of Pierce County. No matter where you live, this is an issue that is in your back yard and on your plate. Draw strength from your roots, however long they have had to grow, and
hold your land. If you quietly watch while the land and river you
love are taken from you now—you will lose them forever.
Letty Larson
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