CANADA: The pipeline to nowhere

Canadian Peter Robitaille (July 1) should realize that the America he once new is all around him in Alberta. As a Canadian born, naturalized U.S. citizen while serving in the U.S. Army, I feel qualified to comment.

Canadian cousins tell me that the current government is being driven by wealth generated by the oil industry, and is similar to what I witnessed living and working for more than 40 years on the Texas Gulf Coast. There the atmosphere is an environmental nightmare, and the lack of zoning creates fast cycling neighborhoods that can become slums within a generation.

A Republican Texas Congressman some years ago who served on the U.S. Department of Transportation Congressional Committee published a study that ascertained that one 18-wheel truck did as much damage to Texas roads as 96,000 automobiles. Consequently, I do object to global oil companies moving mega-loads on a historic trail dating back to the early 19th century.

The Canadian in me mourns the destruction of forests in Eastern Canada along with the pollution of rivers and streams. The American in me is proud that we do not want a pipeline built between Alberta and Texas over several aquifers providing water to millions of people.

Please, not in my back yard, Peter!

JIM FOLEY

Coeur d'Alene