RACE: Good news all the way 'round

I am excited to attend the jet boat races at St. Maries on the Joe.

I have watched the environmental issue evolve through the good reporting of the Post Falls Press and Mr. Selle. Boyd, the citizen activist who raised concerns about the environmental impact of the event, has stood up, and stood alone, for his concerns.

It can’t be easy, outed by the press, faced with universal opposition from powerful business and political interests.

Yet, his action represents the best that America has to offer, an individual taking action, participating in the community and government, to do what he believes is right.

While I was focused on the excitement of the upcoming event, he was focused on how the event might harm the environment, and its inhabitants.

While one race on one river is not going to put any species at risk, a dozen, a hundred such events on a hundred such rivers, could. Only individuals such as Boyd force us to weigh the costs against the benefits outside of our own immediate selfish interests.

The result is a better community, which owes a debt of gratitude to Boyd. So — thank you Boyd, and well done.

I am happy that the race is on — but I look forward to efforts by government agencies to ensure the protection of the environment where it is to take place.

DAVID HULL

Post Falls