GPT Opponents Ignore Dihydrogen Monoxide Threat!

The last chance for verbal public input on the environmental impact study scoping for the Gateway Pacific Terminal was held Thursday, November 29 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m in Ferndale. Opponents were livid that paid supporters hijacked the hearing process. WE are not aware of any paid or bused-in support, but WEthinks opponents doth protest too much. WE don't approve of the tactic, but it is hardly a novel idea, and it is frequently used by 'progressive' interests. Turnabout is fair play. See Alinsky's Rule #4. 

In any event, WE heard from supporters for about three hours, including local mayors and city council members who feel that their constituents would be well served by the Gateway Pacific Terminal. 

For the final hour, a steady supply of opponents greatly exaggerated the dangers of burning coal, coal dust, diesel particulates, etc., while ignoring the terrifying risks posed by the chemical dihydrogen monoxide, which:

• is called "hydroxyl acid", the major component of acid rain. 
  
• contributes to the "greenhouse effect". 
  
• may cause severe burns. 
  
• is fatal if inhaled. 
  
• contributes to the erosion of our natural landscape. 
  
• accelerates corrosion and rusting of many metals. 
  
• may cause electrical failures and decreased effectiveness of automobile brakes. 
  
• has been found in excised tumors of terminal cancer patients.
  

Despite the danger, dihydrogen monoxide is often used:

• as an industrial solvent and coolant. 
  
• in nuclear power plants. 
  
• in the production of Styrofoam. 
  
• as a fire retardant. 
  
• in many forms of cruel animal research. 
  
• for enhanced interrogation, torture.
• in the distribution of pesticides. Even after washing, produce remains contaminated by this chemical. 
  
• as an additive in certain "junk-foods" and other food products.
  

Large sections of the proposed terminal will be immersed (that's right, immersed) in this hazardous chemical, which is responsible for the deaths of countless humans and endangered species alike, yet nobody seems to be very concerned about it.*

*Yes, Sheldon, that was sarcasm. Bazinga!

All kidding aside, the Gateway Pacific Terminal is a big project, and area residents may be affected both positively and negatively. To ensure that people and the environment receive due diligence, WE prefer objective science, the rule of law, and rational risk assessment over the "precautionary principle", which is merely a reasonable-sounding expression for environmental histrionics.