The Ongoing Fish Kills

What concerns me most about the latest fish kill (Lott's Creek),  besides
the scale of it (600.000), is the subtext underlying the fact that these
kills just keep happening. I do believe we can keep writing letters until
we're blue in the face and the situation is not going to change. Mr.
Beeman's article in the Register hints at the subtext when he mentions that
most of the fish killed were nonsport, as though this is some kind of
conciliation; as if the lives of these animals are of little more importance
than their contribution to our sport fishermen.  I doubt if God makes the
sport distinction when he views the destruction.

One hundred and twenty-seven incidents in our state alone since 1995 says
that the industriy behind these incidents, and the government responsible
for regulations and enforcement, are not putting too much of a price tag on
hooking solutions. How much easier and safer to wait, and hope there are no
more incidents--in time the public will desensitize.

Are we  to accept these chemical and manure spills as the unfortunate price
of business? Sometimes, when I read of these fish kills, I feel like a fish
flapping on the beach, as I lie in bed tossing and turning , alternating
between grief for these helpless animals and the way they died, and the
anger and frustration that I can't do anything about it. I'll keep writing
letters. Someone please listen.

Jack Eastman
2587 Fairfield, IA 52556

641.469.5760

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