Franklin W. Anderson’s letter (Herald, April 13) regarding the need for LPEA board members to display patriotism piqued my interest. Anderson has an odd idea of what constitutes patriotism, so I thought I’d take a moment to respond with my definition. Patriotism is not about being willing to recite loyalty oaths, nor is it in any way about shallow litmus tests of faith. It’s not about the flag, either. My grandfathers did not go to war to defend the honor of a piece of cloth. They went because they loved their families and cared for their country and fellow Americans. They fought for the freedoms guaranteed by our Founders to be preserved, and they wanted the lands making up America conserved.
To me, nothing is more patriotic than dedicating one’s life to making sure the very core of our country – the land – is well kept. Jeff Berman, the LPEA board member targeted by Anderson, has done exactly that. From his work holding the line against billionaire developer attempts to destroy fragile, high-country meadows to his attempt at creating a biodiesel plant that would have allowed generations of farmers to stay on their land, Berman has never shrunk from fighting the good fight – even when it cost him dearly of his own time and treasure.
Frankly, Anderson’s ridiculous notion that Berman “has no respect for our country” could only be made by someone who hasn’t been paying attention for years. Berman’s lone stand for sustainable, renewable energy on the LPEA board inspired like-minded citizens to successfully run for that body and enact real change – such as the community solar garden and many other innovative measures – that have resulted in win/win policies for consumers and the environment. Yet, instead of praising this work, Anderson resorts to McCarthyite scare tactics and jingoistic diatribes.
That’s not useful. A vote cast for Berman is a vote for the clean-energy focus critical to a sustainable future. Now that’s patriotism, in my book.
Shan Wells
Durango
