As a retired couple, one of many living in Garrett County, my wife and I find the possibility of fracking wells and all that comes with them completely distressing ("The risks of fracking outweigh the potential benefits," March 3). Having come from a metropolitan area industrialized to the point that the natural beauty of the land is completely gone or hidden in small patches, the thought of it is beyond belief. We do not understand why anyone would want to destroy one of the most beautiful regions of our state.
We feel sorry — no, pity — for the persons whose beliefs and values are so distorted by greed that they fail to see the consequences of their actions. They call themselves landowners who should be allowed to use their land as they see fit regardless of what damage it may cause their neighbors and the country surrounding them. The truth is they are not landowners but only stewards of the land. Greed and self-interest has made them blind. The old axiom that "the pursuit of money is the root of evil and leads men into ruin and destruction" is so true. When riches come before values and principles, it is truly evil.
We would suggest that many of those proposing to bring destruction to Garrett County have never truly seen what industrialization can do in a short period of time and healing the land afterward would take decades, if it could ever be accomplished. They have led their lives in this beauty for so long that they no longer see or appreciate what has been given them. Is money and power worth it? To some, I guess, it would be. Would you be able to view this county in the future and be able say you were a good steward and your actions made the land better? Would you care? Would you say the accumulation of worldly goods and properties was worth it? As you age, and are ready for retirement, you feel the burden of what you have done and what they must live with. Some day, you may wish to live the rest of your years in the beauty and peace that is Garrett County, as we do.
Sadly, if fracking does happen and on the scale that is proposed, we would mostly likely be forced to find another Garrett County to live out our years.
Jim and Sue Long, McHenry