Please consider the plan of self-made billionaire, T Boone Pickens, to drastically reduce American dependence on foreign oil. The brief video has aired on national news and is available on the Net. It lauds wind turbines as a major part of the plan to create an energy independent America. Isn't it a good thing to have two county commissioners who agree with Mr. Pickens?

In a society encouraged to get a dog if you need a friend, most people still cringe at public tantrums launched at those who embrace positive change. It's sickening to see decent people endure this nonsense. I am assured that Jody Pfanenstiel took her shot at Krista Gordon using out-of-context information. Michaud's pulpit pounding rants referencing Judas and his sniping at commissioners are business as usual. The latest attacks on commissioners seem to abandon hope of legitimizing any other opposition arguments.

Maybe I should try telling my grandchildren to clean their plates or J.P. will write a nasty letter about them.

The CUP document has yet to be attacked. Is that because the truths of the wind farm are so effectively documented by so many excellent intellects therein? Is it because the CUP document eviscerates the opposition's case with enough practical and academic force to expose the opposition attempts to play martyr and decry any imaginary ill?

The Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission thinks there is no problem with conflict of interest. It's past time to move on from that argument unless there are those who think the Ethics Commission is part of a conspiracy.

If the opposition believed they could win a vote why didn't they do the work to create a public referendum a year ago? I'm told Perry Henman declined to pursue a referendum. Maybe he felt it wasn't necessary, as the commission had been elected to make such decisions. Or did he and much of the rest of the opposition think they just couldn't win?

Time spent mudslinging may blind the slingers. Said slingers should consider that manufactured mud might precipitate a volley of truth that many will regret. Many private truths become public fodder prior to elections. Those who employ hateful deceits in pursuit of power leave little to lose. If one is to be treated with contempt in any case why not shine light into some very dark places? Too many people have been hurt by cruel rumor and hearsay. Better to have leaders who agree with a self made oil and gas billionaire's visions of progress and energy independence than those whose personal darkness would obstruct the very mechanisms of light.

Zoning board members and Commissioners Vernon Berens and Dennis Pfannenstiel deserve recognition for courage, foresight and the valor to support a workable national energy policy that moves toward a cleaner and more self-reliant America.

If I retire in Ellis County, I hope they still have zoning officials and commissioners as capable and brave as those currently embracing progress.

Richard Turney

Overland Park