Lake O discharge..news-press mailbag..2.11.2005..Paul Reynolds

Some interesting stuff I’ve learned from the Lake O water discharge issue:

1. When the farmers call for water from Lake O, that’s called irrigation. When we ask them to share excess water, that’s called flooding.

2. When the farms demand water, it soaks into the ground and nourishes their crops. If they were to share any of the current water it would create a big lake, destroy their homes and businesses, and drown their wives and babies.

3. I’ve learned that farm jobs are more important than tourism or fishing jobs.

4. I’ve learned that destroying the estuaries is OK because they will rebound but sending water to irrigated farmland is undefined tragedy beyond description.

5. That sugar is far more valuable in the fields than in a jar or a bag.

6. That the U.S. Riparian Laws pertaining to damages to downstream properties do not apply to South Florida.

7. The best way to fix a problem is to make it bigger, i.e., create some little Junior Lake O’s. Somebody call GM and let them know they just need to open more plants and hire more people.

8. I’ve learned that conflict of interest is an asset for appointment to SFWMD Board.

PAUL REYNOLDS, Sanibel