To every nonproblem there is a perfectly impractical solution

To every nonproblem there is a perfectly impractical solution

I have been following the dis- cussion in The Vindicator concerning oil and gas drilling, and the fracking process. In one article (“Fracking under Fire,” Jan. 10.) college professor, ecologist, and author Sandra Steingraber “urges the rapid phase-out of all fossil fuels to avoid human calamity.”

Let’s go one step farther; let’s rapidly phase-out all vehicles, machinery and appliances that require fossil fuels, thus eliminating the demand for fossil fuels. Problem solved!?

The fact is we are totally dependent on fossil fuels, and most likely will be for at least another 20 years, even if someone finds an economical and reliable substitute that can be fully integrated into our infrastructure. We have been looking for an alternative since the gas lines of the 1970s.

In a letter to the editor (“We will be collateral damage,” Vindicator, Jan. 12), the writer suggests “our loss of quality of life, and eventually our own lives due to disease,” as the cost of doing business with the steel and pipe, and other related industries of the fracking process.

What then would we have them do for these materials and supplies if we keep drilling? Answer: We could import them from foreign countries like China, I’m sure that they will have agencies better than OSHA, the EPA, and better child labor and slave labor laws.

If the writer is so concerned about loss of life due to occupational accidents, then why not ground all airlines, cease all traffic, because it’s too dangerous to allow workers on highway projects, etc.

It just doesn’t make sense to me why we continue to buy resources we have right here, and products we can produce right here from countries who have little regard for the environment, or in some cases human life itself.

Mike Savage, Youngstown