https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/pennsylvania-fracking-water_us_576b7a76e4b0c0252e786d5e
I selected
this article because it discusses the exploitation of land and its effect on
residents, a theme that is prevalent throughout The Tempest and Columbus’ journals. Columbus came to the New World
and immediately wanted to exploit the land for gold and other resources, and
Prospero immediately exploited the original inhabitants of the island in order
to gain power. This can also be seen through the way large companies in America
today exploit the land in order to achieve personal wealth, economic prosperity,
and to further America’s usage of fossil fuels. Private drilling industries are
using fracking to explore natural resources, taking away what many Americans
take for granted: clean water for drinking and showering. These companies are
taking away a necessity of life from innocent Americans, like the Eakin family
in the article. There is not much these residents can do when the government is
not on their side, much like the Native Americans and the original inhabitants
of Prospero’s island. The tactics used by drilling companies provoke the
question of does the end justify the means? Also, can the government turn a blind
eye to its own citizens in hopes of finding more natural resources?
People, like Jesse and Shirley Eakin, should never be forced to pay to have access to clean water, especially if they've never had to do so in the past. According to the article, they must "drink donated bottled water" and they have had to begin "paying for deliveries of city water to avoid showering in contaminants such as lead and manganese." The wants of drilling companies will never be more important than the needs of people, yet companies continue to be allowed to shape the land and Americans' lives for the worse.
ReplyDeleteA supposedly democratic American government should listen to and heed the requests of its citizens. This inevitably includes regulating and shutting down harmful business practices. Currently, we don't have that. Any government that prioritizes companies over people is unjust.
I believe that your post, like Kami's, does a wonderful job of demonstrating that many problems wished to be left in the past, like unfair treatment of certain groups of people by the government for their gain, are still an active force in modern times. The government "by the people and for the people", as this article demonstrates, needs to consider this sentiment more closely, as if their actions are harming their people then these actions must be ceased immediately. In this case, as in many other cases, the ends do not justify the means. If the means involve harming many people and the ends only benefit a select group, then the endeavor should be reevaluated.
ReplyDeleteI think that the question of commercial venture over risk is one that must always be managed, but the topic of Fracking shows that this is oftentimes unequal. The lack of any type of reporting over the Fracking industry is particularly bothersome, seeing that in the article Jackson states, "there is “very strong evidence” of a connection." These government bodies should be able to provide oversight for these communities, but in issues like these, political super pacs and powerful organization made these governing bodies, like the EPA, incapable of protecting everyday people from the force of major companies.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI'm not convinced that the benefits outweigh the costs. Sure, Pennsylvania is one of the top states for gas, but there are too many environmental consequences. For one thing, we should be stepping away from gas and burning fossil fuels as it is no secret that it is horrible for the planet. Because of fracking, people are suffering from health issues, and people and crops are dying. It further frustrates me that, "their water was never tested for fracking-related contaminants until sand began to clog their faucets," which just points to how money-focused different companies are and are neglecting their effects on people's and the environment's health. I think the government needs to turn their focus on ensuring people are safe and healthy, which might recall for a reallocation of budgeting. Like how Hurston demonstrates racism in the face of a hurricane, it might take disasters like this water and fracking crisis for some to open their eyes and recognize the environmental disasters we are facing.
ReplyDelete