It's become apparent in light of two editorials published by the newspaper that a number of my valued readers are confused by the difference in tone and approach between what I express in my column and the newspaper's opinions about coverage of the controversial C&H Hog Farms in Mount Judea.
The confusion is understandable considering how until a few years ago, I was writing my column while also serving as the editorial page editor of the paper's Northwest edition.
My columns about the factory over two-plus years have addressed numerous public concerns over what some experts predict will be the inevitable contamination of the Buffalo National River, the first stream to be so designated in America. My position on enormous amounts of hog waste likely polluting this treasured river has been (like other matters I'm passionate about) beyond obvious.
They differ dramatically with the opinions of the editorial writers who, in editorials published on May 5 and May 18, referred to sustained coverage of developments involving the hog factory with 6,500 swine as "the state's longest-running bore," and "we're sick and tired of the whole subject, distraction and sideshow. Enough! Who needs it?"
My opinion: As a lifelong journalist, my bent always has been to keep a light intently focused on issues of significant public concern, particularly where government actions and inactions deserve to be questioned and fully scrutinized. Many unanswered questions and unrevealed truths certainly remain here.
My point today is for readers to simply be aware that my approach and interests in protecting our only precious national river (that attracts some 56 million tourist dollars annually) obviously differs significantly from that of the paper's editorial writers. The way this factory has so obviously been mishandled by our state agencies and those in power will continue, to me, to be a significant national story by any standard and well-deserving of continued in-depth reporting and commentary. I've certainly never seen the subject as boring or a distracting sideshow.
I'd appreciate knowing how you feel about this subject since you're the ones who subscribe and purchase the newspaper. Are you bored with the matter?
Here's a smattering of recent letters I've received from readers statewide who clearly aren't:
Former GOP congressman Ed Bethune writes: "C&H and Big Creek Research are doing everything they can to prevent a scientific finding the ponds have leaked. In light of how they've positioned themselves, an adverse finding would be devastating. It would undercut all the soothing assurances they have given to the public. This is why they're resisting. Intentionally, I think. At a minimum they are guilty of 'indifference.'"
Vic writes: "Has anyone considered the amount of rainwater that runs into the lagoons? Many extra gallons of wastewater over the last three years ... Imagine the mess trying to clean out the lagoons to put in a plastic liner. Where would they take the sludge? Where would they put the daily output of waste while they are doing the liner? If they line the ponds they would have a lot more waste to spray. They are running out of places to put it...This thing could end up being a superfund site."
Rick writes: "Your articles have been a topic of conversation at my local beer joint for years from all the articles you wrote about Janie Ward and now the hog factory. We all are in agreement there is a lot more stink than the hog waste ... We want you to keep writing and don't give up until something's done ... Don't give up, more people are behind you than you probably realize."
Roger writes: "I'm a longtime reader of your columns. Thanks for your efforts on behalf of preserving the Buffalo and ... having the literary courage to speak frankly about sensitive issues. I'm old enough to remember how difficult it was to save the Buffalo River the first time around."
Jerry writes: "I hardly ever agree with you politically. But what a pleasure to have a conservative conservationist on the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Your active participation in exposing this to the public makes you a champion of the people and state ... Enjoyed the column "Findings raise questions" immensely ... It cannot and should not be swept under the table."
Karl writes regarding the Big Creek Research and Extension Team saying it doesn't need to drill beneath the waste lagoons at C&H: "Obviously, what one doesn't admit or determine exists one also can deny responsibility for correcting. Keep facts at a distance and shout, 'We didn't know!' Then continue to ignore the imminent damage, so as not to gore the oxen of the moneyed class. It's plain as the nose on their faces."
Marti writes: "Thank you for continuing to bring the C&H CAFO issue to light ... Much (most) of the coverage is pro Farm Bureau and Pork Producers lobbying interests. They must have some pretty slick PR people."
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Mike Masterson's column appears regularly in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Email him at [email protected].
Editorial on 05/31/2016