Indeed, through its actions, the Herald challenges the reader to look beyond what ostensibly is an infomercial for the gas and oil industry to find the nuggets that are intended to be read as hard-hitting distillations of real-world truth. The two authors’ obvious intent is to craft a compelling narrative which finally explains the real reason for natural gas and oil extraction in La Plata County and the state of Colorado. Too bad the reader does not get to read the piece in its entirety, as there must be a much lengthier explanation than what is presented here.

The reason, as presented, is not what most people think: The industry is not here primarily to make money, consequences be damned. It is here to be a good neighbor and to show the world that it gratefully operates under regulations 1) which it spent millions to oppose, and 2) the adoption of which, it implies, was extraneous because if left to its own devices, the industry would be doing on its own all the things it is now required to do, like not pollute the air.

So, despite the Herald’s heavy-handedness with the editing shears, the industry’s message still got through and it was reassuring to hear from those who many of us worry about, that we have nothing to worry about. I would, however, encourage the Herald to run the full-length version sometime, so readers can get the full scope of the industry’s spin on its intent and impacts.

Josh Joswick

Bayfield