Dancing Coal And Other FPL Myths

Commentary by Steve Hein

Most Glades County residents not up to date on ozone , particulate matter, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide and all that spews from a coal burning power plant, believe that FPL's new proposed Glades Power Park for Moore Haven is "clean" and safe.. FPL is spending lots in marketing to promote it so. "Clean Coal " is the new buzz word. Who else has seen the new television commercial of a  dancing lump of coal being followed by a happy group of people through the streets of town? I believe it was made by General Electric who will probably end up manufacturing many of the components needed for the plant.
 
How do you balance the local economic need of a poor county such as Glades when such an offer comes to town promising millions to local government? Money thrown around like a drunken sailor is how. Give money to local community associations, museums, promises of new fire trucks, even buy some cows from the youths livestock- that's how it is done . Simple bribes that is all it takes, in simple little Glades and yes, the dancing lump of coal. Don't worry folks because part of FPL's request is for you the customer to finance this latest venture anyway. This would most likely encompass all the good faith money being thrown around the county at present also. What other for profit business can have it's customers finance their latest expansion, by simply raising your current electric rate. What a deal. Yes sir, Moore Haven will be a company town, FPL's, just ask Okeechobee who can't get them to pay their tax bill.
 
Simple Glades County is going through its own Scopes Trial at the present. Just switch the term "Global Warming" for "Evolution" ant the current situation is aptly presented. Glades Commissioners have openly stated that they don't believe in Global Warming and Climate change. It is no wonder they can't see the big picture: of how the Glades Power Park will be a contributing factor in the planets ultimate demise. They see money and just don't get it any way. Lack of education, ignorance and poor leadership on the local level is not an excuse for bad decision making. Take the money and run, and don't ever look back, this is Glades County, future home of one of the largest polluting power plants on the planet.
 
Steve Hein is a long-time Muse resident and  former Glades County planning and zoning board member for nine years, and is a member of Save it Now Glades!