Reece used to work in a coal burning power plant and has seen how that affects the environment, and now he is out seeing the results of the beginning of the coal burning cycle. His dad was an engineer for the power plant and worked on the scrubbers that helped contain gases from escaping into the air. Reece talks to several people in order to uncover the truth behind the chemicals that do leach out into the environment. He likes to use very descriptive words and sarcastic remarks to emphasize his points and then provide us with examples of problems that people have come across in relation to the coal extraction. This method sort of made me feel like theres no way I could possibly be on the other side of his argument. Hearing the story of Blanton and how basically all of her friends and family had died because of the chemicals leaching into the water and air, and how "Almost nobody in Dayhoit lives past fifty-five" helped me emphasize a lot more with her story and support Reece's view.
After reading this portion of the book I have been pulled more towards Reece's side. Mountain top removal is something that we should definitely try to regulate more. I still really haven't been convinced completely in stopping it because whether or not we like it, coal is definitely a huge source of energy for us. Until we can find more efficient ways of alternative energy sources, there isn't much we can do as far as not using coal completely. Regulating the way that they are dumping waste and doing a better job of restoring the areas are things that need to taken care of.
I agree that the way Reece has written his experiences allows no space to agree with the opposing argument. I do support Reece's side of the argument but I believe he should take a more open-minded approach to understand all aspects of the industry. I also agree that there are alternative resources for energy, but eliminating coal completely is impossible. I also like the way you looked into his style of writing instead of just the content.
ReplyDeletei agree with you, the way the author describes the information he learns from outside sources, fully supports his side. I like the way he write using descriptive words and sarcasm but he does only write one sided. I think that if he included more information about the opposing side, his argument would be more persuasive.
ReplyDeleteI agree that there are alternative resources for energy and that we will need coal for the foreseeable future. But I feel that we need to completely stop strip mining, even if the company's take responsibility, there is no way to restore the mountain to its original state. We need to mine coal the old fashion way with tunnels. Yes this is harder and more dangerous, but it would be more environmentally responsible. This would also lower the production of coal, thus raising the price, which in turn would make alternative resources more enticing.
ReplyDeleteI think Reece is doing a great job supporting his cause. Let the coal companies support their own case!
ReplyDeleteI also agree with you that this book has definitely given me a REASON to support efforts against mountaintop removal.