Birmingham News
September 10, 2003

News demonizes incinerator staff:

I am writing as an Anniston resident for the past four years; as one who has had military training in nuclear, biological and chemical weapons; and as a medical service corps reservist who could be called on to treat the consequences of these weapons. I am not affiliated with the incinerator or the depot.

Your Sept. 3 editorial "A real alarm" is unduly harsh.

When I came here and learned of the chemical weapons depot, I took it upon myself to become informed and made use of the materials in the Army-provided Community Outreach Center. I also took an Army-sponsored public tour of the incinerator and have concluded that they are highly competent and experienced people who know what they are doing.

Your harsh tone must affect the morale of the men and women who are operating the incinerator, and demonizing them does absolutely no good. I don't want to have people with poor morale or self-image operating the incinerator.

In my opinion, the citizens of Calhoun County and surrounding areas are in far more jeopardy from the heavy volume of trains traveling through our area, laden with tank cars of toxic industrial chemicals that can also kill like sarin. In addition, the trucks on Interstate 20 carry many hazardous materials. Almost daily, one can read in your paper of truck or train accidents.

Why are you not being harsh on those industries and calling for improved safety and emergency response planning?

John D. Hoyle

Anniston