Apathy prevalent in growth issue

While the article on the front page of Sunday's Bee was yet another "Oh golly gee, whatever shall we do about growth?" rendition, it did touch upon another problem that needs to be addressed first. Apathy.

Let's face it, most of us don't want to be the ones to make any decisions. We like to discuss the matter over coffee in our living rooms, but when it comes right down to it, only a handful actually get up off the couch and do something about it.

There are reasons why we are apathetic. For one, the whole darned "growth" thing appears so complicated. It hurts our heads just to think about it. Wouldn't it be nice if someone could spell it out for us in plain English?

Then there is the old "But what if?" syndrome. Lord knows we don't want to be the generation that makes a mistake. Better than the next generation tackles the task. Sounds like an easy way out, but these issues need to be addressed now. It's time for us to step up to the plate.

Cities all over the world have had to address growth problems. We are not unique. You can grumble all you want about growth, but we can't blame the newcomers who have moved here. They have come because they too appreciate all that our area has to offer.

I have no doubt that they will stand with us to keep our area as pristine as possible. Unfortunately, the population worldwide keeps growing. People need to live somewhere. There is no place on earth that won't someday be inhabited. You can sit back and complain, or you can take part to insure that our piece of paradise is prepared to comfortably accommodate increasing growth.

How can you help? Attend these meetings and forums, become informed. Thousands of us standing together pulls more weight than a handful. The issues could be put out to the public on a survey, written in easy to understand language. Have them mailed out to every household. Surely the North Idaho press could help with this.

Take part in your future and decision-making process.

LAURIE LONGACRE

Priest River