Editorial Page / Letters to the editor
Minneapolis Star Tribune, 20 April 2000
Energy and human rights
I truly appreciated Tom Meersman's April 17 article about the conference on
energy and human rights issues. Those of us who enjoy the benefits of
international trade, whether in goods or in energy, need to be informed
about the real costs of what we consume. I am especially interested in the
plight of the Cree Indians -- so near us, yet beyond that information
curtain that all too often extends along the 49th parallel.
-- Rhoda R. Gilman, St. Paul.
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I agree with NSP's Jim Alders, who was quoted April 17 on the dispute over
the failure of Manitoba Hydro to fulfill its 1977 contract with the Indians
in Manitoba's Cross Lake community. "Alders said: 'We think that's an issue
that needs to be resolved by those closest to it: the Canadian government,
Manitoba Hydro and the first nations [Indian tribes].' ''
What I can't understand is why NSP would want to do business with a company
that does not keep its legal contracts. Until that company gets around to
keeping that contract -- or, treaty, if you will, NSP should steer clear it.
Otherwise, NSP will be guilty of environmental racism by collaborating with
Manitoba Hydro.
In addition, NSP's eagerness to contract for more power from that Canadian
utility calls into question its street smarts: how can NSP trust Manitoba
Hydro won't pull a fast one?
NSP, drop Manitoba Hydro-electricity like a hot potato! Stolen goods might
be cheap, but you've got to be crazy, or immoral, to knowingly buy them.
-- Diane J. Peterson, White Bear Lake.