Your opinions

Posted: Oct. 13, 2006

WATER

We can't take more than nature provides

When discussing diverting Lake Michigan water to Waukesha, we hear words like "regional cooperation," "water quality issues," etc. To me, the real problem is growth.

In nature, when an animal or plant species does not have enough water, food or air, it does not continue to live. Perhaps we have reached the point of diminishing returns for Waukesha: no usable water; no more growth. End of story.

As much as everyone would like unlimited growth, the Earth cannot support this. If we look at the situation realistically, Waukesha is attempting to grow where the resources do not support it. So let us end the sprawl and turn our attention to improving what we already have: many wonderful suburbs; Milwaukee, a dynamic powerful city; and, in the city of Waukesha, a place where we can no longer grow outwardly but must concentrate on living within the means nature provides.

Richard A. Bowen

Milwaukee

Diversions must be carefully considered

Phoenix or Waukesha - both face water shortages, and how much water evaporates from Lake Michigan should not be a concern of either. The average American family has to get by using resources at hand and by making good decisions. You can't keep making bad decisions for years and hope that your neighbor bails you out.

Phoenix and Waukesha both look enviously at Lake Michigan. Would we be having any discussions about Lake Michigan's water if Phoenix were asking? Does Waukesha being closer to the lake really validate the argument? If distance does matter, then at what distance is the cutoff?

Steven Alt

Glendale

Let's see leadership on conservation

The Oct. 8 Crossroads articles on water highlighted a resource we have taken for granted for too long ("Well & good"). Recently, Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton noted, "We live rich in Wisconsin with all of its resources, but it's not ours to squander."

The proposed Great Lakes compact will require conservation as part of any agreements with "straddling" communities. An article by Rep. Scott Newcomer (R-Delafield) noted that if Lake Michigan water is not made available to Waukesha and others outside the watershed, Waukesha may need to seek new wells in Lake Country, which would have a negative environmental impact on Waukesha County's lakes.

I looked up community Web sites in Newcomer's district; not one had "water conservation" information or links. The Waukesha city Web site said, "In progress"; two sites posted the community's sprinkling restrictions. None listed progressive water/sewerage rates that would give frugal water users a break while discouraging water hogs. Milwaukee, which does not have a water problem, has an excellent "water conservation" link on its Green Milwaukee Web site.

Our regional leaders must make a greater effort to help individuals use less water by such simple suggestions as low-flush toilets, water-saving shower heads and turning off the water while brushing teeth. Lake Michigan and its sister lakes are not ours to squander.

Cheri Briscoe

Chairperson, Great Waters Group

Sierra Club

Milwaukee

IRAQ

World community could share burden

I appreciated Michael Caruss' Oct. 7 letter in which he wanted another option to either "cut and run" or "stay the course" in Iraq ("Is there a third option?").

I believe the best option would be to convene all the nations in the region, NATO countries included, to share the burden of massive stabilization, while promising fair revenue for rebuilding.

Let Iraqis develop their fledgling new government, ensuring that the oil profits are shared among the three factions. With more security, a new infrastructure and a government that they can have a say in, the Iraqis could have a more hopeful and satisfying life, and all can be assured of a more stable region.

Additionally, America should show that it isn't interested in "owning" Iraq, by eliminating most of its 14 bases installed there.

However, this humble approach would seem impossible with the current U.S. administration. Fresh new faces and vision are needed for the world to see that we really do want the best for the Iraqis. Then, while we are in the world-cooperation mode, let's start getting all to work together on global warming and the other problems that single nations can't solve alone.

Debbie Metke

Milwaukee

'EXTREME MAKEOVER'

A great family moment

Thank you for the uplifting article about the Koepke family's gift of a new home from "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." The expression on the face of each family member in the photo of them seeing the house for the first time was priceless ("Show gives back to family that did so much for community," Oct. 7).

Maureen Ann Kosmatka

Greenfield