Fracking debate parallels 99 percent’s campaign against the 1 percent

To the Editor:

The fracking issue in Athens is a microcosm of what is happening nationwide in terms of the struggles between the 99 percenters (the "have-nots") and the controlling influence of the 1 percenters (the "haves"). The 99 percenters are angry and fed up with the inequality between the 1 percenters and 99 percenters, and with the influence that Corporate America holds over our democracy and lives.

The oil-gas industry lives among the 1 percenters. They are a huge global conglomerate with immense influence in U.S. politics. Now little Athens has become home to big oil — the 99 percenters against the 1 percenters. Are we 99 percenters envious of big oil's wealth? Probably not. Are we angry about their aggressive, arrogant and dismissive attitude toward us? Are we angry about their power play over us? Absolutely.

We 99 percenters have heard all about the good fortunes the industry promises — thousands of jobs, full hotels/motels, restaurant traffic and more. But they practice false prophecy. The majority of the jobs would go to out-of-state specialists. The few local jobs would be shorted-lived, disappearing once the industry has gotten all it wants and pulls out. What will the lasting fortunes be for Athens County? We will be left with damage to our treasured environment, damage to our infrastructure, damage to the quality of life that all of us enjoy, and damage to our local economy. Damage that the industry is legally neither responsible nor accountable for. The economic struggles of Athens County will only worsen. Other small communities across the country enjoying the "boom" of fracking are our prophets — their experiences tell us so.

Many 99 percenters (and I imagine many of the wealthy, too) have begun to make their voices heard. Witness the bans and moratoriums on fracking implemented by different states and communities across the country. Witness the recent shutdown by the state of Ohio of five "fracking" wells around Youngstown after a series of earthquakes. Witness the recent polling data indicating that 72 percent of Ohioans think that fracking should be halted (Reuters, Jan 19, 2012). Witness the grassroots opposition by Athens' residents and organizations who want a moratorium on fracking because evidence of its ill effects cannot be ignored.

Some supporters of fracking demonize fracking opponents as "environmental extremists," "anti-Ohio" and "anti-jobs." Many of our critics belong to the 1 percenters; others are certain politicians. Some live among the 99 percenters, hoping to cash in on the boom. But extremists, anti-Ohio and anti-jobs we are not. We are simply acting as responsible stewards of our environment and protectors of our health and quality of life. Many fracking opponents are not against oil and gas exploration/extraction so long as best practices and strong, enforceable regulations are put into place to protect the environment and public health. In the absence of such regulations, fracking cannot be allowed. Athenians, stand strong and continue to make your voices heard — No Fracking!

Jim Montgomery
Rosewood Drive
Athens