This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Before the Jan. 25 Clean Air, No Excuses Rally, I read a letter to the editor that needs a comment. The letter stated that if you drive to the rally at the Utah State Capitol, you are part of the problem.
The statement is correct, but I believe writing such letters is a mistake. We are all part of the problem, some more and some less than others. Only votes will bring success and we should make the tent as large as possible and do or say nothing to discourage citizens from entering.
Belittling those who don't yet grasp the seriousness of the health risks of bad air to themselves and family, or those who do understand but, for whatever reason, have shied away from a commitment to working for a clean environment and air is hardly the way to bring them into the tent.
Those citizens with the largest carbon footprint should be most welcome. Once welcomed, they can be nourished and energized.
Fares J. Arguello
Salt Lake City