At the Rivers Edge

Today I went to a meeting amongst friends to discuss the impact that gas drilling is having on their lives and property and hopefully find a way to help them. Both sides of this controversy can make assumptions to support their views, but this all becomes meaningless when your friends are sitting in front of you feeling helpless at the onslaught that's upon them. They've tried to address the local authorities, but the only protections that the authorities seem bent on enforcing are for the large companies that see potential profit in fracking gas out of the ground.

I've invited these friends and others who are affected by this new development in our area to tell their stories, in real time, here as they unfold.

Perhaps the toughest part of this beyond the obvious assault on the quality of living here in the Upper Delaware, is the sense of powerlessness that comes from the lack of support from our elected officials. The regulations that are supposed to protect us and our land rights from the imposition from our neighbors and large corporations are either being skirted or ignored.

I hope this forum can help give a voice, and a face to those paying the price for this "free lunch".

Anyone interested in telling their story can contact me at peter@petergalbertchairmaker.com. If you don't have or want a google account, I'll be happy to post your emailed text and images.

Peter Galbert