Measure P failed, with 62 percent of voters opposed to the proposition, with the economy on the forefront of people’s minds. As with most decisions in politics, both sides were entrenched in their views, believing the other side to be wildly wrong. Now oil drilling will continue and certainly expand in the county, bringing in large sums of revenue. One side is extremely happy, and the other is angry, frustrated, and, in many cases, honestly worried about the environment and the safety of our drinking water.
It is important that the victors—in this case the opponents of the measure—not try to smear this victory in the face of the proponents. This will only cause bitter resentment and more political and societal division and contempt for one another. Now we must put aside our differences and look to what we have common ground on instead of always arguing over what we know we will never come to agreement on.
Those who support oil extraction in the region should acknowledge that water safety and the protection of the environment are serious considerations that should be properly handled. Those who are deeply skeptical and outright opponents of oil extraction in the county must accept the fact that the citizens voted and oil extraction is going to continue and expand in the county. The current atmosphere of division, critique, at times hate, and looking at everyone in terms of politics must stop, both in this county and the nation. We all have much more in common than most will regularly acknowledge; we’re all humans who want to feel loved, respected, and safe. Honest conversation and debate is necessary. It is only necessary if it is done in the hope of coming to an agreement, not simply changing one’s mind.
This article appears in Nov 13-20, 2014.