Transportation & Energy...

Working on a farm while growing up in rural South Carolina, rain was always the topic of the day. One farmer friend of mine was so superstitious about the rain that he believed my brother could actually bring it to a field. (Now my brother is no rainmaker, proven time and again during his deployments to the Middle East desert while serving in the military; however, he does have this weird thing with watches where they go haywire after making contact with his skin.) And though rain was a mainstay topic of conversation among southern farmers, many easily irrigated from the plentiful water tables underground. Things aren't so simple out here in the Northwest, reminding me of our planet's delicate balance.

In the neighboring state of Oregon, there is a serious battle being waged between the state's lawmakers, tribal representatives, farmers, the governor's office and conservationists over how to provide more water for farmland in the state's eastern region. A plan to draw down the Columbia River was quickly tabled as the groups couldn't decide on what route to take. Drawing down the river would impact the region's native salmon, which could cripple other parts of the economy, not to mention toying with vital natural resources.

Progress is being made and a good solution seems to be emerging. However, I can't help but be reminded that, despite our progress as a civilization, there are some decisions we must weigh carefully. One misstep could endanger a species of fish native to a river or even damage one group of people's way of life for generations. Handling life's delicate balance is something I take seriously and I hope decision makers are just as pensive before sacrificing the long-term picture for the short term.