Column: Need vs greed in nature – a matter of perspective

The Ragged Rapids at the Black River are pictured. Many will see beauty in the photo, others might see a use for water-powered generation, while others might see a place to fish … perspective is everything, says columnist David Hawke for OrilliaMatters

I just don’t understand the actions and attitudes of some people. Contrariwise, some people just don’t seem to understand me. Is this a problem? Should we just ignore each other and not be bothered with trying to understand what in blazes it is that has the other so upset?

When it comes to agreeing on how to look after the natural resources of our land, any disagreement between parties should, indeed must, be addressed. The fresh water, fertile soil, clean air and actual living space that we humans need is in a finite amount.

I hate (OK, really dislike) urban sprawl. The speed and magnitude of housing and commercial property development is staggering. I cringe as streams are turned into rainwater control structures, and forests are chewed up and split into fragments called estate lots. But that’s my view.

Another person may look at the situation and say that people have to live somewhere, and supporting product stores and transportation infrastructure have to be built … you cannot just put a fence around Toronto and say “stay there, sucks to be you.” And that person is also bang-on correct.

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