3/28 Letters: NC hog regulations are tough enough

A hog farmer’s view

I couldn’t help but shake my head when I read “NC has a chance to cut hog waste pollution.” (March 26)

The state enacted tough new regulations on our industry more than 20 years ago, including a moratorium on the construction of any new hog farms. Other requirements included annual inspections of every farm in the state, mandatory setbacks, and a long list of regulations related to waste management.

DEQ calls it “the strongest permit program” in the country. Anyone who has worked on a N.C. hog farm will agree.

My husband and I have been raising pigs in Wayne County for more than 30 years. During that time, the industry has improved by leaps and bounds when it comes to animal care, environmental protection, and so much more.

Those who attack our industry simply have no understanding of how we operate. They do not recognize or appreciate the steps we take to care for our animals and the detailed rules we follow to better protect the environment.

North Carolina doesn’t need everyone to demand tough new regulations for hog farms. It needs everyone to better understand the regulations that are already in place.

Modernize now

We must stop this obsolete disposal practice and instead process hog waste similarly to how we deal with human waste.

Anyone who has ever driven by one knows just how awful they are. And every time we get a big storm of any kind in North Carolina, dangerous and lasting groundwater contamination occurs.

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Liberal hypocrisy

It makes me laugh that liberals are demanding that U.S. Attorney General William Barr release the full version of the Mueller report so they can read it in its entirety.

I only wish they had demonstrated the same enthusiasm to read the Affordable Care Act before voting to pass it in March 2010.

That’s not collusion?

We try hard to keep our dark secrets hidden.

I remember President Clinton’s line, “It depends on what the meaning of the word ‘is’ is.”

So I guess it also depends on what you mean by collusion.

President Trump’s son, Don Jr., meets with a Kremlin emissary to discuss dirt on Hillary and that’s not collusion?

I would say I don’t understand, but I am sure there is noting wrong with my cognitive abilities.

I fear we are in deep trouble as Americans.

Don’t excuse fines

Re “One in 7 NC drivers has suspended license for missing court, fees, etc.” (March 26):

It appears that the prevailing thought among some court officials is that if you are too poor to pay the fines for traffic offenses then the penalty should be excused.

What a fantastic idea. How about extending that to people who rob banks because of their poverty?

Yes indeed, the city could eliminate courts, jails and even the police.

That would surely make Durham a wonderful place for liberals to live.

As for myself, I prefer that the population of my county simply obey the laws. Now that’s a novel idea.

A life lesson for all

“Raleigh council member’s story of dog and neighbor brings tears” was perhaps the best and most applicable story in the March 26 News & Observer.

It was a real life example of how we should all live our lives. Simple, short phrase: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

You don’t have to be religious, or even believe in God, to understand that.

It is sad to say that in today’s world some people are far too quick to condemn, berate and belittle others who may not have the same views.

We have two ears to hear and two eyes to see and only one mouth. That should be telling us something.