It's not winning or losing - it's the sense of community - being humane

by Mark J. Cool
(Falmouth, MA)

Tonight's vote is the test of all our efforts In Falmouth.

We have worked diligently and intelligently to inform ALL about the true impacts associated with industrial wind turbines. As I write this, my Annie is driving to Great Barrington MA - 4.5 hrs - to offer information of experience to another concerned community. We have sacrificially invested our own money, time, energy and hearts into this effort and in the process have seen the true character of each other, as well as of those who share our town with us. And we have parried every lie and deception our misguided town officials and �green at any cost� oppressors have thrust at us.

I can honestly say that I have never worked with a more dedicated, capable and hardworking group of people.

The experiences of the last months has become part of who we are, and in some ways has reshaped us into something more than we were before. It will be a touchstone to reach back for as we grow old and reflect upon what our lives meant.

And we will all have a place to look back to and say �Once, I mattered. I made a difference. I was part of something great, for a moment.� That is a gift, an expensive one, but a gift nonetheless.

I am amazed at how at each point in time the right person or people arrived on the scene with just the right skill or knowledge or experience to plug the gap. Thanks indeed to new found pro-neighborhood friends that stood on the line, and decided for a clear conscience instead of a cost compromise.

Things have suddenly, unexpectedly, broken in our favor. At each step, those who have felt a fall have been picked up by those who still see the next step. The best of the human spirit refreshes and revives when least expected.

I now pray God grant us a victory tonight that will be the beginning of healing our community. My own personal sense of community has been enriched and blessed by all of you who have faced the adversity together with me.