At the Foxconn hearing, public clarity, special interest chaff

In the wake of Foxconn's 7 million gallon daily ask for Lake Michigan water under an agreement intended for public purposes, not a private firm's benefit, two things:


*  I'm impressed with the strong, informed turnout and statements at the Foxconn diversion hearing reported Wednesday. This administration keeps trying to tries to stamp out democratic process - - in the legislature for a sand mining company and at an important state board for a Walker donor/golf course developer - - and it's great to see the people Wednesday night having none of it.

*  I am not impressed with the public relations blitz launched on the eve of the hearing by the company, also reported Wednesday, part:
"Foxconn is fully committed to complying with all appropriate rules and regulations that apply to our operations and to being a responsible corporate citizen. Environmental sustainability is a priority and that includes compliance with the Great Lakes Compact..."
Saying the company "is fully committed to complying with all appropriate rules and regulations that apply to our operations" and also pledging that the company says "environmental sustainability's a priority" after the State of Wisconsin contractually and legislatively exempted the company from abiding by standard environmental site reviews and/or obtaining routine permits to protect wetlands, lakes and streams is like expecting praise for following a diet rewritten to  approve all the cheeseburgers, ice cream, hot dogs and candy bars you want.




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