MegaLoad Opponenets Protest Rally

On Saturday, Jan. 29th, approximately 120 megaload opponents protested at a rally that spanned Memorial Bridge along U.S.12 in Lewiston, Idaho. Protesters also carried their banners and signs to the Port of Lewiston, where the photo above was taken in front of the ConocoPhillips' coke drums. Although there was a pro-megaload group on the bridge at the same time, there were only 9 people in that group, and some among our 120 held a "Paid for by Big Oil" sign over their heads.

Crossroads

ITD ignored the concerns of local residents when it issued permits to ConocoPhillips earlier this week to transport 4 super-sized loads along Highway 12. The earliest the loads could roll is Feb. 1st, but the 13 intervenors, who for the past 5 1/2 months have been challenging the permitting of the shipments, are currently considering their next legal step.


The Missoula Independent recently published a comprehensive article on the mega-load issue titled 'Crossroads'. The story covers local opposition in both Idaho and Montana and addresses the issue of creating a permanent high and wide corridor between Pacific Rim nations and the Alberta Tar Sands.

Please read the full story here:
http://missoulanews.bigskypress.com/gyrobase/crossroads/Content?oid=1371483&showFullText=true

Idaho Residents Challenge Hearing Officers Recommendations

A group of 13 Idaho residents and business owners along Highway 12 are challenging the recommendations by hearing officer Merlyn Clark. The group is asking Idaho Transportation Department director Brian Ness to deny permits for ConocoPhillips’ proposed shipments of massive coke drums up Highway 12 from Lewiston to Lolo Pass in an exceptions brief filed early this week. The citizens are concerned that the massive loads will harm central Idaho’s tourism and outdoor recreation economy as well as the safety and convenience of local communities.
The exceptions brief begins:

“Regrettably, the Hearing Officer’s Recommended Decision does not present a full and fair evaluation of the facts and law. Just the opposite – the Hearing Officer has simply regurgitated the case presented by ITD staff and Conoco/Emmert, without bothering to address key points and evidence presented by Intervenors.”

The brief spends 22 pages itemizing evidence that the hearing officer ignored in his 57-page recommended decision – which they described as “one-sided, unfair, and clearly erroneous.” “Remarkably, not once in all these pages does the Recommended Decision identify – much less discuss in detail – any of the evidence or testimony submitted by Intervenors,” the filing adds.


To read the entire exceptions document go to:

http://www.advocateswest.org/bulletin/hwy-12-residents-challenge-hearing-officer-recommendations

How Underdogs Win

In the recent New Yorker article, How David Beats Goliath:
When Underdogs Break the Rules by Malcolm Gladwell, the author explains how underdogs increase their chances of winning. The key is effort. From sports to military strategy, the odds of winning increase for the underdog when fresh thinking is combined with unwavering determination. If you lack the same levels of talent, strength or money of your opponent you can even the playing field through sheer will power. Often times social norms keep underdogs down but the ability to think outside the box allows underdogs to prosper. Mr. Gladwell’s article uses inspiring stories to remind us that no matter the odds a fresh outlook on the situation can propel underdogs to the top.
Take a few minutes to read the full story here:
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2009/05/11/090511fa_fact_gladwell

Best Wishes for a Happy New Year!