03-31-2015, 06:16 PM
Eric,
"Not sure what can be done, tho, I think the law should step in and do something. If not, what's next? Protesters chaining themselves together to not let the trucks pass to go build it? "
I've been away but have, of course, been kept up to date about how things affect our own operations at the summit. I personally don't think it will get as far as people chaining themselves together. So far, the protesters have been polite and lawful, and it would not do their cause any good if they started doing things that could be considered illegal. I can't predict what will happen in the near-future, but that's my opinion.
They are allowing crews of existing facilities to get to the summit after asking some questions at the VIS. So far, I have heard of no confrontations and of course our own staff will not cause a confrontation, we have specific instructions on how to deal with the situation since we've gone through this before. It is, however, an awkward situation we have to ask staff to go through.
As for your comment about the TMT choosing elsewhere, it may be too late now that a commitment has been made, but will admit I was very surprised when the TMT chose Mauna Kea. Not scientifically, it was the best choice after all, but knowing they would face this kind of opposition whereas Chile would have welcomed the project with open arms.
Don't get me wrong, I think your comments are spot on, just not sure it'll go as far as illegal behaviour. Let's hope not.
"Not sure what can be done, tho, I think the law should step in and do something. If not, what's next? Protesters chaining themselves together to not let the trucks pass to go build it? "
I've been away but have, of course, been kept up to date about how things affect our own operations at the summit. I personally don't think it will get as far as people chaining themselves together. So far, the protesters have been polite and lawful, and it would not do their cause any good if they started doing things that could be considered illegal. I can't predict what will happen in the near-future, but that's my opinion.
They are allowing crews of existing facilities to get to the summit after asking some questions at the VIS. So far, I have heard of no confrontations and of course our own staff will not cause a confrontation, we have specific instructions on how to deal with the situation since we've gone through this before. It is, however, an awkward situation we have to ask staff to go through.
As for your comment about the TMT choosing elsewhere, it may be too late now that a commitment has been made, but will admit I was very surprised when the TMT chose Mauna Kea. Not scientifically, it was the best choice after all, but knowing they would face this kind of opposition whereas Chile would have welcomed the project with open arms.
Don't get me wrong, I think your comments are spot on, just not sure it'll go as far as illegal behaviour. Let's hope not.
