Thanks to the Timberjay for reporting on the Bi-national Forum and on my comments about the Resource Curse.  You also reported on those who disagreed with me but that’s what we expect from a newspaper that actually practices journalism.

Ironically, the Ely Echo actually gave a classic example of the Resource Curse by refusing to mention it in their article on the forum.  Domination by the mining industry is well on its way when the local media refuses to report on legitimate skepticism.

In addition to the Resource Curse, mining area residents should be familiar with the economic concept of Opportunity Cost.  Minnesota has rebated hundreds of millions of dollars to the mining industry.  The tax dollars and wetlands that we sacrifice to subsidize the mining industry are a lost opportunity to find a better use for those assets.

Bob Tammen

Soudan, Minn.