Ranchers have it tough, a huge understatement, but Sharon Salisbury O’Toole’s complaint in her Aug. 7 essay, "There was no green in this Rainbow gathering," sounds like a selfish indulgence. I was surprised that it was published by HCN. Ranchers enjoy the use of public lands most of the year and make a profit while doing so. Movements such as the Rainbow Family are not above criticism, but their success benefits society in the long run by exhibiting, through use, that public lands are for everyone. When more parties are involved in the public-land debate, it acts to broaden the scope of land-use consideration. Perhaps one day, policies will be inclusive of those other than miners, ranchers or developers.

Kermit Myers

Greensboro, North Carolina