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
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Rainbows are people, too.
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