McCain’s Colorado River Gaffe Might Cost Him Key Western States
Sen. Ken Salazar, D-Colo. said McCain’s comment was “dangerously naive.” Salazar added, “It reflects, in my view, a fundamental misunderstanding” of the importance water politics has in the arid West.”
Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal, also a Democrat, said McCain’s water comment could provide an opening for Democrats. “I was absolutely astonished that anybody running for president would suggest it, “Freudenthal said.
No matter which way you slice it, this has the potential to be a big political gaff. The sensitivity of the water issue is such that it can often overwhelm partisan allegiances. Across the American West there’s an old saying that goes, “Whiskey’s for drinkin’ and water’s for fightin’” Sen. McCain should have known better. Water in the Colorado Basin is not something that one tosses around with such disregard for its importance to upper basin users. A point that will certainly be hammered home next week in Denver at the Democratic National Convention.
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Photo: Gonzo fan2007 via flickr under a Creative Commons License
Until there are NO GOLF COURSES in Arizona, I refuse to have any sympathy for their water woes.
I am no fan of Mccain. I voted for Ron Paul in the primaries. That having been said; I see nothing wrong at all with what Mccain said, he is completely right. Rather than feuding over who gets what water, it makes far more sense for the interested parties to peacefully renegotiate their arrangement, considering the interests of the parties have changed over the years. There is absolutely nothing wrong with renegotiation. No one is forcing the issue, and it should be done because it benefits the needs of the masses of people. It would be very silly for someone to take this one quote so out of context that they begin to believe this quote is anything the senator should be ashamed of. It was a perfectly lucid and coherent response to the question.
^And what happens when the bigger states get more say in the matter than Colorado? They get it.
The Water will then be diverted from AZ to MX
Mark my words…
Petch,
While I appreciate the satisfaction of holding a knee-jerk opinion - and have many favorites of my own - the best ones are at least informed by facts.
In western states recreational facilities like soccer fields and golf courses are typically watered with reclaimed treated and quite safe EFFLUENT.
In other words, this is not potable water, but water that’s being RECYCLED, already having been used for drinking and bathing and washing and the like?
I’m not a golfer, but I’d sure like it if people who discuss life critical issues such as water use in desert states at LEAST understood the basics of how our water delivery system works.
I find it amazing that Arizona can mis-manage what little water it has, and expect Colorado to bail them out.
This may cost McCain my vote. (I live in the SW and understand water conservation)
I surely won’t be voting for Obama, but McCain might need my vote.
^Apparently Brian knows more than a state senator, governor and a polisci professor on this issue. Why do Ron Paulers need to announce who they voted for?
I’m sure the fact that Cindy McCain is in the beer business has nothing to do with his opinion. Do the research.
If this man says something, as with most politicians, it’s because someone paid him enough money to spend time in a room with him telling him what to say so they could make more money. It’s the only reason our government works still. For the rich, by the rich.
yep - this proves McCain isn’t fit. the right man for the office, Obama, would have said whatever would get him more votes - no matter what his real opinion was or what would be best for the most people.
Why do people choose to live in places that aren’t made to be sustainable anyway?