# People who complain about wind turbine plans. **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [July 30, 2003, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934 "2003-07-30T17:04:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934/21 "2003-07-31T13:20:15Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by World Eater \* > \*\*I remember reading about them putting some of these off the coast of Cape Cod, and all these people where bitching about it. Despite the fact that they would have generated a good deal of electricity and were safer for the environment, people bitched against it because they were visible on the horizon. \*\* Count me as one of the selfish bitchers. They will not only be put out at sea, they will be put smack dab in the middle of one of the best views in New England, which also happens to be a pristene wildlife preserve. They will be an eyesore in a tourist area where a lack of eyesores is a major attraction. They will lower property values. They are a butt-ugly sight being put where peoples’ livelihoods depend on an absence of butt-ugly sights. Of course, people will whine about my whining – that I complain about my pwecious wittle view. Fine. Then let’s also build wind farms in the Grand Canyon, around the Pyramids, and along the Great Wall. ---
**Author:** ![World\_Eater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@World\_Eater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/World_Eater)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934/22 "2003-07-31T13:33:14Z")
Grand Canyon Pyramids Great Wall Cape Cod \ Yeah rrright…\ Btw they are 6 miles off shore, which isn’t exactly in your backyard. ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934/23 "2003-07-31T14:10:24Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by World Eater \* > \*\*Btw they are 6 miles off shore, which isn’t exactly in your backyard. \*\* At 250,000 miles away, the moon isn’t in my back yard either, but it’s still fairly visible. The things are 300 fucking feet tall – they are far from being invisible. ---
**Author:** ![World\_Eater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@World\_Eater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/World_Eater)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934/24 "2003-07-31T14:18:15Z")
Oh gotcha, so they have to be invisible? An inch tall on the horizon must really destroy that prestine view. People like you disgust me. ---
**Author:** ![GingerOfTheNorth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/cdc98d/32.png) [@GingerOfTheNorth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GingerOfTheNorth)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934/25 "2003-07-31T14:38:43Z")
Damn it, I have to remember to copy my responses before I hit ‘submit’. All over Southern Alberta, wind farms are going in. They are not obtrusive to the landscape, they are not detrimental to the environment, and the local farmers are getting $350 a month in rent from the power company. Since they’ve been hit by the “Mad Cow” scare, that money has come in very handy. ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934/26 "2003-07-31T14:46:23Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by World Eater \* > **Oh gotcha, so they have to be invisible? An inch tall on the horizon must really destroy that prestine view.** Yeah, pretty much it will. An inch tall on the horizon is fucking huge. The moon on the horizon is about a quarter of an inch tall. Don’t tell me you’ve never noticed it. > [@](#): > > \*\*People like you disgust me. \*\* Why? Because I don’t want to see one of the most fabulous views in one of the most popular vacation spots destroyed? This disgusts you? That’s a pretty strong reaction to something that will probably never affect you. Lucy, you got some ‘splainin’ to do. ---
**Author:** ![sailor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a587f6/32.png) [@sailor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sailor)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934/27 "2003-07-31T14:48:32Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Lobsang \* > Yeah but still. If it was a toxic waste dump or a casino, complain. But if you are going to complain about something that will ultimately benefit the environment and mankind - expect people to find that a little selfish. > I am not saying they shouldn’t complain. I am just saying I see it as selfish. So, let’s see if I get this. Society needs waste dumps and it needs wind generators. Those who complain about waste dumps near them are right but those who complain about wind farms are selfish. And this is because you said so? And saying they are a fw miles into the see so you can’t see them is pretty stupid. People go out there to fish and sail. As far as I’m concerned i’d rather they put them inland, somewhere where few people go. ---
**Author:** ![World\_Eater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@World\_Eater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/World_Eater)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934/28 "2003-07-31T15:33:24Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by tdn \* > \*\*Yeah, pretty much it will. An inch tall on the horizon is fucking huge. \*\* :rolleyes: 10x28[sup]99[/sup] Let me tell you something, this world is environmentally going to shit, and the US is leading the charge. Your grandchildren may one day face some serious problems, and I might say that some inch tall fucking windmills on the horizon might be enough to prevent said problems from fruition. “But no, the horror, my view is ruined! Who gives a fuck about the environment? Something six miles offshore could ruin my view waaah waaaaah!” I bet you are one of these tight ass people that flips out if your neighbor wants to do something to his property that you think will make it ugly, so you bog them down in some zoning bureaucracy. \*\* > [@](#): > > The moon on the horizon is about a quarter of an inch tall. Don’t tell me you’ve never noticed it.\*\* Shut up with this moon shit already. \*\* > [@](#): > > Why? Because I don’t want to see one of the most fabulous views in one of the most popular vacation spots destroyed? This disgusts you? That’s a pretty strong reaction to something that will probably never affect you.\*\* I’ve seen it, twasn’t shit. ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934/29 "2003-07-31T16:28:39Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by World Eater \* > \*\*Let me tell you something, this world is environmentally going to shit, and the US is leading the charge. Your grandchildren may one day face some serious problems, and I might say that some inch tall fucking windmills on the horizon might be enough to prevent said problems from fruition. \*\* I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: I am not opposed to wind power. I’m all for it. I’ll even welcome it in my own backyard. I would love to see it in the neighborhood where I spend 51 weeks out of the year. But I don’t want it in a resort area, especially where air pollution is not much of a problem to begin with. Location, location, location. > [@](#): > > **"But no, the horror, my view is ruined! Who gives a fuck about the environment? Something six miles offshore could ruin my view waaah waaaaah!"** There should be a new rule similar to Godwin’s Law – anyone who says “waaah” or “boo-fucking-hoo” automatically loses a debate. Let me let you in on a little secret – There’s a reason why people go to the Cape and islands – FOR THE VIEW. People don’t go there to look at a bunch of fucking meat grinders. Ruin the view, and you’ve ruined the reason why it’s so popular. To trivialize that in the moronic and childish way that you did really speaks more about your own ignorance. > [@](#): > > **I bet you are one of these tight ass people that flips out if your neighbor wants to do something to his property that you think will make it ugly, so you bog them down in some zoning bureaucracy.** Wanna put money on it? I could use the easy cash. > [@](#): > > **Shut up with this moon shit already.** I will if you shut up about the “only one inch” crap. > [@](#): > > \*\*I’ve seen it, twasn’t shit. \*\* Ah, so you had the bad taste to dislike it, so now you feel entitled to ruin it for the rest of us? That’s very big of you. It amazes me how many people who would never dream of vacationing on the Cape are so cavalier about how it’s no big deal. Solutions to problems are always easy whe it’s someone else who is inconvenienced. ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934/30 "2003-07-31T17:05:14Z")
Fucking environmentalists telling everyone what they should and should not do. How about if someone decided to put an oil rig in your backyard? Is that ok? What about a 300 foot cell phone tower? How about a Walmart or a MegaMall? Anyone who doesn’t want a rendering plant in theit back yard is a whiner! People have a right to oppose eyesores being placed in their communities, even if they do create a benefit. If you don’t live in Cape Cod you have no say in the matter and no right to criticize the residents for not wanting a field of 300 foot turbines obstructing their view. Now go take a bath you dirty smelly hippies for I suggest using the Grand Canyon as a National Grabage Landfill. ---
**Author:** ![GingerOfTheNorth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/cdc98d/32.png) [@GingerOfTheNorth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GingerOfTheNorth)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934/31 "2003-07-31T17:12:51Z")
In fact, there is an oil well in my parents’ yard. I would prefer there was a windmill. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934/32 "2003-07-31T17:13:29Z")
Although there is no doubt that wind farms are better for the environment than burning fossil fuel- so are nuke generators- and the Luddites are keeping these sources of power that don’t increase greenhouse gasses from being built. And, the Sierra club & co wants to get rid of many dams- another source of power that does not increase global warming or air pollution. Here in the Altamont pass, there was a problem with raptors being killed. I dunno if it is still a problem or not. However- remember this about power generation- TANSTAAFL. Nothing is completely safe for the environment. Although it has not been a problem, there is a chance that windfarms could- by intefering with wind flow- change the climate as much as “global warming”. Now, I doubt it would ever reach those proportions- but still- TANSTAAFL. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934/33 "2003-07-31T17:14:24Z")
Fuck the pristine view, I _like_ to see man’s machines rising above the lazy-ass simplicity of nature. “Eyesore” arguments piss me off, ya fucking luddites! ---
**Author:** ![Lobsang](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobsang/32/4067_2.png) [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934/34 "2003-07-31T17:16:04Z")
:rolleyes: I don’t know what others are saying, but _I_ am not saying they don’t have a right. I am just saying I don’t support their complaint I would be surprised if many do. (as many as would support a complaint about something uglier and less beneficial) Why do people in this friggin place keep mistaking opinions for commands or rules of law! I am just expressing an opinion here. Not DEMANDING that they stop complaining! ---
**Author:** ![World\_Eater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@World\_Eater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/World_Eater)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934/35 "2003-07-31T17:18:51Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by tdn \* > \*\*I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: I am not opposed to wind power. I’m all for it. \*\* Say it all you want, actions speak louder then words. \*\* > [@](#): > > I’ll even welcome it in my own backyard. > \*\* No you won’t \*\* > [@](#): > > I would love to see it in the neighborhood where I spend 51 weeks out of the year.\*\* Sure you would. \*\* > [@](#): > > But I don’t want it in a resort area, especially where air pollution is not much of a problem to begin with.\*\* Yeah let’s stick it in the ghetto, is that better for you? Air pollution may not be a significant problem there at the moment, but perhaps people should think ahead for once. Also it obviously hasn’t dawned on you that it might help ease pollution somewhere else. \*\* > [@](#): > > Location, location, location. > \*\* Yes, you do realize the place they want to stick them supposedly has some of the best wind currents on the east coast. \*\* > [@](#): > > There should be a new rule similar to Godwin’s Law – anyone who says “waaah” or “boo-fucking-hoo” automatically loses a debate.\*\* Yes, because the important thing here is to “win the debate” over some anonymous person on a message board on a homemade technicality. \*\* > [@](#): > > Let me let you in on a little secret – There’s a reason why people go to the Cape and islands – FOR THE VIEW. \*\* Some people don’t think the view would be affected as much as you seem to. I would understand if they were a few hundred feet, but 30,000 feet away is as long as Manhattan. \*\* > [@](#): > > People don’t go there to look at a bunch of fucking meat grinders. \*\* No apparently they go to stare at the horizon all day \*\* > [@](#): > > Ruin the view, and you’ve ruined the reason why it’s so popular. To trivialize that in the moronic and childish way that you did really speaks more about your own ignorance. \*\* See my POV is that the view isn’t that ruined! I’m not trivializing anything, I just find is amazing that through this whole “debate” you haven’t once mentioned any possible adverse environmental effects as your reason for opposing the fucking things. I’m sure you will now though. \*\* > [@](#): > > Wanna put money on it? I could use the easy cash. > \*\* It’s a figure of speech. \*\* > [@](#): > > I will if you shut up about the “only one inch” crap. > \*\* The moon has nothing to do with this, the appearance of the windmills has everything to do with this. \*\* > [@](#): > > Ah, so you had the bad taste to dislike it, so now you feel entitled to ruin it for the rest of us? That’s very big of you. > \*\* I thought it was very nice, and I enjoyed myself, I don’t think some structures off in the horizon will have a very big impact. I think people, _all people_ need to start making sacrifices. You guys happened to get the call first, and you should answer it. \*\* > [@](#): > > It amazes me how many people who would never dream of vacationing on the Cape are so cavalier about how it’s no big deal. Solutions to problems are always easy whe it’s someone else who is inconvenienced. \*\* Look, I happen to have a nice country house close to the beach, and when they want to erect those windmills miles off the beach, that will be fine by me. Like I said, you are a part of the problem. ---
**Author:** ![World\_Eater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@World\_Eater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/World_Eater)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934/36 "2003-07-31T17:22:12Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by msmith537 \* > \*\*Now go take a bath you dirty smelly hippies for I suggest using the Grand Canyon as a National Grabage Landfill. \*\* Because of assholes like you, this will most likely become a reality. ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934/37 "2003-07-31T18:05:40Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by World Eater \* > Because of assholes like you, this will most likely become a reality. \*\* It’s because of assholes like me you even HAVE wind power, moron. > [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by World Eater \* > …because the important thing here is to “win the debate” over some anonymous person on a message board on a homemade technicality. Debate? I thought the purpose of The Pit was to throw obsceneties at anyone who disagrees with you? ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934/38 "2003-07-31T18:19:33Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by World Eater \* > \*\*Say it all you want, actions speak louder then words. > > No you won’t > > Sure you would.\*\* So basically you’re calling me a liar. What actions would you have me take to prove my sincerity? > [@](#): > > **Yeah let’s stick it in the ghetto, is that better for you?** That’s not what I said. You seem to love putting words in my mouth. Stop it. > [@](#): > > **Also it obviously hasn’t dawned on you that it might help ease pollution somewhere else.** Yes, it has. But don’t let that stop you from making false assumptions. > [@](#): > > **Yes, you do realize the place they want to stick them supposedly has some of the best wind currents on the east coast.** I do. But that should not be our only concern. We have to balance it with other concerns, to come up with a solution we can all live with. > [@](#): > > \*\*Some people don’t think the view would be affected as much as you seem to. \*\* And some do. I’ve seen artists’ renderings, and these people trying to sell us in the idea can’t make it look anything other than butt-ugly. > [@](#): > > **No apparently they go to stare at the horizon all day** Yeah, pretty much. Maybe when you go to the beach you stare at the sand all day. I look out at the horizon. I thnk there are few sights as beautiful. > [@](#): > > **See my POV is that the view isn’t that ruined!** And mine is the opposite. > [@](#): > > \*\*I just find is amazing that through this whole “debate” you haven’t once mentioned any possible adverse environmental effects as your reason for opposing the fucking things. > > I’m sure you will now though.\*\* Huh? Once again, in English? > [@](#): > > **The moon has nothing to do with this, the appearance of the windmills has everything to do with this.** I bring up the moon for comparison. Most people don’t realize how very small it is. People have compared it to a big pizza pie, when in fact it’s smaller than an aspirin (at arm’s length). So when you say an inch, that sounds small, but in fact it’s huge. And that’s just the height. It is many times as wide. It will dominate the horizon. > [@](#): > > **I thought it was very nice, and I enjoyed myself, I don’t think some structures off in the horizon will have a very big impact.** I’m glad you had a good time. I imagine the impact depends on where you go and what you enjoy doing. If shopping is your bag, and you go to the lower Cape, this will not effect you at all. But if you go to upper Cape, or either island, and go to the beach a lot, this will have a major impact on your vacation. If you’re like me (and I suspect most people are), vacations aren’t cheap (especially on the islands), and they don’t come around that often. They are precious commodities. I would hate to think of spending the one week I get per year looking at an eyesore. > [@](#): > > \*\*Like I said, you are a part of the problem. \*\* I already said I’d be willing to have them in my town, but you just called me a liar, presumably so you could then judge me. There’s no help for that. ---
**Author:** ![World\_Eater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@World\_Eater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/World_Eater)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934/39 "2003-07-31T18:20:23Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by msmith537 \* > **It’s because of assholes like me you even HAVE wind power, moron.** And because of assholes like **TDN** , we don’t get to _take advantage of it._ Did you have a point? ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934/40 "2003-07-31T19:11:22Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by World Eater \* > **And because of assholes like TDN, we don’t get to _take advantage of it._** Slight correction: It’s because of assholes like me that you don’t get to place new construction willy-nilly without consideration for what negative consequences there might be. **World Eater** please link to where I said I was against wind power in any way, shape or form. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934.md?page=3)