Monday, January 31, 2011

It became necessary to destroy the town to save it

"One of the most famous quotes of the Vietnam War was a statement attributed to an unnamed U.S. officer by AP correspondent Peter Arnett. Writing about the provincial capital, Bến Tre, on February 7, 1968, Arnett said: "'It became necessary to destroy the town to save it,' a United States major said today. He was talking about the decision by allied commanders to bomb and shell the town regardless of civilian casualties, to rout the Vietcong.""


I can't stop myself from reading and re-reading the news release out of Greystar Resources (GSL.to) this morning, with the Groundhog Day part being the CEO quote from head man Steve Kesler. He said the following, with IKN moneyline highlights:

"Steve Kesler, President and CEO, stated: "Greystar Resources Ltd. takes very seriously its environmental and social responsibilities in the development of this project. Greystar has always believed that the 15 years spent developing its Angostura Project and Greystar's social responsibilities would demonstrate its commitment to managing the Angostura Project with principles consistent with that high standard. It is the Company's objective to make the Angostura Project a model for sustainable and responsible development of mining projects, not only in Latin America, but the world. Notwithstanding the current lack of clarity on paramo rules and mining, Greystar is committed to protecting and recuperating all ecosystems in which it will operate through a biodiversity offset program that will provide better protection to paramo than if the project did not proceed.""

Yes indeed, Steve. You take an ancient and delicate multi-million year ecosystem that's had human interaction for over 10,000 years, dig a freakin' big hole in the middle of it and you're just bound to make things better than they were before, aren't you? Thing is, I'm quite sure that CEO Kesler actually believes in what he says and is being sincere in his commentary. Sheer, unadulterated, 21st century madness.