The Responsibility of Free Speech

One of the great things about living in the United States is the right of free speech granted through the first amendment of the Constitution. Voicing an opinion about what works and sometimes, more importantly, what doesn’t, can be a very constructive way to create change and incremental improvements.

However, free speech often comes with a price. In some countries, it can be the loss of your head for voicing an opposing opinion. In America, there are other prices to pay that keep some people’s comments in check. How many husbands have learned about the price they will pay if they do not produce the correct answer when asked, as their wife looks in mirror, “Do I look heavy in this new dress?” The responsibility of free speech lies in discretion.

We are exercising our power of free speech in the year’s first issue by having a variety of stakeholders speak freely about their issues with the brownfield industry. As the brownfield market has evolved, we at Brownfield News have focused our coverage on success stories and what works. In this issue, we take a look at what doesn’t work, not to criticize, but to focus on what to fix. If you have any ideas on what needs fixing, please send a letter to the editor for possible publication in the next issue.

We are also launching a new feature this issue called the Unknown Complainer. We understand that not everybody is willing to pay the price of free speech. Borrowing from the unknown comic of the old “Gong Show,” we now have created a forum where you can pitch your views under the anonymity of cover. This is your chance to cover your face with a brown paper bag as you uncover your thoughts to our readers.

Send us you complaints on what’s not working in the brownfield industry and we will print the best complaint each issue. Many thanks to our first Unknown Complainer, a long-time regulator who has some advice for the users of state voluntary cleanup programs.

We hope you enjoy this issue, which is packed with news, information, analysis and perspective from industry experts. The brownfield industry continues to evolve and through our combined efforts we can all “do well by doing good.” BFN

Enjoy the Read!
Robert V. Colangelo, Publisher
robertc@brownfieldnews.com