This looks like a sunrise,
but it’s actually a Rorschach test. Our town’s new cell phone tower, visible in the upper left quadrant of the image, was just completed after a long and (I gather) contentious permitting process. I first learned about the tower from folks who vigorously opposed it, on the grounds that it was an inappropriate eyesore and that its construction would unnecessarily damage a natural area. I assumed, then, that the opposition to the tower was universal, and that the company building it had imposed its will on a small town with limited resources to fight such a battle. Since it appeared, though, I’ve encountered a number of people who welcome its presence, hoping that when it comes on line, it will give them some semblance of reliable mobile phone service and allow them to participate more fully in 21st century life. I admit to finding both viewpoints persuasive, so I keep my counsel.
Tagged: 21st century, cell phone service, cell tower, despoiled wilderness, digital divide, fog, sunrise, valley, view