What Duncan doesn't realize is that the residents/opponents from GSLR simply don't trust him, nor have any reason to trust him, or basis to take him seriously at all.
Some basic reasoning why this would be the case
1) CCB's initial foray into the area was done under the radar. Their entire legal case stands on the fact that they duped some incompetent and lazy municipal employees into giving them initial green lights.
2) The equally incompetent Saywell government then, without its own due diligence, decided to also green light CCB on the basis that it's staff had already done so. Then it realize that it had stepped in it (as the residents finally got wind of the project) and back pedalled, only to be threated that the previous green lights required them to maintain their approval lest Big Bad Duncan huff and puff and blow their house down
3) The "acceptability" and "modest" size of the mine means nothing, because the CCB claim map shows much bigger intentions. Further, it is widely agreed upon that the economic benefit to the area would be minimal. The only people who say otherwise are the ones who use the logic that "it's better to be a prostitute than a pauper or a peasant". Given that most GSLR residents are voluntarily and comfortably paupers and peasants, this naturally is not a convincing argument
4) CCB saying "the mine will be small" similarly is an untrustworthy statement, given that the company has A) a giant map of claims, and B) is publicly painting a vision for its investors of massive riches resulting from ever-growing extraction and removal
5) Given that the company is a failure now and in the future, and has expressed 0 regard for the locals other than sending that hired, shaggy, untrustworthy nerd Lauzier to do the heavy lifting, CCB's claims that they will be happy and cooperative stewards of the land, with the resources to do full rehabilitation of the mind after the fact, all while being a respectful neighbour, is simply nonsense.
If you came home and found a slimey drunk had made himself comfortable in your backyard without your consent, would you really take him on his word that he'll clean up after himself, or trust him when he promises to compensate you fairly?
"Don't worry! I'll put up acoustic barriers and clean up after myself when I'm done! How DARE you suggest that I will expand beyond the inital area I have claimed in your yard (even though I have publicly declared this as my intention). Plus, my presence here will make you RICH because not only do I promise to make this worth your while, but people will think your property is great as a result of me wanting to squat in your back yard, resulting in your property value going up and more people moving close by. If you call me a slimy, untrustworthy drunk who moved into your yard without your consent, I'LL SUE YOU!!!!"" |
