AFS Cinema
Doesn't Trust the Dirt
RECEIVED Tue., Oct. 6, 2009
Dear Editor,
Re: Austin City Limits 2009: 50,000 people standing in a field of "treated sewage," gazing happily upward at rich musicians, could be construed as a symbolic gesture by the live music industry complex to its audience … people standing around wondering: "Why does it smell like shit? Is it the music? Good thing I'm drunk or stoned, otherwise I'd never know the difference."
In the classic money grab this city has become so adept at, nobody seems to be considering the big picture; it's probably not a good idea to potentially hurt innocent, money-laden tourists with the city's own waste products and a few other surprises. Dillo Dirt indeed.
So after the big boys go home and all the right people are counting their change, I'd like to know, in the context of a bigger picture: When will the same ground be safe for families to play, eat a picnic, or roll around on? If a child gets some Dillo Dirt in a cut, can anyone out there testify honestly as to its safety?
Let them speak now please.
Re: Austin City Limits 2009: 50,000 people standing in a field of "treated sewage," gazing happily upward at rich musicians, could be construed as a symbolic gesture by the live music industry complex to its audience … people standing around wondering: "Why does it smell like shit? Is it the music? Good thing I'm drunk or stoned, otherwise I'd never know the difference."
In the classic money grab this city has become so adept at, nobody seems to be considering the big picture; it's probably not a good idea to potentially hurt innocent, money-laden tourists with the city's own waste products and a few other surprises. Dillo Dirt indeed.
So after the big boys go home and all the right people are counting their change, I'd like to know, in the context of a bigger picture: When will the same ground be safe for families to play, eat a picnic, or roll around on? If a child gets some Dillo Dirt in a cut, can anyone out there testify honestly as to its safety?
Let them speak now please.
Thomas Bowman
[Editor's note: According to the Austin Water Utility, “'Dillo Dirt' is a compost made by the City of Austin since 1989. … All yard trimmings collected curbside across the City as well as some of our treated sewage sludge are combined and composted to create Dillo Dirt. The heat generated in composting (130 to 170 degrees Fahrenheit) is sufficient to virtually eliminate human and plant pathogens … [and] meets all Texas and EPA requirements for 'unrestricted' use [including] vegetable gardens."]
