With overseas cargo numbers softening and increased opposition from other Florida seaports, the Canaveral Port Authority is feeling the sting as opposition grows for its embattled plan for an 11-mile-long heavy cargo railway that would hew its way through a National Wildlife Refuge, federally managed manatee sanctuary and hundreds of miles of endangered wetlands.

But CPA executive director, John Walsh, has a message for taxpayers and voters opposed to his plan for environmental reasons: Luddites, Go Away!

Really, I just don't know what to say.

I am at a loss for words — and that is rare.

So, I'll let John Walsh say it himself in his role as a public employee (executive director) of the Canaveral Port Authority at last week's board meeting. He was giving a presentation on the "feeling out in the community."

Apparently, you are either with him or against him. If you aren't familiar with the term 'Luddite,' you can check it out here. Please also note that he didn't just say it, but he also wrote and published it in a PowerPoint slide.

If, after the video, you have an opinion on the rail, either for or against, you'll find the email addresses for Mr. Walsh, the five port commissioners as well as all five Brevard County Commissioners, who will be considering a resolution Sept. 3 at 5 pm in Viera opposing a Merritt Island rail route.

If you can figure out how to plug in the computer, drop them a line.

Brevard County Commission

Robin Fishier, District 1 and Chair
robin.fisher@brevardcounty.us

Jim Barfield, District 2 and Co-Chair
jim.barfield@brevardcounty.us

Trudie Infantini, District 3
trudie.infantini@brevardcounty.us

Curt Smith, District 4
curt.smith@brevardcounty.us

Andy Anderson, District 5
andy.anderson@brevardcounty.us

Canaveral Port Authority

John Walsh, Executive Director
jwalsh@portcanaveral.com

Jerry Allender, Chair
jallender@portcanaveral.com

John H. Evans
hevans@portcanaveral.com