Americans speak of the divide within this country. Most accept the labels. We are a nation of Red states and Blue regions. People define themselves as Conservatives or Liberals. West Virginian primary election voters, who were asked, reinforced the notion in this nation we are not unified. One fifth of those polled stated, skin color influenced their decision. Former Senator John Edwards often expresses his distress for what he sees as "Two Americas." The one time Presidential candidate reminds us of why the common folks clamor. The rich get richer while the poor become more impoverished. For some of those who fight to endure, a "gas tax holiday" is thought essential. Others believe such a measure will negatively effect the infrastructure and the environment. In Grand Rapids, Michigan on May 14, 2008 a Black man and a white man stood on a stage together united and equal. Some, in this splintered nation of ours, thought this was a sign. Perhaps, Americans would finally come together as one.
Mother Earth is catastrophically ill. Our Mother is warm with fever. Scientists at the National Research Council report the temperature on the Earth's surface has increased one degree Fahrenheit (0.6 degrees Celsius) during the last century. The consensus is her children gave rise to the heat that now harms her.
It was a day late in March. The month roared in like a lion and in some regions, the last days of this turbulent time were gentle as a lamb. A twister tore through the town of Atlanta, Georgia in mid-March. However, the winds died down, and the later hours were calmer, at least in America.
Late in January 2008, Americans read the startling news, Video Reveals Violations of Laws, Abuse of Cows at Slaughterhouse. Tears were shed by some; most turned away. The footage was too graphic. Countless wished to remain removed from a reality they do not wish to witness. Reports, of brutal treatment towards beefy cattle, were received by many as is steak on a plate. Those who eat the meat think it sad that a cow must be sacrificed in order to fill a human stomach. Nonetheless, numerous persons believe man kills "lower" forms of life; that is the natural order.
Each day you and I work towards peace. On occasion we stand in protest. At times, amongst a throng of individuals we march. We demonstrate and proclaim global harmony is possible. Some of us research before we rant. Numerous read. Millions reflect in isolation, then, share their thoughts with a few like-minded souls. Thousands write. People reach out. Individuals invite discussion. Yet, it seems only one or two respond.
The Corporate Destroyer is a peculiar mutation of man. It is known for its inactivity in the practice of any virtue. He is found in several different forms throughout the government, business, and nations. The fruits of his labors can be seen throughout the earth in 'greed, sloth, pride, wrath, avarice, envy, lust, and gluttony'. Absent conscience or allegiance to any land, this mutant will use any means necessary to feed his insatiable appetite.
America the beautiful? If you listen to the constant barrage of PR on TV, we're the Superpower of the world! That may be, if it applies to our major industry today, the exporting of war and weapons? We have a Defense budget of some $648 BILLION. This does not include the 'supplemental' billions that are being asked for every few months!
Mother Nature is replete with resources. Americans, with infinite ingenuity, wish to reap the rewards the planet offers. We, in this country, claim the riches the land affords us; we do this well and often. For us, every moment is an opportunity to give and receive stuff.
Each evening I go to sleep and hope that in the morning when I awake, the nightmare will be over. I am unsure whether it has been days, weeks, months, or years since I felt as though there was reason to expect all would be well. I contemplate the plight of many, and my heart bleeds. I wonder; can we say we live for the Seventh Generation or must we accept that our progeny will not survive.
When I consider the circumstances of children I weep. Their health and welfare do not seem to fit into our adult plans or our budget. I am concerned when I hear whispers and discussions; the State Children's Health Insurance Program [SCHIP] costs too much. I am more anxious since I learned the Bush Administration imposed stipulations; now the program will not cover many offspring in need. Each of these distressing dilemmas, I think is symptomatic of an endemic problem. We, the elders focus on financial matters more than physical realities.
Please help save an endangered species or ourselves. Assist and secure a natural balance. Scientists warn if we continue as we have, fifty percent of all living species will soon be extinct. We cannot wait for others to do, or undo what we, humankind has done. This entreaty is not meant to address only the dire circumstances of wolves. You have the opportunity to sign two petitions, pleas, asking the current Administration to protect the wolves.
Earth is ill. The virus that invades this planet is human in nature. This strange little creature has an ego that multiples and magnifies its significance. "Persons" think themselves so important they ignore the essence of every other life form.
Humans invade all space and slip into every crack and crevice on this planet. Individuals propose it is "Manifest Destiny." Man and womankind believe they have a G-d-given right to expand and possess the whole of this terra firma.
Today ravaging tempests are wreaking havoc in the Southeast. Tornadoes Kill at Least 14 in 2 States. Eighteen months after another deadly storm, Hurricane Katrina, President Bush travels to New Orleans reassuring the public that he all is well. The Midwest is reeling; devastating snowstorms hit the heartland. The ground is giving way in California. A San Francisco landslide displaced sleepy residents. A wide swath of the North Beach hillside came thundering down on buildings below. Unusual tornadoes are swirling in the skies above Southern Florida. Hail and freezing rains are falling in many regions. America is not alone. Severe weather is everywhere!
The Bush/Cheney Administration denied global warming for years. Denouncing scientific evidence served this presidential pair and their business partners well. Entrepreneurial enterprises prospered. Profits grew as the icecaps melted.Ocean waters warmed, so too did the hearts of Chief Executives. Corporate coffers swelled. Misters Bush and Cheney benefited.
Each and every week, the Bush administration offers inconsistencies. This week a contradiction seems so strikingly absurd, I cannot ignore it. I feel compelled to comment on the recent change in the Bush energy policy.
In September 2002, the President of the United States spoke emphatically of energy concerns. He spoke of consumption and the importance of this. At the time Baby Bush said, "Congress also must understand they've got to pass an energy bill. You see, an energy bill will be good for jobs. An energy bill will be good for national security. We need an energy bill that encourages consumption [sic]."
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is not the problem. Natural disasters are not the cause of our current crisis. Katrina is not the catastrophe that devastates this country; nor is it the forthcoming hurricane Ophelia. The calamity is George W. Bush. From the first, our dear President denied the existence of global warming. Later, he acquiesced. He concluded it is a possibility. However, according to King George II, the United States is not responsible for the destruction of the ozone layer.
It matters not that America produces more waste than any other nation does. We have might, and therefore, we are "right," or at least the President is. He appears correct because he suppresses whatever might conflict with his truth.
On Sunday February 22, 2004, the Observer disclosed "Now the Pentagon Tells Bush: Climate Change Will Destroy Us." It was more than a year ago, journalists Mark Townsend and Paul Harris revealed the findings of a report commissioned by the Pentagon.
The study proclaimed, "Climate change should be elevated beyond a scientific debate." It was said; global warming and the effects of it would become a "national security concern." It seems this was and is valid.
Mr. Bush knows that his approval ratings are low and falling. He fears that his capital is spent. He realizes that he must reach out. He must appease the people; his legacy is at stake. Therefore, on Thursday evening, April 28, 2005, our President appeared, he presented his priorities.
Mr. Bush bemoaned America's reliance on foreign energy. He proposed an aggressive expansion of domestic oil production. He said, "It's time for America to start building again." He wants to build refineries, to do more drilling in the States. He wants to destroy the pristine environment of Arctic National Wildlife Refuge [ANWR], Alaska.
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