tmakreider’s Recent Comments

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  having babies

  I appreciate DannyGirl's thought provoking comments and they raise more questions for me to think about.  However, I believe that it's not a "requirement" for grandparents to actively participate in the care of their grandkids.  In addition, these last generations are living longer than our ancestors and therefore the simplicity of your reasoning doesn't seem to apply. I believe that societal traditions are/need to change because our world is changing...which is where parental responsiblity comes in to play.  I definitely agree that our governmental system is not set up to take care of the elderly.  However, because the future is "unknown" doesnot give way to the right to bear as many children as possible.  Just writing that comment reinforces my previous post of being selfish. And nothing was mentioned that just because one bears more than two kids does not guarantee that even one of them will be there to provide.
  I don't know...my beliefs tend to be black and white and exchanges like this open my mind.  Thank you!On Umbra on small steps with big impacts posted 1 year, 1 month ago 18 Responses

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  No more babies!!

  I totally agree!!!  The earth CAN NOT handle the current population growth.  Where is the responsibilty of couples who need to have more than 2 kids???  It's selfish!!  I can understand one or two (to replace yourselves) but more than that?  And the infertile couples who spend thousands to have 1-8 and then expect their community to come running to their rescue or rely on a reality show to support them?  No sympathy here! Uh, hello....infertility is the universe's way of controlling the population!
  NOBODY wants government regulation on the number of kids we can have so if everyone would step up and be more responsible it won't have to come to that!  On Umbra on small steps with big impacts posted 1 year, 1 month ago 18 Responses

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  The new industrial revolution

  I totally agree!!!
  We need to get beyond the recycle,reuse,reduce concept and start demanding companies to produce products and packaging that are eco-friendly.
  I have sent over a dozen letters (with their packaging) via snail mail, back to the companies requesting that they re-think the design and referencing the book below. I've sent letters via email to companies essentially saying the thing.  It's my way of trying to make the statement: they created the waste so they should have to deal with it...or create something different!
  The book Cradle to Cradlelinked text by McDonough & Baumgarten is a must read for anyone who cares about the state of our world and is looking for hope. My eyes have been opened to the realization that it is possible to turn the world around via a new industrial revolution.  The world is in desperate need of biochemists, scientists that constantly research bio-nutrients and techno-nutrients for consumables and every product that is made for human use!On Umbra on trash bags posted 1 year, 7 months ago 21 Responses

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  Green Architects

  I just read the book "Cradle to Cradle" by William McDonough (green architect) & Michael Braungart (chemist).
  This is a must read for any young person interested in environmentalism and truly making a difference on this planet for future generations.
  Its an eye opener regarding the temporary fix of reducing/reusing/recycling, which we seem to be stuck on presently, versus the need to re-create/re-invent and up-cycle.

  For me, these two authors deserve the Nobel Peace Prize more than Al Gore. Cradle to cradle is the process that needs to wake America (and the world) up!!On Umbra on choosing a college posted 1 year, 9 months ago 21 Responses

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  Sprawling homes susceptible to flames

  Hear ye, hear ye!!  It's time to stop insuring those homes in fire prone areas and/or increase the rates.  The ripple effect of this continuance is frightening AND aggravating! Be a responsible homeowner. If you choose to live in those areas then build a steel frame house with the appropriate fire prone materials.  So what if it is more expensive to build, you end up paying for it in the long run if you don't.  And so does everyone else!!On Sprawling homes susceptible to flames in California posted 2 years ago 3 Responses