Comments Storm Dragon has made

One of the most egregious "missed opportunities" of recent years was the environmental movements failure to fight the U.S.-Mexico border fence.  With a few honorable exceptions, the various organizations kept quiet while this boondoggle slipped through Congress, As a result, we are now facing the destruction of unique wilderness areas in the Southwest, and the likely extinction of several species within our borders-all because we couldn't get past our hatred and fear of our fellow humans.  Have we learned our lesson?  I just don't know.

Even if you buy into the argument that organic food has no special health advantage for the consumer,  you've got to admit that organic agriculture can hardly help being healthier for the farm workers, (and the farm's neighbors).

Any list of good songs with ecological themes should include "Black Waters" by Jean Ritchie, "Paradise" by John Prine, and "The Turtle And The Asp" by Martin Simpson. 

A similar case was recently reported here in California.  Several workers were harvesting onions on an organic farm when they were exposed to toxic chemicals drifting from a neighboring farm, and required emergency treatment.  I have not yet heard what the effect will be on the farm's certification, but the effect on the health of the workers, (one of whom is pregnant), is certainly cause for concern.

jwebb, you are not alone.  I, too grew up on a subsistence farm, and I presently reside in a rural area of central California.  (Lots of ranches and vineyards.)  I have also, over the years, seen an increasing amount of urban sprawl.  Being disconnected from the sources of our food is a dangerous situation, to be sure.

I strongly agree that Paul Watson should have been on this list, and I would also like to put in a good word for Dave Forman, (founder of Earth First!), Doug Peacock, (Vietnam veteran, friend of bears, and the model for "Hayduke" in Edward Abbey's novels), Judy Ackerman, Julia Butterfly Hill, Darryl Cherney, the late Judi Bari and David Chain, (activists who risked inprisonment, violence, and death while attempting to protect wild places and wild things), and the late Edward Abbey (need I say more?).

    John Muir was no wimp, either.  This was a man who could take delight in a magnitude 8 earthquake, while everyone around him was scared spitless.

Regarding the question of whether high-fructose corn syrup is worse for your health than sugar, what I have been hearing indicates that the question is by no means settled.  It seems to me, however, that this debate has a tendency to obscure the bigger issue-namely, that the American diet is too high in processed, refined sweeteners

NPR may not be underwritten by Monsanto, but, as regular listeners like myself can testify, they are underwritten by Archer-Daniels-Midland, and also by the Department of Homeland Security.  Now, that last one is the one that really worries me!

In responce to Avelhingst's comment, I would argue that the immuno-suppressed animals in CAFOs do indeed present a significant risk to human health.  Since these unfortunate creatures have so little resistance to disease, the farmers routinely give them antibiotics as a preventative measure to keep them in passable health-a dangerous practice that favors the development of antibiotic-resistant "superbugs".  (Please note that I am not talking about swine flu here, but rather about common bacterial infections-salmonella, staph. aureus, etc.)  Furthermore, while it is indeed true that livestock diseases have been with us since time immemorial, the evidence strongly suggests that modern industrial agriculture brought us bovine spongiform encephalopathy (AKA mad cow disease), so you can hardly blame us for regarding CAFOs with a jaundiced eye, where the public health is concerned.  I do agree, however, that it is important to get the facts straight.

A long way to go....

Under the previous administration, the DHS was seriously hostile to existing environmental-protection laws, apparently regarding them as obstacles to national security.  Perhaps, under new leadership, this attitude can be turned around, and our leaders will realize that protecting "the homeland" needs to include protecting our air and water, wild places, and wild creatures.  From where we are, though, I fear we have a long way to go.  

Let the jaguars return!

the difficult part....

mwildfire, how would the rule you propose be enforced?

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Bald eagles

While taking the back road into town today, my brother and I noticed a large number of vultures gathered near the carcass of a roadkilled deer, and we saw a large bird swoop over the road that appeared to be an immature eagle-there were lots of pale patches in its plumage.  Looking up, we saw an adult bald eagle sitting in a tree.

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Better and better

Things are looking more hopeful all the time...but we can't rest until the promises are fulfilled.

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A magnificent sight

While driving home yesterday evening, I saw a pair of great horned owls perching on the fence along the driveway.  They only stayed there for a very short time, but what a sight to see!

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As a practical matter...

Where does one buy reusable pads?On A review of eco-minded feminine products posted 1 year ago 46 Responses

Better eggs

In response to caniscandida's query: As Wolverine points out, scientific evidence on this question is likely to prove elusive.  Anecdotal evidence, however, is thick on the ground.  My mother keeps chickens, and sells surplus eggs in season, and virtually everyone who has had our "home-grown" eggs finds them greatly superior to the "grocery store" variety.  As for myself, I do not think I could ever resign myself to buying CAFO eggs from the grocery store, even if I set my ethical and ecological concerns aside.  Whether the emotional state of the birds contributes to the quality of the eggs is difficult to say, but a good diet and a healthy lifestyle almost certainly make a positive difference.  

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Don't sit back and leave it to Obama

I hope all the enthusiastic Obama supporters out there will remember that, when he's in office, we can't just sit back and leave him to clean up the mess all by himself.  We must stay active and engaged, supporting our leaders when they deserve it, and holding their feet to the fire when necessary.  And we must never forget-Barak Obama is only human.

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Things are changing

Now that oil prices have dropped sharply, and gas prices are in a steady decline, will there be as much support for offshore drilling as there was a few months ago?

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Great idea!

Let the jaguars return!

Still more birds

I saw three Steller's jays in the front yard this morning.  In contrast to the ever-present scrub jay, the Steller's jay is not commonly seen in my neighborhood.  When they do put in an appearance, it is usually in the winter or spring.  When I see them in the wintertime, I tend to associate their presence with cold weather.  According to the National Weather Service, we are due for a cold snap tonight.  Perhaps the jays are here in advance of the Arctic air.

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Kingfisher

At the Nacimiento River yesterday, I saw a belted kingfisher-the first one I have ever seen in these parts.

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Tarantula lore

I had my first tarantula sighting of the year last Monday (September 15th).  This is the beginning of the mating season, when they wander the roads, and sightings usually peak during the month of October.  A local piece of folklore states that if the tarantulas are mostly traveling uphill, we we can expect a wet winter, but if they are moving downhill, the coming winter will be dry.  The terrain in which I spotted this specimen gives a rather ambiguous forecast, but it's early yet.

Let the jaguars return!

War: What is it good for?

I will concede that there are some cases where human conflicts have been good for wildlife, but in general, the harmful ecological effects of war far outweigh any benefits. The indiscriminate killing and destruction that characterizes modern warfare does not stop with homo sapiens-it affects birds and beasts, trees and rivers, the mountains and the sea.
    The tragic war in Lebanon two years ago created a disastrous oil spill in the Mediterranean.  Land mines in parts of southern Africa have killed large numbers of elephants, buffalo, and other large animals. I am told that during the siege of Sarajevo, most, (if not all), of the trees in the city were cut down.
    The hardships and social disruption caused by war create a climate that favors the destructive exploitation of natural resources (poaching, deforestation, etc.).  Even at the best of times, wars and preparation for war tend to have a chilling effect on efforts to protect the environment-when we focus our energy and resources on new and better ways to kill each other, there isn't much left over for saving the whales and the condors.
      The tragic events of September 11th, 2001  were disastrous from an ecological, as well as a human viewpoint.  Not only was there the pollution associated with the destruction of the World Trade Center,  but this appalling crime was used to justify further destructive and polluting actions in Afghanistan  and Iraq, and to further the whole "War on Terror" mentality, and idiotic legislation such as the REAL ID Act, which, (among other things), gravely undermines our ability to protect wild places wild creatures clean air, or clean water.
     In the name of national security, we are endangering whales, and other creatures of the deep, with experimental sonar, and we are building a wall on our southern border, which, (if completed), will destroy unique wilderness areas, and diminish and impoverish our nation's fauna.
      I could go on-but I think I've made my point.  The argument that wars serve to control the human population might have carried some weight in the days when we fought with arrows and spears, but things are different now.  Our dirty little wars may reduce the human population to some extent, but they could very well cause the extinction of species less numerous and widely distributed than our own.
           Consider this: If we humans would just co-operate, we might be able to find our way out of the mess we're in.  If we keep on bickering, and waging war, is that likely to happen?

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It gets worse

The flooding problems in Arizona and Sonora are bad enough, but worse disasters may be in store.  Despite warnings that a barrier fence in the Rio Grande valley would be a potential death trap in the event of a hurricane, (to say nothing of the grave ecological harm that would result from the construction of such a fence), this costly and ill-advised project is still on schedule.  Does anyone still seriously believe that the border fence will protect the environment and save American lives?On Border-fence design exacerbated flooding along U.S.-Mexico border posted 1 year, 3 months ago 9 Responses

The Act is badly weakened already

The sad truth is that the Endangered Species Act has already been gravely undermined by the REAL ID Act, which basically gives the Department of Homeland Security permission to set aside any pesky federal laws that might get in its way, and by similar license that has been granted to the military. Until and unless we get the REAL ID Act modified, repealed, or declared unconstitutional, I'm afraid that we won't be able to count on any Federal legislation to protect wildlife, wild places, clean air, or clean water in this country.

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local wildlife

In my area, it is a peak ground squirrel year, and I often see cottontail rabbits when I go to the mailbox in the early morning.  There are plenty of mule deer around, and a great many wild turkeys.  Skunks have been coming around at night, but I haven't seen much evidence of raccoons in recent months.  The height of nesting season is past, and the northern orioles have said good-bye, but there are still a lot of swallows, finches, jays, magpies, quail, hummingbirds, hawks, (red-tailed and red shouldered), turkey vultures, black phoebes, and other birds.  The gray foxes have been around to enjoy the mulberries, and I saw a coyote early this morning.  (I have no quarrel with Old Man Coyote, so long as he keeps to his lawful prey.)  A gray squirrel has been calling in the oak trees, and large toads are abroad in the evening.  Sometimes, a large orange dragonfly poses picturesquely on a car antenna. Further bulletins as events warrant!

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This one's an oldie

I recently read "Field Days in California" by Bradford Torrey, published in 1913.  Mr. Torrey is rather wordy, (most nature writers of his generation are), but his ornithological observations have considerable historical interest.  I must admit, I find it surprising that he had such a hard time finding magpies to observe-they are very abundant in my neck of the woods.On 15 green books you can actually read at the beach posted 1 year, 4 months ago 3 Responses

Another possibility

There is an international program called Willing Workers On Organic Farms (WWOOF).  Under this program, participating farmers will provide a person with room and board in exchange for several hours of work per day.  My brother has gone "WWOOFing" in Australia and Japan, and he has found it to be an excellent way to make friends and see the country.  I believe there is a WWOOF chapter here in the United States, but unfortunately, I don't have information easily at hand.  If anyone is interested, I can get the information from my brother.  I am not suggesting that this is a panacea for all our farm labor concerns, but it is certainly something to think about.On To create a truly sustainable food system, we'll have to confront the farm-labor crisis posted 1 year, 5 months ago 14 Responses

Amaranth

In my garden, we not only have nettles, but also a great abundance of wild amaranth, (also known as pigweed).  When it's young and tender, the leaves can be cooked like spinach.  On Got weeds? Reach for the food processor, not the lawnmower posted 1 year, 6 months ago 8 Responses

I must admit, I'm curious

Are these grizzly-polar hybrids capable of reproducing?

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The war is a big part of the problem

I'm inclined to think that Obama's comments understate the problem.  In addition to being a distraction and a drain on our resources, the Iraq war is, in itself, an environmental and humanitarian disaster.  As I've said before, one of the most destructive forces in the world is our hatred and fear of our fellow human beings.  (And by the way, jabailo, I don't believe that waging a war of aggression in Iraq has made us one whit safer from a terrorist attack. If anything, it has made the world a more dangerous place.)  On U.S. fails to be climate leader because of war, says Obama posted 1 year, 6 months ago 8 Responses

Eating well on a modest budget

When I was growing up, (and that wasn't so long ago), my parents didn't have a lot of money to spend on luxuries, but they did believe, very strongly, in the importance of a healthy diet.  Our food was generally of good quality, and a fair amount of it was locally grown, either by ourselves, or by people that we knew.  We never went out for fast food.  I realize, of course, that we had some unfair advantages-we lived in a rural area, and my parents, while not wealthy, are very unconventional-but my point is, it is not impossible to eat a healthy diet on a very modest income.  It may not be easy for everyone, but it can be done.On Why Michael Pollan and Alice Waters should quit celebrating food-price hikes posted 1 year, 7 months ago 27 Responses

A philosophical conundrum

Backcut states that "Destruction of another person's work is yet another form of violence".  And, in most instances,  I'm inclined to agree.
     Consider this, however: Let us imagine that someone were to spraypaint graffiti on the Carnegie Library building.  (If you don't have one of these in your home town, substitute your favorite historical edifice.)  Is cleaning off the paint an act of violence against the graffiti artist?  Should   we be concerned about the cost of the paint, and the time that the painter invested in creating the graffiti?  Or is the graffiti artist the one who's acting violently?  Should we simply state that vandalism of a historical building is inappropriate,  regardless of the time and money invested in said vandalism?
   I think it's entirely appropriate to ask these questions with regard to the border fence.  This project is, (to my mind), an act of violence and vandalism against wilderness areas on the border, much worse, in its way, than graffiti tags on a historic building.  If someone takes action to destroy a barrier fence in a sensitive area, are they meeting violence with more violence?  Or are they simply cleaning off the graffiti, and trying to repair the damage?
   The creative impulse is a beautiful, wonderful thing, but unfortunately, it is sometimes used to very destructive ends.  As Dave Barry once observed, "The Unabomber made finely crafted, high quality letter bombs.  That doesn't make it right."
       It should be remembered, also, that civil disobedience does not simply mean monkeywrenching.  It can take many other forms.

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Good!

Let's send our prayers and good energy to Defenders of Wildlife and the Sierra Club!  On this issue, they need all the help they can get.

Let the jaguars return!

I wonder...

Is there any spiritual leader who would have the same degree of influence in this country that the Dalai Lama has in Tibet?  I'm inclined to doubt it.On You're Looking Swell, Dalai posted 1 year, 8 months ago 1 Response

More on imports

It's probably human nature to want to import exotic delicacies like bananas from time to time.  We should regard such things as a special treat, and not expect them to be inexpensive, or always available.  A much more insidious and dangerous trend, it seems to me, is the practice of importing produce that we can grow very well here at home, in the proper season, (e.g., apples and apple juice from China).  That just makes no sense to me.   On Umbra on organic bananas posted 1 year, 8 months ago 22 Responses

Some points to ponder

It has always seemed to me that the idea that Ralph Nader cost Al Gore the election in 2000 was based on an unwarranted assumption; namely, that everyone who voted for Nader would have supported Gore if Nader had not run.  In actual fact, many of those voters would probably have backed Harry Browne or John Hagelin-and I suspect that a significant percentage of them might not have voted at all.
  Ralph Nader did not invent the idea that "There is no difference between a Democrat and a Republican".    He merely said aloud what many of us had been thinking throughout the Clinton years.
        As for trying to reform the Democratic Party from within, I have to say, I'm skeptical.  Brave souls like Dennis Kucinich and Barbara Lee have been trying to do that for years, with very little success.

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Speaking as a musician....

I must admit that J4zonian has a point.  Too often, we think of music as something to buy, not something we can make at home.  However, consider this: In these modern times, listening to recordings is a valuable way to learn new songs, and a source of inspiration for the budding musician.  (And let's face it, Rise Up Singing is very difficult to use if you haven't actually heard the songs.) From the standpoint of the working musician, it is advantageous to have a recorded sample of one's music, preferably on CD.  The recording technology, alas, is not particularly "clean".  Let's see what we can do to make it better!On Umbra on vinyl records posted 1 year, 9 months ago 10 Responses

It's not that simple

I hate to tell you this, dooby, but no amount of mosquito netting is going to keep the people of Tuvalu from losing their home.  Happy New Year!

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When will we ever learn

that there are more important things in this world than the so-called free market?On E.U. Parliament approves plan to require airline emissions reductions posted 1 year, 11 months ago 1 Response

My tradition

Some years ago, I and my immediate family agreed that we really didn't need a lot more "stuff", and we decided to stop buying Christmas presents for each other, and spend the money on our favorite charities, instead.  We make an exception in the case of my youngest brother, (now 11 years old).  When he hangs up his stocking on Christmas Eve, we make sure he finds something in it the next morning.  (And something that's good quality, too-no cheap plastic junk).  In my opinion, Christmas gifts are primarily for children, and he will grow out of them one day.  As for the rest of us, you must not think that we regard Christmas as the Puritans did-"a day of work, and no cheer".  A neighbor of ours has a Christmas party, complete with dinner, at the local community hall every year, and everyone in the neighbor hood is welcome to attend.  We spend the afternoon dining and socializing with friends and neighbors, and a good time is generally had by all.
    So, that's my family's Christmas tradition.  It might not suit everyone, but it works very well for us. On Are you brave enough to say no to a high-stress holiday? posted 2 years ago 51 Responses

A word of caution

If you want your cat to be a strictly indoor pet, you must accustom it to this lifestyle from an early age.  Trying to impose strict indoor confinement on an adult cat who already has a taste for the outdoors is much more difficult, and much less likely to succeed.
      My observations generally agree with cmello's.  Bird-catching seems to be a specialized skill, and not all cats have it.  I have read references, (mostly in old books), to people training their cats not to hunt birds.  I think it would be interesting to do more research on this, but I suspect that, as with keeping cats indoors, it is wise to begin at a young age.  On Umbra on cats and birds posted 2 years ago 72 Responses

We can agree on that, but....

Dear cbloom,
    If you honestly believe that "it's the environment that matters"  how can you support destroying it in order to save it?

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Attn: Sierra Clubbers

Now that the Sierra Club is finally showing some guts, and standing up for wildlife and wilderness in the Southwest, they need the support and encouragement of their membership.  On reading the most recent issue of their online newsletter, I was shocked and dismayed to see the number of comments the Club was receiving from members who apparently want to stop illegal immigration at any cost, environmental or otherwise.  I would have thought that people who care about our precious wildlife could put aside differences of opinion on immigration in the interests of protecting the jaguar, the ocelot, and other rare species.  Evidently, I was wrong.
          My recommendation is as follows: If you are a member of the Sierra Club, let them know that you support them in this issue.  If your pocketbook is up to it, consider adding a little extra to your annual contribution.  Where the  Club is concerned, the time for sticks is past, and we need  to bring out the carrots.
   I agree, there has been a shocking conspiracy of silence on this issue.  The proposed wall has been the "elephant in the room" for far too long, and I can only hope that the recent upsurge in attention has not come too late to prevent an ecological tragedy.On Why environmental groups have been slow to fight the border wall posted 2 years, 1 month ago 38 Responses

Did I miss something?

Point taken, but who said anything about going to remote wilderness for Step It Up 2?On Step It Up 2 is coming this November -- get ready to hit the streetsAsk politicians to join Step It posted 2 years, 1 month ago 5 Responses

I was wondering.....

What about Trader Joe's "Next to Godliness" laundry soap?  On Umbra on green laundry detergents posted 2 years, 2 months ago 16 Responses

I wonder....

Does anyone have any hard data on how horses compare to cars, pollution-wise?  I can't believe that there isn't a big difference, even if horses do emit some methane, (and what mammal doesn't?)On An interview with Tom Kiernan of the National Parks Conservation Association posted 2 years, 4 months ago 5 Responses

Not exactly a household name, but...

I would like to put in a good word for Representative Raul Grijalva, Democrat from Arizona.  He has recently introduced legislation that would undo the Homeland Security Department's waiver, and require that any border security measures, (including the building of fences), be modified to prevent harm being done to wilderness areas and wildlife.  I urge you to contact your own Representatives and ask them to join Mr. Grijalva.  I have already done so. Thank you.On 15 Green Politicians posted 2 years, 4 months ago 34 Responses

Around the world with zero emissions

If you are looking for "green" sporting events, you might take a look at the Americas Cup.  After all, the participants travel around the world, powered only by the wind.  It's hard to get much cleaner than that.  On 15 Green Sports Stars posted 2 years, 5 months ago 15 Responses

My picks

If you want something uplifting, it's hard to beat the essays of Wendell Berry. You might also try "Always Coming Home", by Ursula K. Leguin, "Why Birds Sing" by David Rothenberg, or the poetry of Gary Snyder.  For a little light relief, read some Gerald Durrell- he seldom fails to cheer me up.On Pick-me-up books needed posted 2 years, 6 months ago 7 Responses

A question

The comment by David, (or SustainableGreen, if you prefer), brought up a question that has been in my mind for some time.  Namely, how does the population of cattle, (and other domesticated ruminants), in the U.S. today compare with the population of bison, (and other wild ruminants ), in this country before 1860?  As a follow-up, how do the methane emissions of domesticated ruminants compare to those of their wild cousins?  Does anybody have any data on this?On Alisa Smith and James MacKinnon chew the fat on their 100-mile diet posted 2 years, 7 months ago 13 Responses

Good platform, stu

stuflash, I think you have a great platform, and I'd be willing to vote for it.  Here are a couple of suggestions to consider.
1.Institute IRV, (instant run-off voting), for all state and federal elections, so that all the political parties have a serious chance to participate.  Also, consider instituting some form of proportional representation.
2.Insist that the military, the Department of Homeland Security, and other government agencies comply with federal laws designed to protect public and environmental health.  At present, they can set these regulations aside with the wave of a hand, (or so it seems to me).  Protecting the country must include safeguarding its wild creatures and wild places.On My presidential platform calls for clean air and no war. What about yours? posted 2 years, 9 months ago 23 Responses

A step in the right direction but....

I will give the President credit for this-he did mention raising the CAFE standards, discussion of which has long been taboo in Washington.  The frustrating thing is, he still has such a long way to go, as do a great many of us, if the truth be told.On A transcript posted 2 years, 10 months ago 2 Responses

Let's put our own house in order, first

Before we hit the streets, I sincerely hope we will take a look at our own behavior and lifestyles, and ask ourselves how we might be contributing to the problem, and what changes we can make.  It's no good preaching, unless we practice, as well.On If global warming is an emergency, then let's act like it posted 3 years ago 7 Responses

DDT had hidden costs

DDT may have seemed cheap at the time, but it was no bargain.  Its widespread agricultural use lead to serious ecological consequences,  and once it gets into the environment, it does not readily go away.  The WHO has endorsed limited indoor use of DDT to control mosquitoes in certain areas, and I certainly hope it stays limited, with an eye to developing alternatives, and phasing it out in the near future.  I would hate to see it brought back for agricultural use. Granted, the proprietary chemicals that replaced it have problems of their own, and I'm sure that they are ridiculously overpriced, but reviving DDT is not the answer. We will have to be more creative than that. On Why the new "Green Revolution" in Africa may be misguided posted 3 years, 2 months ago 5 Responses

The Taliban is not traditional

Despite what they may say about "traditional ways of living" the Taliban is, in many ways, a very non-traditional organization. Their restrictions on the rights of women go far beyond what local tradition requires, and they have attempted to proscribe ancient and traditional forms of entertainment, including music, chess playing, and kite flying, which they apparently regard as sinful.
    The Taliban is, basically, a group of zealous young men who want to enforce what they regard as a "pure" form of Islam.  They do not represent the "traditional" culture of Afganistan,  any more than the Puritans of Oliver Cromwell's day represented the "traditional" culture of England.  (And we zealous environmentalists should beware of regarding them as role models!).On A geo-green third party? posted 3 years, 4 months ago 103 Responses

Wake up!

The environmental community has long been divided on the matter of immigration, (both legal and illegal), but surely, we can all agree that a border fence would be an ecological disaster.  Frankly, I am surprised that no major environmental organizations,   (aside from Defenders of Wildlife),seem to have been speaking out on this issue.  We need to stand together and make noise about this, and insist that the Department of Homeland Security be held accountable for any damage that might be done in the name of 'security".  If our leaders choose not hear, a little civil disobedience might well be the next step.
     The current immigration situation between the U.S. and Mexico is, to my mind, symptomatic of a deeply unhealthy international relationship. Trying to close the border is a Band-aid solution, at best.  Re-negotiating NAFTA would be a good place to begin, but probably not the place to end.  
One thing is for sure-we don't need any "solutions" that are more damaging and destructive than the perceived problem. On Immigration scuffles threaten wildlands along the U.S.-Mexico border posted 3 years, 5 months ago 7 Responses

Now that you mention it...

Checking over my list, I see that I have neglected to mention the great horned owl, the screech owl, and the red-winged blackbird.  Careless of me.
    You guessed right...I am located in Central California, at the southern end of the Santa Lucia range, and I hope, one day, to see a condor in the wildOn Wind farm follies posted 3 years, 6 months ago 47 Responses

cats aren't the whole problem

caniscandida has stated a widely held view regarding outdoor cats, namely, that they have a very destructive effect on the bird population.  My personal observations, however, lead me to question whether cats are as big a menace as they are perceived to be.
         I have lived, for a number of years now, on a ranch with quite a few cats, (for rodent control),  and a healthy and diverse population of wild birds.   While it is true that the cats sometimes kill birds,  I have seen no evidence that their occasional predation is having a destructive effect on the bird population as a whole.
          Now, I'm not saying that cat predation is never a problem.  My observations, after all, were made in a rural area, with an abundance of trees, shrubs, and natural cover.  I can believe that the situation might be quite different in a suburban area, with less cover,  more environmental pollutants, and an abundance of raccoons, (which raid nests, and often find abundant food, and few predators, in the suburbs).   In difficult conditions like these, the killing of birds by domestic cats might well have a greater impact than it would in a healther and more balanced environment.
        it seems to me that the situation with windmills might well be similar.  What do you think?   On Wind farm follies posted 3 years, 6 months ago 47 Responses

Not that simple

I'm afraid that simply taking farmers off their land, and sticking them in the cities is not a panacea for social and environmental problems.  For one thing, the farmers, (in developing countries, anyway) will most likely end up doing dead-end jobs, and living in squalid shanty towns.  Some of them will, in desperation, try to emigrate to wealthier countries, risking starvation, exploitation, and deportation in order to feed their families.
           Furthermore, we must consider the fact that the cities are able to exist because of farming-everyone needs to eat, after all.  This means that if small farmers are taken off the farms,  one of two things will need to happen.  Either the farms will be turned over to Big Agri-Buisness, or food will have to be imported.  Both options have serious social and ecological ramifications.  There has to be a better solution.On News from the GM front. posted 3 years, 8 months ago 10 Responses

This looks like trouble

When a country is growing a lot of crops for export, instead of feeding its own citizens, there is something wrong with the picture.  And a country that imports most of its food is putting itself in a very insecure position.  I'm not saying we can't import or export anything, but we should confine our importing to luxuries that we can't grow at home.  When it is cheaper to buy South American artichokes than the ones grown in Castroville, the order of things is seriously skewed.
      Some thoughts on meat consumtion and the environment:  Industrialized "factory farms" are destructive and inhumane-no question about it.  And, undoubtedly, many of us could stand to eat considerably less meat.  But is the vegan lifestyle really the answer?  The tendency is to replace animal products with soy, which is often genetically modified, and grown with lots of chemicals.  From an ecological perspective, a case could be made that it is better to purchase locally grown, humanely and sustainably raised meat, than imported soy products.  The issue is not a simple one.
   Finally, I think Library Lady is absolutely right about the paving-over of agricultural land.    This is a folly that I see far too much of where I live.  When will we get some sense? On Food imports may force new food policies posted 3 years, 9 months ago 7 Responses

Global warming hurts people, too

A rather disturbing aspect of Richard Land's statement is that it is not merely anthropocentric-it also overlooks the very real human costs of environmental degredation.  Perhaps Mr. Land should pay a visit to the Inuit of Northern Canada, or the inhabitants of Tuvalu.  Maybe then he would have a clearer picture of what we could be facing.On Evangelical leaders sign up to battle climate change posted 3 years, 9 months ago 7 Responses

Abuses of power, if unchecked, tend to get worse

pkbw, you may feel that it is "no big deal" to have the government reading your e-mail, but consider this: These actions are highly questionable, from a legal viewpoint, and, if we ignore them now, worse abuses could follow.
      This administration has shown itself to be hostile towards environmental activists, (witness the recent government lawsuit against Greenpeace), and tends to regard itself as being above the law.  You feel that, having done nothing wrong, you have nothing to fear, but I wouldn't necesarily count on that. What if simply belonging to an environmental organization were to be regarded as supporting terrorism?
          Regarding your comments about Benjamin Franklin, here is something to consider: Methods may have changed, but terrorism and religious fanaticism are nothing new.  I consider Mr. Franklin's sentiments on liberty and security to be as valid now as they ever wereOn Wiretaps, spying, and 'eco-terrorism' posted 3 years, 10 months ago 4 Responses

It may be for the best

If Senator Stevens really plans to retire, it would probably be the best thing, for him, and for the country.  His recent acts of desperation are not a healthy sign.  
       We won, (fortunately), but somebody had to lose.  Personally, I can't help feeling sorry for someone who has spent so much of his life fighting for such an unworthy cause.On Sen. Ted Stevens: Crybaby posted 3 years, 10 months ago 7 Responses

How sneaky can you get?

It seems that some polititians will stop at nothing to open ANWR up to drilling.  We need to let our representatives know that, as far as we're concerned there is no such thing as a "must pass" bill.On Arctic Refuge drilling to be attached to defense appropriations bill posted 3 years, 11 months ago 1 Response

Really!

I have long thought that the 1872 Mining Act needed to be revised, but this is ridiculous!On Mining-law revamp could put millions of public acres up for sale posted 4 years ago 4 Responses

Time to get our priorities straight

As usual, this country seems to have its priorities backwards.  We wage costly, disastrous, and morally reprehensible "pre-emptive" wars overseas, and then, when disaster strikes at home, we wonder where the money will come from for repairs.  When are we going to get some sense?On Republicans want to pay for Gulf Coast rebuilding with cuts to enviro and social programs posted 4 years, 1 month ago 3 Responses

Take it easy!

Jdlax, I can certainly understand your anger and frustrtation.  However, declaring war on the unions, and automatically voting to hurt them, is not likely to do anyone any good.
   Those of us who work for environmental justice, and those who work for economic justice, need to make common cause.  If we spend our energy fighting each other, we will both lose,and I'm sure there are some people who would love to see that happen.On California's Million Solar Roofs moving ahead, and setting pace for national climate action posted 4 years, 2 months ago 2 Responses

Sad, but true

How do you like this quote?
    "We have been placed in charge of a wonderful garden, and we are destroying it with the complacency of an idiot child chopping up a Rembrandt with a pair of scissors."  (Gerald Durrell).  I hope I got it right.On A walk on the slippery rocks posted 4 years, 3 months ago 15 Responses

A clean environment is for everyone!

We often hear that concern about environmental issues is a luxury for well-off white folks, and that poorer people, (including ethnic minorities), have "more important" things to worry about.  This is simply ridiculous.  Clean air and water, and a healthy place to live, should be regarded as necessities for everyone, not luxuries for the priveleged.On EPA says race, income shouldn't be environmental-justice factors posted 4 years, 3 months ago 2 Responses

It;s time to wake up, and feel the heat

Amazingly, some people still hold the simplistic view that global warming is a good thing for humanity. The situation in the Arctic, and the plight of the inhabitants of Tuvalu, are powerful statements to the contrary. And we needn't think that we in the U.S., with all our power, wealth and technological know-how, will be spared any trouble and inconvenience.  We are all in this together, and we all need to work together. On Inuit fight climate change with human-rights claim against U.S. posted 4 years, 4 months ago 13 Responses

Who is really committing terrorism?

 It often seems to me that environmental activists are more likely to be the victims of terrorism than the perpetrators thereof.  (Remember the Rainbow Warrior, Judi Bari and Darryl Cherney, Dorothy Stang, and Chico Mendes). People who get worked up about "environmentalist wackos" don't seem to want to talk about this aspect of things.On Conflating environmentalists and terrorists is all the rage posted 4 years, 4 months ago 21 Responses

Nuclear energy might not help much

One of the problems, (and there are several), with turning to nuclear energy to save us from global warming is the fact that a substantial percentage of our greenhouse gas emissions come from motor vehicles.  The likelihood that someone will develop a nuclear-powered car, suitable for use one the public highways, seems remote, even if we do find a way to deal with the waste.On What the warming world needs now is art, sweet art posted 4 years, 7 months ago 8 Responses

The big one

I probably drive way too much.  That's the big one, I think.On What's your secret eco-sin? posted 4 years, 7 months ago 84 Responses

Environmentalism is not dead

As long as there is one person left who cares about the state of the natural world, and is willing to do somthing about it, environmentalism is not dead.  We need to stop wringing our hands, and start rolling up our sleeves.On Response to "Death": Part I posted 4 years, 8 months ago 5 Responses

Trains in Decline

Trains were once very important in the U.S., and are still a big part of our national folklore.  In recent decades, however, they have been sadly neglected.  Europe and Japan are way ahead of us where rail transit is concerned.  What a shame!On Umbra on trains vs. cars posted 4 years, 9 months ago 2 Responses

What is everyone talking about?

This may seem like an attempt to change the subject, but I think this is a subject that needs some clarification. I have noticed that a good many people on both sides of the biotechnology debate do not seem to have a clear understanding of the differences between selective breeding, hybrization, and genetic engineering.  I think that, if we Both want to discuss this issue, (and we should), we need to know what we are talking about.
        Selective breeding refers to the practice of selecting plants or animals that possess the desired qualities, (for example, speed in horses, or attractive coloration in goldfish), and breeding them together in order to perpetuate these qualities.  Selective breeding has been practiced for as long as plants and animals have been domesticated,
     Hybridization can describe either the practice of cross-breeding different breeds or varieties of the same species, often with the intent of creating a new variety, or the practice of breeding two different, but closely related, species together, (i.e., mating a horse with a donkey in order to get a mule). Both types of hybridization have been praticed for centuries. Inter-species hybridization has also been known to occur in the wild state.
     The term genetic engineering, or genetic modification, should properly be used to describe the fairly recent practice of combining genetic material from species that may be as different as, for instance, a flounder and a tomato, In order to acheive the desired outcome. This process is relatively new and  it does not occur under natural conditions, (although genetically modified organisms cna crossbreed with non-modified plants or animals, and pass along their altered genes).  The possible long-term consequences of this practice are, as yet, unknown.
             I hope this clears a few things up.On Benign biotech posted 4 years, 9 months ago 2 Responses

What to do with DDT?

The present debate has mainly focused on the use of DDT in malaria control,  but we must not forget that it is still used  for agricultural purposes in Third World countries.  This, in my opinion, is cause for serious concern.  Is it really ethical to allow chemical companies in the developed world to export products deemed too dangerous for them to sell at home?   True, it is difficult to raise objections to a very limited indoor use to save poeple from dying of malaria, but even here, I must admit, I have misgivings.  The people who use DDT in their homes may be protected from dying of malaria, but what other health problems are they courting by using it?
     In conclusion; I would like to see DDT banned completely for most uses.  Health organizations can still use it, (under carefully controlled conditions), to combat malaria, but with the understanding that it is a stopgap measure of last resort,  to be used only untill better measures become availible.  The goal should be to work agressively on developing safe and effective alternatives, and to phase DDT out altogether. (Who knows, perhaps we can find a way to protect both humans and mosquitoes!) On The North knows best? posted 4 years, 10 months ago 19 Responses