“Today, we tell Congress that we ‘sacrificed’ ourselves for the national good,” Oliver Houck wrote in the Tulane Environmental Law Journal. “Never has there been such a willing, complicit sacrifice. We made a bundle of money, wasted most of it, and blackballed anyone who questioned what it was doing to the Louisiana coast. About 70 years ago, Louisiana made a deal with the oil and gas industry. The industry would get what it wanted; the state would get a piece of the take.”
Ah yes, you all know the drill–find a writer whose voice, intelligence, and style you enjoy in one book then go out and see if they’re consistent enough writers to work their word magic on your imagination AGAIN. Having enjoyed the horror story that is Fruitless Fall, o yes it is a modern version of a very very scary story, I was game for more of Rowan Jacobsen’s work. I decided to venture to the great ghostly delta of the mighty Mississippi via Shadows On the Gulf, A Journey Through Our Last GreatWetland. If you’re fans of Jacobsen’s A Geography of Oysters don’t fret–the agony and ecstasy of gulf oysters is part of Shadows. It couldn’t be otherwise. Now if you’re looking for an intense screenplay like blow-by-blow of events in slow motion about the Deepwater Horizon go search elsewhere. Jacobsen provides a sequence of such events but, unlike several other slick tomes, this is not the foundation of this book. If you’re looking for where to lay blame for oily events in the Gulf look no further than your mirror. Yes, you read correctly–the nearest mirror. Jacobsen does not flinch at laying blame for the ongoing insanity of the oil industry smack dab on those who fuel the DEMAND for oil every single day. This is a basic principle of supply and demand economics–really. We create the demand for more oil by our lifestyles, especially in the United States, and the oil industry profits, literally, by providing the supply. Face it, in general we are a bunch of hardcore oil addicts with no 12 step program on the boards.
Now don’t get me wrong, Jacobsen raises this very important ethical issue but that’s not all he does as he provides some fundamental history about the Gulf area. We get a history of a prominent oyster supplier, the workings of the huge Mississippi River as the garbage dump of the midwest of America, the levees, the oil industry, the wetlands and the people. Now the element of ‘people’ is the real wild card in play here. Perhaps the major issue here, as in Fruitless Fall, is that people indoctrinated with western European (yes, that is the origin of our mode of thinking in the states) mentality just can’t leave well enough ALONE. People have this nutty idea that humans are capable of improving on the complex perfection of Nature. We do this with every dam we build, every river we divert, every wetland we destroy. Ah the poor Army Corps of Engineers–sorry folks, at least beavers know what the hell they’re really doing when they build dams–and more importantly ‘why’. Guess what we get in return? The destruction of the very system upon which we are dependent for survival of our species. If we just let Nature be itself and operate correctly and lived in accord with how the system works –well, we might not be facing the operating system crisis heading our way like a tsunami of incredible magnitude.
If you don’t have any idea about the BIG picture regarding the Gulf of Mexico–and how the rest of America ties in– then Jacobsen’s book provides a very decent foundation for getting an idea of the interconnectedness of many things–including all the crap chemicals used to scrub toilets every day. The destruction of your environment is not out of sight and out of your mind. It’s just out of mind because we don’t pay any attention to the things in plain sight–such as every petroleum product–and the products that ‘clean’ all that oily stuff down the drain.
The other thing in plain sight is “us” in all our incarnations. You’ll meet a few folks via Jacobsen’s explorations of the gulf area–locals, scientists, fisherman, etc. And it’s a very mixed big of individuals for sure. I don’t know how the likes of Virgil Dardar and Gene Cossey would mix on the same boat. But I do know what a vast swamp of thinking exists that allows for the existence of such men and women – and the mentality of oil executives and politicians all on the lookout for the almighty DOLLAR.
Near the end of the book, “The Most Important River You’ve Never Heard Of,” Jacobsen takes us to a wonderful still functioning wetland area-the Atchafalaya swamp-and leaves us with not the ”if” but the “when” it will be destroyed by us in our infinite ignorance, boundless greed and shortsighted view that humans dominate Nature. We will not have the last laugh in this global drama in which we deny our own role in the web of life on Earth. So read and think about what sort of lifestyle can you imagine that might benefit all living things. Come on, stretch your cranial membranes–if you dare. Imagine Life without Oil.
The first name I gave the land was DREAMLAND, I still get my phone-bills from the PhoneCo-op addressed to DREAMLAND.
It sure was and still is a dream to have this land and to make it into something very special. An example of how nature can go together with culture, no need to choose one or the other but have both.
Got honey? Better love it while it’s here.
Rowan Jacobsen’s Fruitless Fall, the Collapse of the Honey Bee and the Coming Agricultural Crisis is one of the most accessible science books I’ve read in a long long time. It’s a modern-day murder mystery complete with scientific reality checks of world change on the way of the ilk found in good sci-fi novels and intellectually scary films. Where have all honey bees gone–and why? That’s the question Jacobsen pursues in this deft little tome of modern human made disaster. One of my local honey suppliers has been on edge for years due to the facts presented by Jacobsen. I’m thinking of stocking up big time on his honey first chance I get after reading Fruitless Fall. Jacobsen’s style is personable, easily digestible and all the more frightening for being so. If you enjoy your flowers, fruits and veggies you need to read this book and learn why ‘progress’ is not all it’s cracked up to be. It’s time to not just question modern agricultural methods and economies but to start creating viable alternatives. Furthermore, if you don’t read food labels you’ll want to start at least checking where your honey is coming from–and I suggest not buying any food that comes from China–especially their honey.
What’s in your honey bear? hmm? Honey or high fructose corn syrup? Or the Chinese magic ingredient for obesity and early death????
Click image designed by Donovan Pete to use as cover on facebook.
Regarding Fort Defiance meeting to discuss SB 2109:
Posted on Navajo Truth SB 2109 facebook page along with the photos, links, observations and thoughts of many other people. http://www.facebook.com/#!/navajotruth
via Bonnie Jean Canyon:
The police presence at the Fort Defiance meeting was intense and intimidating. This was mentioned by more than one person when the public was allowed to address the NNVP and other officials. I feel it was uncalled for and excessive. Im still trying to figure out why they also needed 2 or 3 fire trucks and also 3-4 ambulances? They must know already just how strongly the people are opposed to this? All the emergency response vehicals took up so much space it was very difficult to find parking. There was a pretty good turn out but it was after 5 that people started showing up even though the meeting started at 4 and Im assuming its because most work until 5. They ran out of chairs and many remained standing for most of the meeting. I feel the power point slide show they presented was meant to sell the bill more than it was to educate and inform. The people present strongly opposed the bill and many who wished to voice their concerns and ask questions were not allowed to speak. I was very happy to see young people in attendence including 2 that came all the way from Phoenix to speak and also a student from Dine College. At least 3 people spoke up towards the end and called out to the NNVP that they had not been allowed to speak. Once again proof that more forums are needed and also that more time should have been given to the public to speak and ask questions. It seems that most feel, that despite the claims of all the uncertainties of letigation, most would rather continue the fight for water claims in court than to waive them and settle.
Photo from Renaldo Chapman–on Navajo Truth SB 2109 facebook–Security at Fort Defiance meeting.
For some insight into the land, people, history and political economics involved in this issue consider this article at – Izilwane –Connecting the human animal to theglobal ecosystem–
“Belonging to the Land, Part One: The Elders of Black Mesa” by Zoe Kransey
Our Water Rights has a hard copy letter writing campaign underway. For information on SB 2109 and HR 4067, and the addresses for snail mail visit www.ourwaterrights.org
Click poster for more images at Navajo Truth SB 2109 on facebook.
Now this is what an alliance looks like. Take note of all the interconnected issues and groups involved in this event. Some people are getting together for mutual support. Something tells me this sort of bridge building is not taught in The Huppenthal Mind Control School Plan. But taking an axe to the Ethnic Studies programs in the state of Arizona sure might have thrown some serious fuel on this bonfire. Protecting Mother Earth is everyone’s common ground. Unless, of course, you’re McCain, Kyl, a Bush, BP, Shell, Chevron, Trans-Canada, Canadian PM Harper, Kinder-Morgan, Enbridge, Palin — whatever will it take to wake these folks up? Oil spills inside their homes? Mandatory gas masks for everyone? Water rationing?
Not in Arizona? Then spread the news cause I don’t think this rally will be aired on CNN, ABC, NBC or Fox news unless it’s a 5 second soundbite IF the police crack open some pepper spray.
These videos from Bruce Parry’s Arctic series on the Tar Sands offer a certain perspective on the Tar Sands oil issue for everyone. Some folks may not appreciate some of the content. But people do seem to speak for themselves–including the woman who “hasn’t read the script.” Questions are raised about ethics, responsibility and our relationships to the land and water and the lacks thereof. No solutions are presented. But it’s clear that every person who drives a vehicle plays a role in the oil industry’s continuing existence. We need to get our minds out of the boxes of conventional thinking if we’re really going to save Earth and create a sustainable future worth living on the only planet we have. We need to do more than just stop another Keystone Pipeline from being constructed across America. We need to shut down the Tar Sands completely. We need to implement alternative energy sources and create new means of transportation that are not dependent on oil. This needs to happen today–not 5, 25 or 50 years from now. We have the knowledge. Do we have the will?
Earth Day musing: Yes, that little dark streak near the top is a human. We are much like ants on Earth. Unfortunately in many ways we’re lethal ants destroying everything in our path.
For those of you suffering from limited attention spans please do not let the length of this video deter you from hearing Patricia’s speech given at the Indigenous Environmental Network Conference on the Rights of Mother Earth Restoring Indigenous Life Ways of Responsibility and Respect. There are several important things well worth learning in her speech and replies to questions. One very significant element is how a village of 1,200 has developed international alliances for support of all kinds. I think it’s an art many others need to foster in their own communities. We need to make the most of our common ground in order to protect Earth. Respect, support, communication, tolerance for our differences are not easy to acquire. If the only thing we have in common is a love for Mother Earth–then we better make the most of it. Unlike the Nature Conservancy I think we need to do a great deal more than enjoy picnics outside in order to ‘celebrate’ Earth Day. The Tar Sands operation is just one hard harsh reality we need to face head on. Now, when it’s possible to picnic on the Tar Sands site then that would be something to celebrate indeed. We’re a long long way from that picnic. Presently I don’t think we’d be welcome at the Tar Sands site unless our baskets contained a few tons of solid gold currency.
”. . . protecting the chief economic drivers in the area.”
Senator John McCain clearly has “deep concerns for Arizona’s water resources” –as his office’s form letter reply indicates. I get the sense that McCain — and the folks who contend with his official email service–don’t want to discuss SB 2109 at all. Hmm, maybe we should all shut up and let him and Senator Jon Kyl (no reply yet) do as they damn well please. Nawwww, where would be the fun in that? Eh? (sarcasm).
Below is a direct copy and paste of the contents of a form letter reply I received today from Senator John McCain in reply to my emailed request to Stop SB 2109. Note there is NO mention nor reference to SB 2109, no reference to the Little Colorado River, no reference to Navajo and Hopi water rights issues. This is a form letter that politely ignores an important issue by focusing on water supply in general.
I’m very curious if anyone else has received this same letter or different versions of it in response to their emails regarding SB 2109.
And about those economic drivers–please do tell us more, Senator McCain. We wouldn’t want to mis-connect those dots. Do those include coal mines? Golf course developers? Snowbirds from the chilly northern parts of the states? Or ??? Inquiring minds do so want to know the details.
Any suggestions on how to reply to this reply? I’m open to all ideas.
April 19, 2012
Thank you for contacting me regarding your concern for the future of Arizona’s water resources. I appreciate knowing your views on this serious matter.
For several consecutive years, the State of Arizona and much of the western United States has experienced abnormally dry weather. Several years of below-average precipitation and snowfall has decreased the water levels in our lakes, rivers and streams. Lingering drought conditions have made Arizona’s ability to maximize water capacity difficult. Lake Mead and Lake Powell, the nation’s two largest man-made reservoirs, are at 57% and 65% capacity.
As you know, Arizona’s water is a precious resource in Arizona’s arid desert climate, the lack of which could widely affecteconomic prosperity and environment. I believe Arizona can overcome the challenges of long-term drought with proper statewide planning, water conservation, and science-based collaboration. I support the efforts of state leaders to develop and implement a state-wide drought management plan that promotes water conservation in both rural and urban communities.
Arizona’s state groundwater code, the Groundwater Management Act of 1980, has been heralded as innovative and proactive law to address serious overdrafting of underground aquifers. However, according to the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR), groundwater continues to be mined within at least three designated Active Management Areas while water demands continue to increase. The state water code is a framework that will need to be expanded by state legislators to provide the tools necessary to the state and local agencies to effectively manage available water supplies over the long term.
In many watersheds and rural areas in Arizona, water conservation measures will not be sufficient to bring demand in balance with available supply. I have learned firsthand of the extent of groundwater overdrafts in the Sierra Vista subwatershed where the Upper San Pedro Partnership is spearheading the effort on collaborative, science-based water management to protect the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area and serve Ft. Huachuca and the neighboring communities. This program has brought into clear focus the need for change in state and local water and building codes to significantly reduce water demands and groundwater overdrafts to prevent the last free-flowing river in the Southwest from running dry, as well as protecting the chief economic drivers in the area. There is a great deal more work to be done over time to meet these water goals but it is an approach that should be considered for other watersheds throughout the state.
Please be assured of my deep concern for Arizona’s water resources. Do not hesitate to contact me again on this or any other issue.
RANT ALERT! Forewarning–feel free to skip the first paragraph vent if you’re easily offended by ranting that does not bother with being politically correct. Thank you for your patience, forbearance and understanding.
Ever find your patience dramatically challenged by the inability to read or comprehend the written text? Sometimes this is the result of a language barrier. Sometimes it’s the result of fatigue. Sometimes it’s the result of a cultural divide. Sometimes it’s the result of misunderstanding a word or phrase. Sometimes it’s just plain poor reading comprehension skills. Sometimes it results from psychological triggers unexpectedly being set off by a word or phrase. Sometimes it’s just plain ignorance. Sometimes it’s the result of stupidity–yes stupidity for lack of a more accurate politically correct word. Sometimes it’s the result of a mental or physical illness (I suspect my brother’s inability to comprehend simple rational concepts in English is the result of the former rather than the later impairment as he seems to be functioning on the physical level. But I could be wrong about this conclusion. A coin flip could decide the issue better than I. But it won’t stop me from sending him a visit from a straightjacket brigade when I have the funds to do so.) Sometimes it’s the result of a cunning plan to mislead and dissuade folks from realizing one’s intentions. Sometimes it’s just the nature of legal documents. I could go on with these “Sometimes” but I will spare you such speculations. But do feel free to share your own insights and expand my perspective by doing so.
Oh and let me attempt to make one thing very clear— I do NOT support passage of SB 2109. Second clarification: Links are to petitions to STOP SB 2109– NOT in support of it. Are we all chill now? If this is in any way still unclear– polite and civil requests for clarification will be politely and civilly answered to the best of my ability to do so.
The following is basically a list of some items of interest regarding the continuing saga of SB 2109 which involves a deviously ambiguously constructed senate bill introduced by Senator Jon Kyl and Senator John McCain of Arizona. Reading the full text of the bill might drive you over the edge with its definitions and legalese language. Have your favorite painkiller/food comfort readily available as you explore the contents. I needed two rounds of ibuprofen, more coffee than normally consumed and a quantity of dark chocolate that I will not divulge in order to wade through the damn thing. Yes, I do believe it was written to be confusing and hard to understand–deliberately. That’s right deliberately written for difficult reading. And that makes the easily comprehensible sections even more suspect in my paranoid brainpan. Gee, there’s a reason for writing that way–usually it’s to hide things in plain sight. O yes, asses need to be covered legally and writing such as this is great for covering asses like McCain and Kyl. I am so glad I am NOT a journalist with aspirations of total objectivity. I’d fail utterly as I am well aware of my limitations in this regard. But I’m not a reporter or journalist—soooooo ON with this blog show!
Follow whatever catches your interest. Thank you for visiting my blogcasa.
Following excerpt from Anne Minard’s article at Indian Country Today Media Network. In depth piece complete with decent map and some very wishy-washy verbal moves by the likes of Stanley Pollack. Gee, I wonder what motivates folks to write hard to comprehend legislature? Could it be in order to make it harder for people to comprehend and therefore oppose such legislation? OO never! (sarcasm).
Senator Kyl acknowledges in a public video about the bill that, “Legally, the Navajo Nation and Hopi tribe may assert claims to larger quantities of water [than are outlined in the settlement] but … they do not have the means to make use of those supplies in a safe and productive manner. “
Becenti disputes that. “In reality we do have a lot of water projects that we were talking about 30 years ago,” he said. “But every time we approach the United States government to approve them, they won’t.”
And Jihan Gearon, executive director of the Black Mesa Water Coalition, says the provisions that help shore up the future of the Navajo Generating Station are a direct affront to her group’s efforts to build renewable energy capacity across the reservation.
“As an organization, our goal is to shut down the Navajo Generating Station and transition to renewable energy development,” she said. The settlement, on the other hand, appears to be “part of this big strategy to keep the Navajo Generating Station going at the lowest possible cost. These things that they’re stipulating have nothing to do with who should be offered which water. Instead, they support unsustainable development that’s happening in northern Arizona
Via Native News Network: People being turned away from meeting at Tuba City Charter Hall due to room for only 200 inside. Speakers were set up outside for those not able to enter. Click photo to visit Native News Network site. Apparently people were told to ask questions only in Navajo and some were not allowed to ask questions.
From National Native News:
The following is the schedule of public forums on the Little Colorado River Water Rights. All meetings are scheduled at 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the respective location indicated.
April 17 Greyhills High School Auditorium, Tuba City
April 18 Pinon High School Auditorium, Pinon
April 19 Ganado Chapter House, Ganado
April 20 Oak Springs Chapter House, Oak Springs
April 24 Leupp Chapter House, Leupp
April 25 Teesto Chapter House, Teesto
April 26 Fort Defiance Chapter House, Fort Defiance
Take note that there are 110 Navajo communities–not just these 7 picked for meetings.
If you click on the colored sections of the map at the right of the page it will pull up the communities in each area – http://www.nndcd.org/
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“Today, we tell Congress that we ‘sacrificed’ ourselves for the national good,” Oliver Houck wrote in the Tulane Environmental Law Journal. “Never has there been such a willing, complicit sacrifice. We made a bundle of money, wasted most of it, and blackballed anyone who questioned what it was doing to the Louisiana coast. About 70 years ago, Louisiana made a deal with the oil and gas industry. The industry would get what it wanted; the state would get a piece of the take.”
om mani padme hum jewel in the lotus wahupa qi prana universal life energy
