“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.
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
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?
”. . . 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.
Please meet some of the people who form the Black Mesa Water Coalition. Roberto Nutlouis and others attended the Indigenous Environmental Network Conference on the Rights of Mother Earth in April. They’re deep into water issues in Navajo and Hopi Country and creating Green businesses to support their traditional communities working to develop sustainable economies. Since they are a part of these communities they have a vested interest in their future. We are all a part of the community of Earth. So we are all connected. We are all related.
Seems it could be a long and very HOT summer in the land of the Dine and Hopi–and I’m not talking about solar heat. Sorry no sheep or plastic water bottle math lessons in this video. Just a full body reality check. When’s the last time your grandparents protested?
Okay folks my lack of geek brain cell mass is seriously crippling an addition of a quick Care2 widget to this blog for instant gratification petition signing purposes. But what I can do is provide the link to Care2 and the title of the petition you can find on site there to sign. I realize this will require a few more minutes of YOUR time and energy –and I do apologize for this extra effort on your generous spirits. But even my resident geek computer god cannot fathom why the embed code will not thrive in this WordPress blog’s post soil. So– we’re going there the slower route–but we CAN get there! Or so I hope. This is for everyone who requested an online petition to sign. Thanks to Barb Reese for putting this petition online at Care2. Folks, they’re only hoping for 1,000 signatures. Can you help them blow way past that amount by sharing on fb, tweeting, email, reblogging and other means? They’re up to 190 at the time of this blog post. Please show your support. And if anyone figures out how get that widget code to work on this Word Press blog theme – Come back a leave specific step by step recipe for ME!!!!
Petition title —-> “Senate Bill seeks to extinguish Navajo and Hopi water rights” petition to sign at Care2
yourstorydigital filmed and edited this video for everyone to SHARE! So please share it widely to help prevent the theft of Navajo-Hopi water rights. I hope I’m as lucid as Peter McDonald if I ever reach 83 years of age. Got sheep? Need water. Ain’t got sheep–still need water. Why give away what you need to live for others to waste? Who needs another coal mine? Who needs another mall? Who needs another subdivision for snowbirds? Genocide comes in many forms–taking away water that gives life is one way to kill people. Once the water is gone then so will be the people and all other living things. Tell Senators John McCain and Jon Kyl to take a hike down a Peabody Coal Mine shaft.
What more do you need? Nudge, nudge–Earth Day is every day.
NOTE POST UPDATE REGARDING THE DISAPPEARANCE OF PETER MCDONALD’S GREAT SPEECH. THE FOLLOWING WAS POSTED ON YOUTUBE BY YOURSTORYDIGITAL APPROX 12 HOURS PRIOR TO THIS NOTE:
“Dear Friends,
I have been asked to remove Chairman McDonald’s speech by his family. I must respect their wishes. Please do not distribute any copies you may have made. Thank you for understanding. Susan”
PERHAPS THIS INDICATES ANOTHER REASON WHY SB 2109 NEEDS TO BE STOPPED? AT THIS POINT IN TIME I DO NOT KNOW THE ANSWER. BUT NOW I’M WONDERING EVEN MORE ABOUT THE CONTEXT IN WHICH THIS WATER RIGHTS ISSUE IS OPERATING.
Another ‘update’–scroll down to Mario’s comment for another excellent video link!!! Thank you!!!!
Violating copyright births bad karma---imagine a mad hacker you'll never see coming--nor catch going. Respect = my work is my work and your work is your work.
Everything posted here is my work, copyrighted, unless otherwise noted. Comments aside. Om
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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
