I'm spending the evening like many others I'm sure, watching the Flint Town Hall hosted by Rachel Maddow on MSNBC. Community leaders and citizens of Flint, Michigan in a school gymnasium expressing their frustration and sending a warning to all of us about the environmental dangers that occur when elected officials put savings above safety. There are such critical and serious issues raised about decisions that people make,about something as basic as water. Really serious liability and accountability questions and how people can be compensated after the fact for long term health threats to them and their children.
This should catch all of our attention. The fact of the matter is that right now, people, politicians and corporations are making decisions about water in other areas, other towns and geographical areas. Everybody has to be a guardian of these assets that we don't think enough about until the damage is done. These are man made problems. They can happen here or they can happen (and have) in places all over the world.
Rachel Maddow has been all over this story and she deserves a lot of credit for staying on it and forcing us all to see it and think about it. Sadly and as usual, this is all after the fact. It's as big as Love Canal and the environmental disaster in the Buffalo area so many years ago. It seems to me we have to start thinking about preventing these kind of things from happening in the first place. Kids, mothers and fathers, working people, poor people or wealthy people shouldn't have to go through this. There are long term consequences that frankly we will all be paying for, for years to come. There are other places where terrible things have happened or could happen. Hoosick Falls, NY is going through chemical pollution in their water system and Seneca Lake also in NY is the center of concern and controversy as LPGas is awaiting approval for storage in unlined salt caverns. Liability and accountability?
Perhaps people will begin to realize a little more clearly that things like water and air are vulnerable commodities that we all share equally and they do need stewardship and protection.
Anyway it was an important show and I hope it awakens some passion for how serious these issues are and how badly some people in power act in the name of saving dollars. We'll see how that goes.
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Sunday, January 24, 2016
Many Who Work Through Storms Deserve Thanks
The Blizzard of 2016 has ended for most, although others will be feeling the consequences for days as airports and coastlines slowly get back to normal. Here in upstate New York, we sat this one out with not even a flurry showing up on our doorstep. It was a bit odd watching national news coverage of this serious storm. Having family members in Virginia, New Jersey and Massachusetts it was good to find out that everyone was prepared and ready to hunker down with heat, generators and comfort food.
We also got a break from the presidential primary election circus for 48 hours or so. Having said that, it seems Chris Christie eventually figured out that he could get more media coverage by heading home, being front and center and being in charge of emergency activities in New Jersey. Much more presidential then being in diners and town hall meetings in New Hampshire while the state you were elected to govern gets clobbered by a N'or Easter.
Elected officials from all over the east coast put on their emergency, open collared, logo imprinted jackets, sweaters, hats, etc. and joined the media in reporting minute by minute stories and warnings. Some of it was absolutely necessary and some of it was self promotion, overdone and a joke. In the meantime many citizens spent time enjoying the snow with friends and family. Many others were good samaritans and assisted neighbors and strangers. Values that we all celebrate and admire.
We're all aware of the folks who have to work to keep people safe during these periods - clean-up crews, police and all of the emergency workers. But at the same time that governors are telling people to stay off the roads and to stay home, there are always people who have to work no matter what happens. These heroes seldom get the recognition they deserve. Sometimes they even have to argue with police and other emergency workers as they make their way to their jobs and their work. We don't generally think about them because they quietly get their jobs done. These are the people who work to support vulnerable people in homes and facilities for people with disabilities and the elderly or sick. Some are individual care givers, some work for organizations but they all have something in common. They know that people are depending on them whatever happens with the weather. These folks really deserve everyone's thanks and recognition but they're usually forgotten or overlooked.
So here's my tip of the hat and a big thank you to all of the direct support professionals, caregivers, healthcare professionals and others who worked through yet another storm, providing necessary support to people. Thank you! You're the best.
We also got a break from the presidential primary election circus for 48 hours or so. Having said that, it seems Chris Christie eventually figured out that he could get more media coverage by heading home, being front and center and being in charge of emergency activities in New Jersey. Much more presidential then being in diners and town hall meetings in New Hampshire while the state you were elected to govern gets clobbered by a N'or Easter.
Elected officials from all over the east coast put on their emergency, open collared, logo imprinted jackets, sweaters, hats, etc. and joined the media in reporting minute by minute stories and warnings. Some of it was absolutely necessary and some of it was self promotion, overdone and a joke. In the meantime many citizens spent time enjoying the snow with friends and family. Many others were good samaritans and assisted neighbors and strangers. Values that we all celebrate and admire.
We're all aware of the folks who have to work to keep people safe during these periods - clean-up crews, police and all of the emergency workers. But at the same time that governors are telling people to stay off the roads and to stay home, there are always people who have to work no matter what happens. These heroes seldom get the recognition they deserve. Sometimes they even have to argue with police and other emergency workers as they make their way to their jobs and their work. We don't generally think about them because they quietly get their jobs done. These are the people who work to support vulnerable people in homes and facilities for people with disabilities and the elderly or sick. Some are individual care givers, some work for organizations but they all have something in common. They know that people are depending on them whatever happens with the weather. These folks really deserve everyone's thanks and recognition but they're usually forgotten or overlooked.
So here's my tip of the hat and a big thank you to all of the direct support professionals, caregivers, healthcare professionals and others who worked through yet another storm, providing necessary support to people. Thank you! You're the best.
Thursday, January 21, 2016
Flint, Mi, Porter Ranch, Ca, & Seneca Lake
Flint, Mi, Porter Ranch, Ca & Seneca Lake in NY sadly have much in common. The common factors have to do with risk, transparency, accountability, regulatory oversight and much more. In Flint poor people and people of color and their kids have basically been poisoned by people who should have known better. Some kids will be impacted for the rest of their lives. Their parents and state officials will spend millions, perhaps billions of dollars dealing with the harm that has been done to these children. It all happened while county, state and federal officials responsible for environmental oversight and protection of people and water sat on their hands and dismissed concerned citizens as 'complainers'.
In Porter Ranch a huge methane leak from underground storage has negated most of California's environmental accomplishments over the past decade. The obvious question is where were the regulators and state officials in this case? The massive leak has been spewing methane gas into the environment for months with no end in sight. The impact on the climate and on people will have a major impact and a state of emergency has been put in place by the Governor.
Which brings us to Seneca Lake in upstate New York. Crestwood Midstream plans on increasing the storage of methane and LPGas in salt caverns along the shores of this magnificent lake, which is the drinking water source for over 100,000 residents all around this body of water. The arguments for the expansion have to do with 11-15 jobs and $600,000 of tax revenue to one county where the project is located. Citizens have been raising health and safety concerns for six or seven years. Questions about risk and who will be able to respond to potential environmental damage have continued to be asked. Close to 500 arrests for civil disobedience at the gates of Crestwood have taken place. NYS DEC, FERC and the US EPA have all downplayed the risks while questions have been raised about dangers, salinity of Seneca Lake water and risk management. Local government officials who are supporting and promoting the use of salt caverns are hanging their hats on the regulatory officials and past history of lower volume storage.
So there you have it. Three communities in three different places trying to get answers and depending on political leaders and regulatory agencies in representing their interests relative to the environment and clean water. One trying to plug a leak that shouldn't have happened, one dealing with the impact of ruined water and lives and one, trying to prevent a future catastrophe before it happens. In the midst of all of this people in power question motives, call people troublemakers and outsiders. I hope we learn something from all of this and don't allow Flint or Porter Ranch to become the standard.
In Porter Ranch a huge methane leak from underground storage has negated most of California's environmental accomplishments over the past decade. The obvious question is where were the regulators and state officials in this case? The massive leak has been spewing methane gas into the environment for months with no end in sight. The impact on the climate and on people will have a major impact and a state of emergency has been put in place by the Governor.
Which brings us to Seneca Lake in upstate New York. Crestwood Midstream plans on increasing the storage of methane and LPGas in salt caverns along the shores of this magnificent lake, which is the drinking water source for over 100,000 residents all around this body of water. The arguments for the expansion have to do with 11-15 jobs and $600,000 of tax revenue to one county where the project is located. Citizens have been raising health and safety concerns for six or seven years. Questions about risk and who will be able to respond to potential environmental damage have continued to be asked. Close to 500 arrests for civil disobedience at the gates of Crestwood have taken place. NYS DEC, FERC and the US EPA have all downplayed the risks while questions have been raised about dangers, salinity of Seneca Lake water and risk management. Local government officials who are supporting and promoting the use of salt caverns are hanging their hats on the regulatory officials and past history of lower volume storage.
So there you have it. Three communities in three different places trying to get answers and depending on political leaders and regulatory agencies in representing their interests relative to the environment and clean water. One trying to plug a leak that shouldn't have happened, one dealing with the impact of ruined water and lives and one, trying to prevent a future catastrophe before it happens. In the midst of all of this people in power question motives, call people troublemakers and outsiders. I hope we learn something from all of this and don't allow Flint or Porter Ranch to become the standard.
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Not Going Along With What Everyone Else Believes
First things first. There's nothing wrong in going along with a majority point of view. But it's also ok and sometimes extremely important to go the other way and take a minority position.
Over the years I've certainly done both - gone along with the crowd and when necessary gone in a different direction - sometimes far, far off course from what everyone else was thinking and saying. It has been a curse and a blessing. Marching to a different drummer isn't always fun, yet at times it's invigorating and cleanses the soul.
The real problem comes when we do go along with a view that we know is wrong. It could be a moral, ethical or political position. We've all done it I think. It has to do with lots of things - getting along, not wanting to rock the boat, hoping to get ahead in a career, etc. It happens in the workplace, in neighborhoods, in churches and clubs. There are pressures we all face that determine our actions in certain instances.
I remember times in my youth when I stood by as someone was ridiculed, made fun of or bullied. There are times I remember when I acquiesced to racist comments. I'm certainly not proud of those times. On the other hand, all of those experiences have helped me evolve and become a person who tries to speak up more honestly when confronted by questionable actions or voices. I'm certainly not always right but I try to be thoughtful about issues and statements made by other people. When I think about the people I admire, something stands out. They all have that one thing in common - not going along with what everyone else believes. But there's something else. They're not or weren't grandstanders either. They made their point and took the consequences relative to social status, moving forward or treatment by others. Sometimes they even changed people's minds on important issues.
Over the years I've certainly done both - gone along with the crowd and when necessary gone in a different direction - sometimes far, far off course from what everyone else was thinking and saying. It has been a curse and a blessing. Marching to a different drummer isn't always fun, yet at times it's invigorating and cleanses the soul.
The real problem comes when we do go along with a view that we know is wrong. It could be a moral, ethical or political position. We've all done it I think. It has to do with lots of things - getting along, not wanting to rock the boat, hoping to get ahead in a career, etc. It happens in the workplace, in neighborhoods, in churches and clubs. There are pressures we all face that determine our actions in certain instances.
I remember times in my youth when I stood by as someone was ridiculed, made fun of or bullied. There are times I remember when I acquiesced to racist comments. I'm certainly not proud of those times. On the other hand, all of those experiences have helped me evolve and become a person who tries to speak up more honestly when confronted by questionable actions or voices. I'm certainly not always right but I try to be thoughtful about issues and statements made by other people. When I think about the people I admire, something stands out. They all have that one thing in common - not going along with what everyone else believes. But there's something else. They're not or weren't grandstanders either. They made their point and took the consequences relative to social status, moving forward or treatment by others. Sometimes they even changed people's minds on important issues.
Thursday, January 14, 2016
Catching Up
My computer has been giving me problems for quite some time and I finally found someone who could provide me with the support it and I needed. So, as of now, I'm back and trying to catch up with all the thoughts in my head and the things I should have written down.
Speaking About Dorothy Day
I recently presented two sessions on Dorothy Day, her history, the Catholic Worker and the relevance of her teachings today. I really had fun doing it and it helped me put my own experiences at the Catholic Worker and with Dorothy into some perspective. Actually the enjoyment of the storytelling surprised me. I'm scheduled this weekend to give a presentation on my experiences in Selma, Al in 1965 at an event commemorating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The balance of course is between history, the present and the future.
Well Intentioned But Missing The Point On Poverty & Homelessness
Recently NYS Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued an executive order on providing shelter to homeless individuals when the temperature falls below freezing. Well intentioned I'm sure, but missing the point on poverty and homelessness and causing more problems for people and communities. As I've stated here before, Gov. Cuomo tends to act and think with his mouth and like many in power, believes his way is the right way and usually the only way. He rarely considers or involves other viewpoints from what I can see. He is driven by his own values and certainly believes in them. The reality is though, that there are people who can speak to the issue of homelessness, poverty and 'street people'. Namely, the people who are making that choice (street people) and in many cases the people providing support to them. People choosing that lifestyle have reasons for the choice they make. Sometimes they are also caught in cycles that government systems and society create. We can't and shouldn't assume that people who make what we consider to be bad choices, are mentally ill. That's some of what the Governor's executive order has done. Under current law in NYS, removing someone from the streets requires a judgement and action relative to their competence. A close look at existing government sponsored shelters in most large cities should raise questions about the competence of government officials. The poor and the homeless know this and they know what the issues are better than most. Yesterday the Governor in his State of the State and Budget proposal has identified the need for millions to deal with shelters and housing so he is recognizing that there are much bigger problems then forcing people off the street into poorly run facilities. He's evolving.
Theater, Bluster and Untruths
As I've watched the politics of the day, I've tried to figure out what's happening and why it's happening. Sadly I think the press, pundits, writers like myself, social media have all played a role in creating and sustaining the political theater that many are watching and being influenced by on a day to day level. People are caught up in watching free coverage of one candidate to see what outrageous thing he might say next. News coverage or commentary is almost always accompanied by a split screen or smaller view of an empty podium and a crowd awaiting the appearance of Donald Trump. It is theater and it gets ugly along the way. Grapes in a bunch, birds flocking together - all of that for sure - but there's more. There's bluster, there's bullying, there's putting down those who oppose you or who are different and sadly, it seems to be catching. The other thing that is becoming more clear to me is that truth is getting harder and harder to come by and that it is more and more acceptable to say anything you want, true or not. It is also more clear than ever that if you just say things often enough, no matter how untrue, people will believe you. It is a show, there is a ringmaster and few, including the press, have the gumption to question the statements being made or ask for clarifications. We shall see.
State Of The Union
Although I have disagreements with President Obama, I think his recent State of the Union speech was extremely important and historic as well. He challenged the country relative to inclusiveness, a commitment to doing something about climate change, as well as all of us working toward fixing the political mess we have through dialogue. He identified and talked about the huge problem of money in politics and how it has to change. He offered hope and challenged us all to work for change. He has had to put up with a lot during his two terms. There have been hateful attitudes about his presidency, his competence, his policies and his race. He has put up with absurd allegations even about his birth. He is by no means perfect but he has certainly tried and has put up with much.
Nikki Haely, the Governor of South Carolina who gave the GOP response, wasn't half bad either in the most important sense. What she did, pretty fearlessly, was to show the difference between dialogue, disagreements and debate versus the bluster and dishonest statements that have been the hallmark of the Republican campaign thus far. She was able to speak to the immigration issue and the politics of exclusion that have evolved over the past six or seven months.
Like I said, I can find plenty to disagree with relative to President Obama, especially in terms of foreign policy and military actions, but he is a decent man. He has taken on big issues and tried to bring about systemic change in both our politics and how we deal with issues. He will be judged on the totality of his administration and it will show the good and the bad I'm sure. The opposition will also be judged on their obstructions and inactions.
Speaking About Dorothy Day
I recently presented two sessions on Dorothy Day, her history, the Catholic Worker and the relevance of her teachings today. I really had fun doing it and it helped me put my own experiences at the Catholic Worker and with Dorothy into some perspective. Actually the enjoyment of the storytelling surprised me. I'm scheduled this weekend to give a presentation on my experiences in Selma, Al in 1965 at an event commemorating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The balance of course is between history, the present and the future.
Well Intentioned But Missing The Point On Poverty & Homelessness
Recently NYS Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued an executive order on providing shelter to homeless individuals when the temperature falls below freezing. Well intentioned I'm sure, but missing the point on poverty and homelessness and causing more problems for people and communities. As I've stated here before, Gov. Cuomo tends to act and think with his mouth and like many in power, believes his way is the right way and usually the only way. He rarely considers or involves other viewpoints from what I can see. He is driven by his own values and certainly believes in them. The reality is though, that there are people who can speak to the issue of homelessness, poverty and 'street people'. Namely, the people who are making that choice (street people) and in many cases the people providing support to them. People choosing that lifestyle have reasons for the choice they make. Sometimes they are also caught in cycles that government systems and society create. We can't and shouldn't assume that people who make what we consider to be bad choices, are mentally ill. That's some of what the Governor's executive order has done. Under current law in NYS, removing someone from the streets requires a judgement and action relative to their competence. A close look at existing government sponsored shelters in most large cities should raise questions about the competence of government officials. The poor and the homeless know this and they know what the issues are better than most. Yesterday the Governor in his State of the State and Budget proposal has identified the need for millions to deal with shelters and housing so he is recognizing that there are much bigger problems then forcing people off the street into poorly run facilities. He's evolving.
Theater, Bluster and Untruths
As I've watched the politics of the day, I've tried to figure out what's happening and why it's happening. Sadly I think the press, pundits, writers like myself, social media have all played a role in creating and sustaining the political theater that many are watching and being influenced by on a day to day level. People are caught up in watching free coverage of one candidate to see what outrageous thing he might say next. News coverage or commentary is almost always accompanied by a split screen or smaller view of an empty podium and a crowd awaiting the appearance of Donald Trump. It is theater and it gets ugly along the way. Grapes in a bunch, birds flocking together - all of that for sure - but there's more. There's bluster, there's bullying, there's putting down those who oppose you or who are different and sadly, it seems to be catching. The other thing that is becoming more clear to me is that truth is getting harder and harder to come by and that it is more and more acceptable to say anything you want, true or not. It is also more clear than ever that if you just say things often enough, no matter how untrue, people will believe you. It is a show, there is a ringmaster and few, including the press, have the gumption to question the statements being made or ask for clarifications. We shall see.
State Of The Union
Although I have disagreements with President Obama, I think his recent State of the Union speech was extremely important and historic as well. He challenged the country relative to inclusiveness, a commitment to doing something about climate change, as well as all of us working toward fixing the political mess we have through dialogue. He identified and talked about the huge problem of money in politics and how it has to change. He offered hope and challenged us all to work for change. He has had to put up with a lot during his two terms. There have been hateful attitudes about his presidency, his competence, his policies and his race. He has put up with absurd allegations even about his birth. He is by no means perfect but he has certainly tried and has put up with much.
Nikki Haely, the Governor of South Carolina who gave the GOP response, wasn't half bad either in the most important sense. What she did, pretty fearlessly, was to show the difference between dialogue, disagreements and debate versus the bluster and dishonest statements that have been the hallmark of the Republican campaign thus far. She was able to speak to the immigration issue and the politics of exclusion that have evolved over the past six or seven months.
Like I said, I can find plenty to disagree with relative to President Obama, especially in terms of foreign policy and military actions, but he is a decent man. He has taken on big issues and tried to bring about systemic change in both our politics and how we deal with issues. He will be judged on the totality of his administration and it will show the good and the bad I'm sure. The opposition will also be judged on their obstructions and inactions.
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