The air is misty and heavy during the early morning hours before anything moves or is stirring from the early fall night. There is crispness in the air despite the heavy morning dew and the air is full of the smells of the out doors like the smell of freshness that sheets have when they are hung on the clothesline to dry. There is a pinkish red tint in the early morning sky just before the sun bursts into the eastern sky signaling the beginning of a new day. In the distance there is a rustle and a flutter signaling something moving about beginning the day and there is glimpse of a moving spot of brown as the doe and her yearling fawn step into the clearing looking about with their heads in the air and their noses pointed high into the sky sniffing the air with curiosity and aware of some sort of danger all in the same moment. The doe and her fawn move cautiously, slowly.
In the distant valley the faint whistle of the train carrying coal from the mine interrupts the movements and motions of nature reminders of how things are now with the rails that run across the countryside taking what little is left of nature and forcing the presence of man in the name of progress. As the early morning fog begins to lift erasing the sea of fog there is a clanging of the gates at the rail crossing in the valley, a second reminder of the sounds of man that so intrude on nature and the quiet stillness that lasts for only seconds. The doe and her fawn lurch forward not sure which direction to go, confused and startled soon swift in flight as the whistle blows from the valley below taking them from their peaceful and fleeting moment of morning bliss in the meadow back into the woods where they at some point get brave and come again into the clearing at another time.
At that very moment there is a shrill cry from above and a red-tailed hawk circles overhead proud and omnipotent with a squealing furry ball in his talons. A rabbit has now become early morning prey in a weakened moment to a predator in this early morning mist signaling that despite the infringements on nature from the train and industry that some circles of nature are not interrupted yet and continue in the early morning mist soon to pass and be history never to come again. And so it is in this place, in this moment that man and nature are one although so much is changing in both worlds signaling coexistence for the time being.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Letter to President Elect Obama
November 16, 2008
President Elect Barack Obama
Dear President Elect Obama,
I am a resident of a small rural community and want to express my serious concerns about air pollution as an environmental issue of great concern to me. Air pollution is being caused on a daily basis from air pollutants from gasoline and diesel automobiles and as a concerned minority citizen I care deeply about developing strategies and policy change now because air pollution is impacting our current generation as well as future generations from the health effects of a polluted environment largely through the air we breathe. I am especially worried and concerned about the health of people I love and care about and how air pollution is making people have chronic illness often resulting in frequent illness and hospital visits because someone cannot breathe. I think we have to take air pollution very seriously in our country and we cannot wait for tomorrow to do this because each day emergency rooms and hospitals are filled with persons including adults and children who cannot breathe as a result of air pollution from automobile by products. Health care costs escalate while quality of life deteriorates and America has to get serious and take ownership to stop polluting our environment when ever and where ever possible. I have seen the devastation of many people not being able to breathe as a result of air pollution. It is very sad to see a person on oxygen to be able to function or a little child having to use an inhaler due to asthma.
The time has come when we as a nation have to care about our environment and translate our words into action. Only when we incentivize and create initiatives at the federal policy level to set examples and initiatives for states and local governments can we begin to make behavior changes. We can through out commitment and dedication to improving air quality begin with someone in your executive leadership role show we are serious as a nation about cleaning up our environment. Only when your position values and is passionate about the need for change at the federal level, the impact is a ripple effect down to the local level. I am urging your swift policy initiatives and action as President Elect and commander in chief to provide incentives for manufacture and utilization of hybrid automobiles to lessen air pollution from the hydrocarbons from gasoline and diesel powered trucks and cars which are major contributors to air pollution. I am thinking specifically that while it may be unpopular, positive strategies and federal initiatives that could be put forth include offering rebates or federal tax breaks for those persons who buy hybrid cars. I am confident American automakers would see increases in sales for hybrid automobiles despite a historical culture in our nation to have large luxury cars. The time has come when we have to make change and think about the future of our people and our nation because it is the right thing to do not because it is popular. This is a change long overdue and with the American automobile industry on the verge of bankruptcy with the need for government bail out, why not add the stipulation for manufacturing hybrid vehicles. A secondary gain to hybrid vehicle manufacturing would be less dependency on foreign oil.
I also encourage you to put money into planning and designing natural gas powered trucks to haul commerce from coast to coast. It is a known fact that the hybrid battery power is not sufficient for the large tractor trailer trucks so vital to nationwide transportation and our economy however, there is scientific technology indicating natural gas is a viable alternative fuel sufficient to power the larger tractor trailer trucks that support the infrastructure of our nation and economy. Diesel fuel is a major air pollutant and environmental hazard but we have not taken a stand as a nation on this issue to this point in time. While we cannot retrofit current trucks for natural gasoline power we can invest in technology and create initiatives and incentives to produce all new trucks with natural gas power technology.
In summary, I ask that you consider the health and vitality of every American and the impact of alternative fuel sources as we create opportunities to move from gasoline and diesel powered automobiles promoting a healthier world through improved air quality as a result of decreasing air pollution and improving environmental integrity. It is my hope that one voice from a minority constituent will speak loudly enough to encourage the change that is so sorely needed to improve air quality. Only with swift action can we save our environment from further degradation and improve the health of adults and children who now suffer with respiratory ailments and chronic disease impacting their quality of life and health care utilization.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions related to my concerns and I can easily be reached at pattonsa@washjeff.edu or via telephone at 724. 825.3146. I will be attending your Inauguration January 2009 and I am hopeful to hear about your stand on air pollution in your plan for alternative fuels as we face a new decade and era of change with your policy and initiatives.
Sincerely, Samuel A. Patton
Student, Washington & Jefferson College
http://www.savephoenix.org/
http://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/Air_Pollution_Statistics
http://greennature.com/article958.html
http://www.cleanairsys.com/airzone-blog/2008/01/staggering-statistics-of-air-pollution.html
President Elect Barack Obama
Dear President Elect Obama,
I am a resident of a small rural community and want to express my serious concerns about air pollution as an environmental issue of great concern to me. Air pollution is being caused on a daily basis from air pollutants from gasoline and diesel automobiles and as a concerned minority citizen I care deeply about developing strategies and policy change now because air pollution is impacting our current generation as well as future generations from the health effects of a polluted environment largely through the air we breathe. I am especially worried and concerned about the health of people I love and care about and how air pollution is making people have chronic illness often resulting in frequent illness and hospital visits because someone cannot breathe. I think we have to take air pollution very seriously in our country and we cannot wait for tomorrow to do this because each day emergency rooms and hospitals are filled with persons including adults and children who cannot breathe as a result of air pollution from automobile by products. Health care costs escalate while quality of life deteriorates and America has to get serious and take ownership to stop polluting our environment when ever and where ever possible. I have seen the devastation of many people not being able to breathe as a result of air pollution. It is very sad to see a person on oxygen to be able to function or a little child having to use an inhaler due to asthma.
The time has come when we as a nation have to care about our environment and translate our words into action. Only when we incentivize and create initiatives at the federal policy level to set examples and initiatives for states and local governments can we begin to make behavior changes. We can through out commitment and dedication to improving air quality begin with someone in your executive leadership role show we are serious as a nation about cleaning up our environment. Only when your position values and is passionate about the need for change at the federal level, the impact is a ripple effect down to the local level. I am urging your swift policy initiatives and action as President Elect and commander in chief to provide incentives for manufacture and utilization of hybrid automobiles to lessen air pollution from the hydrocarbons from gasoline and diesel powered trucks and cars which are major contributors to air pollution. I am thinking specifically that while it may be unpopular, positive strategies and federal initiatives that could be put forth include offering rebates or federal tax breaks for those persons who buy hybrid cars. I am confident American automakers would see increases in sales for hybrid automobiles despite a historical culture in our nation to have large luxury cars. The time has come when we have to make change and think about the future of our people and our nation because it is the right thing to do not because it is popular. This is a change long overdue and with the American automobile industry on the verge of bankruptcy with the need for government bail out, why not add the stipulation for manufacturing hybrid vehicles. A secondary gain to hybrid vehicle manufacturing would be less dependency on foreign oil.
I also encourage you to put money into planning and designing natural gas powered trucks to haul commerce from coast to coast. It is a known fact that the hybrid battery power is not sufficient for the large tractor trailer trucks so vital to nationwide transportation and our economy however, there is scientific technology indicating natural gas is a viable alternative fuel sufficient to power the larger tractor trailer trucks that support the infrastructure of our nation and economy. Diesel fuel is a major air pollutant and environmental hazard but we have not taken a stand as a nation on this issue to this point in time. While we cannot retrofit current trucks for natural gasoline power we can invest in technology and create initiatives and incentives to produce all new trucks with natural gas power technology.
In summary, I ask that you consider the health and vitality of every American and the impact of alternative fuel sources as we create opportunities to move from gasoline and diesel powered automobiles promoting a healthier world through improved air quality as a result of decreasing air pollution and improving environmental integrity. It is my hope that one voice from a minority constituent will speak loudly enough to encourage the change that is so sorely needed to improve air quality. Only with swift action can we save our environment from further degradation and improve the health of adults and children who now suffer with respiratory ailments and chronic disease impacting their quality of life and health care utilization.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions related to my concerns and I can easily be reached at pattonsa@washjeff.edu or via telephone at 724. 825.3146. I will be attending your Inauguration January 2009 and I am hopeful to hear about your stand on air pollution in your plan for alternative fuels as we face a new decade and era of change with your policy and initiatives.
Sincerely, Samuel A. Patton
Student, Washington & Jefferson College
http://www.savephoenix.org/
http://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/Air_Pollution_Statistics
http://greennature.com/article958.html
http://www.cleanairsys.com/airzone-blog/2008/01/staggering-statistics-of-air-pollution.html
Monday, November 10, 2008
Animal Instinct Versus Intelligence
Animal Instinct Versus Intelligence Between Two Animals
I believe that a dog acts more on instinct and a cat acts more on intelligence. Intelligence is the ability to understand from experience or the ability to retain knowledge whereas instinct refers to the inborn characteristics of species in a naturally acquired way. Two animals I would compare in terms of instinct versus intelligence are my golden retriever, Sissy and my tabby cat, Japetto. There is something about having pets that brings excitement and joy to me and I love them like a family member because they seem to always be there when I need them. They are my best buddies and they really are a source of comfort and support to me when I am happy and when I feel down.
It is interesting to note how two animals like a dog and cat can be instinctively and intellectually so different and how humans respond to them. It is so interesting to watch my dog and cat behaviors and I have so much enjoyment from both pets but they are very different animals indeed and they are just like part of the family. Watching these two in different environments is better than watching television. For example, at the end of a very rough day, there is nothing I like more than to walk into the house and be greeted by Sissy and Japetto. There is always certain to be some sort of adventure related to Sissy and Japetto either separately or together through some sort of mischief.
As I enter the house, I know Sissy will come and lick my hand with her rough, wet tongue begging me to take her outside so she can run and play. Japetto on the other hand tries to make a fast, swift exit out the door so she can roll in the grass. We call her the great escape artist.
Japetto is very intelligent and knows when the door opens signaling the potential for a quick, backyard escape. Little does Japetto know if she gets into the backyard that it is highly probably that Sissy will eat her because Sissy’s instinct is to hunt and kill. Even though the two are in the house all day with each other, the minute they are outdoors together, Sissy goes into a hunting mode looking for moving prey to attack and eat. Japetto has no idea the danger she is in if she does escape into the back yard she must be intelligent enough to make a fast get away up the nearest tree.
I have seen Sissy act in a very strange ways and cannot for the life of me figure out why she does what she does. For example, she is always steadfast and loyal walking by my side no matter what I do. She is faithful and obedient and loves to be with people. As they always say “dogs are a man’s best friend” and this is true I think our of a dog’s instinct to protect his/her master. Sissy loves to go with me to feed the horses and the moment I turn my head to do a chore, Sissy sneaks away to a big pile of fresh horse manure to roll in it. There is just nothing intelligent about rolling in horse manure and now matter how much I scold Sissy, she just loves to roll in green horse manure right after she has a bath. I cannot for the life of me figure why she does this other than instinct to cover her odor and smell awful maybe as a form of instinct and self preservation that is from instinct.
As far as an animal acting out of intelligence, I would say this is the case with my tabby cat Japetto who is very intelligent. For example, when Japetto hears a door open or a visitor’s voice, she immediately hisses and alerts us that someone is here who normally should not be in the house. Japetto does not forget anything and is very smart. Japetto only likes certain people and she remembers who she likes and who she doesn’t. For example, Japetto turns into a miniature mountain lion if someone comes to visit and she does not know them. She begins growling and hissing and most certainly you will get a nasty welcome if she does not know you. She has even been known to strike out with her paw and try to scratch some unknowing strangers meaning I have to shut her in a room to protect the innocent who think she looks like a furry best friend.
My relationship with my dog and cat are like the relationships I have with my family. My days are great because I have my pets. There is never a dull moment as Japetto and Sissy go on a chase through the house tearing up the rugs and making things fall off shelves as Sissy chases Japetto in hot pursuit dart around the living room. There is just something really fulfilling about having pets like Sissy and Japetto who come from two different worlds.
Alexander Petrunkevitch "The Spider and the Wasp" published by Scientific American (August 1952)
I believe that a dog acts more on instinct and a cat acts more on intelligence. Intelligence is the ability to understand from experience or the ability to retain knowledge whereas instinct refers to the inborn characteristics of species in a naturally acquired way. Two animals I would compare in terms of instinct versus intelligence are my golden retriever, Sissy and my tabby cat, Japetto. There is something about having pets that brings excitement and joy to me and I love them like a family member because they seem to always be there when I need them. They are my best buddies and they really are a source of comfort and support to me when I am happy and when I feel down.
It is interesting to note how two animals like a dog and cat can be instinctively and intellectually so different and how humans respond to them. It is so interesting to watch my dog and cat behaviors and I have so much enjoyment from both pets but they are very different animals indeed and they are just like part of the family. Watching these two in different environments is better than watching television. For example, at the end of a very rough day, there is nothing I like more than to walk into the house and be greeted by Sissy and Japetto. There is always certain to be some sort of adventure related to Sissy and Japetto either separately or together through some sort of mischief.
As I enter the house, I know Sissy will come and lick my hand with her rough, wet tongue begging me to take her outside so she can run and play. Japetto on the other hand tries to make a fast, swift exit out the door so she can roll in the grass. We call her the great escape artist.
Japetto is very intelligent and knows when the door opens signaling the potential for a quick, backyard escape. Little does Japetto know if she gets into the backyard that it is highly probably that Sissy will eat her because Sissy’s instinct is to hunt and kill. Even though the two are in the house all day with each other, the minute they are outdoors together, Sissy goes into a hunting mode looking for moving prey to attack and eat. Japetto has no idea the danger she is in if she does escape into the back yard she must be intelligent enough to make a fast get away up the nearest tree.
I have seen Sissy act in a very strange ways and cannot for the life of me figure out why she does what she does. For example, she is always steadfast and loyal walking by my side no matter what I do. She is faithful and obedient and loves to be with people. As they always say “dogs are a man’s best friend” and this is true I think our of a dog’s instinct to protect his/her master. Sissy loves to go with me to feed the horses and the moment I turn my head to do a chore, Sissy sneaks away to a big pile of fresh horse manure to roll in it. There is just nothing intelligent about rolling in horse manure and now matter how much I scold Sissy, she just loves to roll in green horse manure right after she has a bath. I cannot for the life of me figure why she does this other than instinct to cover her odor and smell awful maybe as a form of instinct and self preservation that is from instinct.
As far as an animal acting out of intelligence, I would say this is the case with my tabby cat Japetto who is very intelligent. For example, when Japetto hears a door open or a visitor’s voice, she immediately hisses and alerts us that someone is here who normally should not be in the house. Japetto does not forget anything and is very smart. Japetto only likes certain people and she remembers who she likes and who she doesn’t. For example, Japetto turns into a miniature mountain lion if someone comes to visit and she does not know them. She begins growling and hissing and most certainly you will get a nasty welcome if she does not know you. She has even been known to strike out with her paw and try to scratch some unknowing strangers meaning I have to shut her in a room to protect the innocent who think she looks like a furry best friend.
My relationship with my dog and cat are like the relationships I have with my family. My days are great because I have my pets. There is never a dull moment as Japetto and Sissy go on a chase through the house tearing up the rugs and making things fall off shelves as Sissy chases Japetto in hot pursuit dart around the living room. There is just something really fulfilling about having pets like Sissy and Japetto who come from two different worlds.
Alexander Petrunkevitch "The Spider and the Wasp" published by Scientific American (August 1952)
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Saving Our Enviorment: Making Changes to Reduce Air Pollution from Transportation
Saving Our Environment: Making Changes to Reduce Air Pollution from Transportation
People rely on many forms of transportation on a daily basis to carry out their daily activities and do their work. The need for our current transportation choices are largely from gasoline and diesel powered automobiles resulting in air pollution that has harmful effects on people’s health and breathing. It appears that air pollution is getting worse everyday in the United States. It also seems many people may not be as concerned about air pollution from the cars they drive as perhaps they should be because they do not see the impact of their behavior and the kind of fuel they use contributing to air pollution. It is hard to get people to change life-long behavior and to give up the kinds of cars they like and want to drive in the name of air pollution. Because air pollution is linked to people’s choices about the kind of cars they drive, most politicians also do not want to discuss these politically-charged issues. Whether we like it or not, we have to begin thinking about hybrid vehicles as a possible solution to transportation since these cars would improve air quality and lessen air pollution. Perhaps the time has some that we must demand automakers to invest more in smaller, battery-powered, hybrid vehicles.
There have been some attempts to decrease air pollution because it is known that gasoline and diesel fuel used in many forms of private and public transportation are major contributors to air pollution. While we know some of the major air pollutants are gasoline and diesel-fueled vehicles, the fact remains that many people do not want to give up their diesel trucks or luxury cars for smaller, battery-powered, hybrid cars. For example, Honda and Toyota have been producing hybrid, battery or electric powered cars for several years now, but they have really not taken hold with the public until the recent soar in gas prices. The fact remains that hybrid is better in lessening air pollution. We also know that the major air pollutants like carbon dioxide and other air polluting substances from gasoline and diesel fuels are negatively impacting air quality and increasing air pollution and in fact they are making people including adults and children permanently ill.
Hybrid or electric cars will certainly result in lessening air pollution and also result in improved health status for many people including children with asthma. The air quality is so important and polluted air makes people ill in many ways. Usually air pollution results in illness from persons developing major breathing problems which in most cases become chronic and last a lifetime. Some of the major respiratory illnesses resulting from air pollution are asthma particularly in children and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. These are the persons who end up not being able to breath and often end up in the emergency department because they cannot breathe. Why would we not want to make a change that would decrease air pollution that helps people stay healthy longer and have a better life?
I have heard for some time that automobile makers like General Motors and Ford have the technology to manufacture smaller, hybrid vehicles but they were not encouraged to go this way largely because the oil manufacturers wanted to increase the demand for their profits through gasoline and diesel consumption. I think the time has come when we have to stop thinking about pocket books and dollars and encourage production of vehicles that make our environment safer through decreased air pollution. Even if smaller, battery-powered, hybrid cars cost a little more in the beginning, eventually I think people will make behavior changes about the kinds of cars and trucks they are driving to keep the air cleaner and to decrease air pollution. I don’t think anyone gets out of bed in the morning and says “I think I will drive to work today to make some one sick by polluting the air with my car” but I do think a lot of people are not aware of the impact of their behavior on other people.
While there is no one best answer to stop air pollution, it seems if everyone did a little to make a behavior change in buying a hybrid automobile, the impact on air quality would significantly decrease air pollution and improve health outcomes for the many who are ill and suffer from asthma and chronic lung disease. If people are not going to make these behavior changes themselves, then I think we have to make policy that forces the behavior change. I believe we have to lobby and force automakers to invest more in hybrid technology. This type of change is essential if we are going to live more responsibly and we have to care more about this issue to save our environment.
http://www.die.gov.tr/english/SONIST/CEVRE/cevre.html
http://www.alive.com/161a1a3.php
http://www.nrdc.org/air/pollution/bt/0160.asp
People rely on many forms of transportation on a daily basis to carry out their daily activities and do their work. The need for our current transportation choices are largely from gasoline and diesel powered automobiles resulting in air pollution that has harmful effects on people’s health and breathing. It appears that air pollution is getting worse everyday in the United States. It also seems many people may not be as concerned about air pollution from the cars they drive as perhaps they should be because they do not see the impact of their behavior and the kind of fuel they use contributing to air pollution. It is hard to get people to change life-long behavior and to give up the kinds of cars they like and want to drive in the name of air pollution. Because air pollution is linked to people’s choices about the kind of cars they drive, most politicians also do not want to discuss these politically-charged issues. Whether we like it or not, we have to begin thinking about hybrid vehicles as a possible solution to transportation since these cars would improve air quality and lessen air pollution. Perhaps the time has some that we must demand automakers to invest more in smaller, battery-powered, hybrid vehicles.
There have been some attempts to decrease air pollution because it is known that gasoline and diesel fuel used in many forms of private and public transportation are major contributors to air pollution. While we know some of the major air pollutants are gasoline and diesel-fueled vehicles, the fact remains that many people do not want to give up their diesel trucks or luxury cars for smaller, battery-powered, hybrid cars. For example, Honda and Toyota have been producing hybrid, battery or electric powered cars for several years now, but they have really not taken hold with the public until the recent soar in gas prices. The fact remains that hybrid is better in lessening air pollution. We also know that the major air pollutants like carbon dioxide and other air polluting substances from gasoline and diesel fuels are negatively impacting air quality and increasing air pollution and in fact they are making people including adults and children permanently ill.
Hybrid or electric cars will certainly result in lessening air pollution and also result in improved health status for many people including children with asthma. The air quality is so important and polluted air makes people ill in many ways. Usually air pollution results in illness from persons developing major breathing problems which in most cases become chronic and last a lifetime. Some of the major respiratory illnesses resulting from air pollution are asthma particularly in children and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. These are the persons who end up not being able to breath and often end up in the emergency department because they cannot breathe. Why would we not want to make a change that would decrease air pollution that helps people stay healthy longer and have a better life?
I have heard for some time that automobile makers like General Motors and Ford have the technology to manufacture smaller, hybrid vehicles but they were not encouraged to go this way largely because the oil manufacturers wanted to increase the demand for their profits through gasoline and diesel consumption. I think the time has come when we have to stop thinking about pocket books and dollars and encourage production of vehicles that make our environment safer through decreased air pollution. Even if smaller, battery-powered, hybrid cars cost a little more in the beginning, eventually I think people will make behavior changes about the kinds of cars and trucks they are driving to keep the air cleaner and to decrease air pollution. I don’t think anyone gets out of bed in the morning and says “I think I will drive to work today to make some one sick by polluting the air with my car” but I do think a lot of people are not aware of the impact of their behavior on other people.
While there is no one best answer to stop air pollution, it seems if everyone did a little to make a behavior change in buying a hybrid automobile, the impact on air quality would significantly decrease air pollution and improve health outcomes for the many who are ill and suffer from asthma and chronic lung disease. If people are not going to make these behavior changes themselves, then I think we have to make policy that forces the behavior change. I believe we have to lobby and force automakers to invest more in hybrid technology. This type of change is essential if we are going to live more responsibly and we have to care more about this issue to save our environment.
http://www.die.gov.tr/english/SONIST/CEVRE/cevre.html
http://www.alive.com/161a1a3.php
http://www.nrdc.org/air/pollution/bt/0160.asp
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