Environment Watch

Mothers Day: "Arise then... women of this day!"

Lorraine Bieber — Fri, 09 May 2008 12:55:33 EDT

It is indeed puzzling that so many Republican members of Ohio's congressional delegation voted no on H.R. 1113, “Celebrating the role of mothers in the United States and supporting the goals and ideals of Mother's Day” (full warm and fuzzy text here).

...until you consider the origins of Mother's Day.

Julia Ward Howe, who penned The Battle Hymn of the Republic, also authored a mothers' Declaration calling on women to oppose war, and worked to get recognition of a Mother’s Day for Peace. Says Code Pink: "Were she alive today, Julia probably would have told her kids to dispense with the roses and chocolates, and instead join her in an anti-war rally. Yes, Julia Ward Howe was a peacenik."

[Howe] saw some of the worst effects of the [civil] war -- not only the death and disease which killed and maimed the soldiers. She worked with the widows and orphans of soldiers on both sides of the war, and realized that the effects of the war go beyond the killing of soldiers in battle. She also saw the economic devastation of the Civil War, the economic crises that followed the war, the restructuring of the economies of both North and South.
In 1870, Julia Ward Howe took on a new issue and a new cause….She called in 1870 for women to rise up and oppose war in all its forms. She wanted women to come together across national lines, to recognize what we hold in common above what divides us, and commit to finding peaceful resolutions to conflicts. She issued a Declaration, hoping to gather together women in a congress of action.

Howe failed in her attempt to get formal recognition of a Mother's Day for Peace, but her effort was carried on by Anna Jarvis, who had organized women during the Civil War to work for better sanitary conditions for both sides, and then toward reconciliation of Union and Confederate neighbors.

Jarvis’ daughter, of the same name, then took up the campaign for Mother’s Day. After the custom spread to 45 states, President Woodrow Wilson declared the first national Mother’s Day in 1914.

Julia Ward Howe's Mothers' Declaration:

Arise then...women of this day!
Arise, all women who have hearts!
Whether your baptism be of water or of tears!
Say firmly:
"We will not have questions answered by irrelevant agencies,
Our husbands will not come to us, reeking with carnage,
For caresses and applause.
Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn
All that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy and patience.
We, the women of one country,
Will be too tender of those of another country
To allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs."

From the voice of a devastated Earth a voice goes up with
Our own. It says: "Disarm! Disarm!
The sword of murder is not the balance of justice."
Blood does not wipe our dishonor,
Nor violence indicate possession.
As men have often forsaken the plough and the anvil
At the summons of war,
Let women now leave all that may be left of home
For a great and earnest day of counsel.
Let them meet first, as women, to bewail and commemorate the dead.
Let them solemnly take counsel with each other as to the means
Whereby the great human family can live in peace...
Each bearing after his own time the sacred impress, not of Caesar,
But of God -
In the name of womanhood and humanity, I earnestly ask
That a general congress of women without limit of nationality,
May be appointed and held at someplace deemed most convenient
And the earliest period consistent with its objects,
To promote the alliance of the different nationalities,
The amicable settlement of international questions,
The great and general interests of peace.

Maybe Pryce, Schmidt, Tiberi, Chabot, Boehner, Regula, LaTourette, Hobson, and Turner have a thing against moms. But YOU can make this Mother's Day a Mother's Day For Peace.

Help CodePink help Iraqi refugee moms here.

Send a MomsRising Mother's Day card and tell the presidential candidates to fight for family-friendly policies. here.

Oh and don't forget to call the Congressional Switchboard at 1-800-839-5276 to give the above members of Congress a piece of your mind about H.R. 1113.

Do you have another suggestion for honoring Julia Ward Howe's Mothers' Declaration? Are you a mom working for peace? Leave a comment below.

Sustainability Now! Conference

Lucie Pollard — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:23:10 EDT

Consider attending this conference May 16 - 17, which is jointly sponsored by Simply Living and OSU's Social Responsibility Initiative with support from the Columbus Green Building Forum.

On Friday hear the keynote address by Jim Merkel, author of

Hope comes to Ohio's 12th Congressional District

Liberty Belle — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 00:17:08 EST

Hello, my name is David Robinson and I'm running for Ohio's 12th Congressional seat. I'd like to speak with you about a policy initiative that is central not only to my candidacy, but far more importantly-- to the future well-being of our country.

I'm calling this policy initiative the Apollo II program. By Apollo II I'm not referring to sending humans back to the moon or onward to Mars, but about a different kind of journey with a supremely important destination. I'm referring to the mission now before us of freeing ourselves from foreign oil, protecting our planet from dangerous climate change, and rebuilding our industries and jobs here in Ohio.

Here on American soil.

These three challenges: energy security, protecting the planet and creating good American jobs-- they all come together in the Apollo II program.

Three challenges, with one common solution.

At the heart of Apollo 2 is a bold, sustained national commitment to the creation of a clean-energy, sustainable economy. In this new economy wealth will be created and retained here in America.

The energy that fuels out lives will be in our hands, and we will once again control our own future.
A future we can look forward to with hope and faith that we are leaving a better world to our children.

With Apollo II, I am not suggesting merely small or incremental changes to existing systems but rather a game-changing, paradigm-shifting movement towards renewable energies and an efficient, sustainable, made-in-America economy.

Apollo II needs to be of a scope and of an intensity like the first Apollo program, leading to nothing less than a second INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION.

Through robust research /development and pilot deployment, focused incentives and smart trade pacts, we can reward those who work and produce in ways that serve the national interest.

Instead of subsidizing-- as we do now, those that pollute, that keep us dependent and offshore jobs out of their short-term interest.

Specifically, Apollo II establishes the goal of complete energy independence by 2030, and an 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050.

These goals-- once firmly committed to, will unleash tremendous innovation in our country creating whole new industries and jobs--jobs that cannot be exported, raising the standard of living for millions of Americans.

We will immediately rewrite the rules with OPEC and foreign oil producers and we will assume the role of global leadership on combating climate change.

This is the kind of America that I believe in and that I know is possible. We the people want this, and so it's time to elect a President and a Congress that will lead us in this new direction.

I hope that you will join our campaign and that you will Vote: David Robinson for Congress.

Thank you very much.

I am David Robinson and I approve this message.

David ROBINSON for 12th Congressional District

Liberty Belle — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 19:42:40 EST

A longtime supporter of Pat Tiberi, I have always believed in responsible foreign and fiscal policy, but "our Congressman" says we should stay in Iraq another 100 years. I can not in good conscience pass off the cost of our foolish foreign policy to future generations.

Tiberi has also violated his only oath of office...to defend the Constitution. Tiberi repeatedly votes to support torture, rendition, warrant-less wiretapping, and to remove humanity's basic right to habeas corpus.

ROBINSON is different. A strong defender of the Constitution and Veterans' rights, ROBINSON believes supporting our troops means fighting for responsible and sustainable policies.

A tireless advocate of the environment, ROBINSON has plans for economic development in bio-fuel and bio-mass technologies. He envisions a non-petroleum-based future, reducing our dependence on foreign oil. Not only will ROBINSON's vision of new green industries rejuvenate Ohio's declining job market, it is also a responsible global position.

Honest and brilliant, ROBINSON has his Ph.D. in Theology and Psychology as well as an honors accounting degree from The Ohio State University. ROBINSON is the Vice President of a small local manufacturing company so ROBINSON understands the struggles of our country's largest employer, small businesses.

This "Progressive Republican" supports David ROBINSON -- a Democrat who will defend Americans far better than Tiberi.

David Robinson Endorsed by Ed Begley, Jr.

Liberty Belle — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 13:18:34 EST

Actor and leading conservationist Ed Begley, Jr.'s visit to central Ohio was more than an opportunity to talk with students about pressing environmental issues, it was an opportunity for him to meet with and encourage local activists and candidates.

The Emmy-nominated, award-winning actor was in central Ohio as the featured speaker for Otterbein College's Distinguished Lecture Series. Begley knows there are two possible responses to our environmental challenges: forget it and hope that government and corporations will figure it out, or take action yourself.

In the "take action yourself" camp, a few individuals are leading the way. One such person is Ed Begley, Jr.

Environmental lawyer and long-time friend, Bobby Kennedy, Jr. has said "Ed has a greater sense of social obligation than anyone I know. He's like a West Coast cadet who gets up every morning and says 'reporting for duty'".

Another tireless environmental activist is one of the three democratic candidates for the 12th Congressional District, David Robinson. Robinson went to listen to Begley's talk and afterwards, the two struck a kinship over their shared environmental interests. Having delivered many pro-bono presentations on the science of climate change and energy independence to many civic organizations and area universities, Robinson felt right at home with Begley. Robinson shared his dreams of helping create new jobs in industries to foster an energy independent future for Ohio, and Begley liked what he heard.

After their meeting, Begley stated officially, "I feel a sense of responsibility for our environment and our future generations to endorse a candidate like David Robinson. His common sense approach is exactly the kind of representation we need in Washington, D. C."

The Myspace/MTV thing just got even cooler

Lorraine Bieber — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 13:47:34 EDT

When the presidential dialogue was over, the myspace page provided a flektor, enabling viewers to share the vote results (as well as one's own votes) on a blog, myspace, email, or elsewhere. The little star on the pie chart shows how I voted. While the event was going on, the pieces of the same type of pie chart (on the same screen as Edwards) were fluctuating as viewers changed their votes in response to what Edwards was saying.

They're going to do this for all the candidates willing to participate, both republican and democratic. I'll post again when the next one is scheduled.

45 minutes left of Myspace/MTV interactive dialogue with John Edwards

Lorraine Bieber — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 13:17:16 EDT

This is turning out to be super cool. I'm watching the Myspace/MTV interactive dialogue with John Edwards. As he answers questions, you rate his responses. Meanwhile, you can watch a pie chart showing everyone's ratings. It's fun to watch the pie chart change in real time as people change their responses.

Join in NOW - 45 minutes left. You don't have to have a Myspace profile to watch and participate.
It's at:
http://www.myspace.com/election2008

Step Up Against Global Warming!

DavidP — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 19:50:05 EDT

This November 3rd is already shaping up to be an immensely exciting and important day for the movement to fight global warming. As you know, this is a crucial year, and it's essential we spread the message about how much we need leadership on climate change. The best way to do this is to organize hundreds of rallies across the country. So, if you haven't already, by all means please start an action today and help recruit others in your state and elsewhere to do the same.

If you want to organize a rally, follow this link!
http://events.stepitup2007.org/signup

Rocky Anderson, Sherrod Brown and Mike Coleman Tomorrow

Lucie Pollard — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 10:35:04 EDT

The very green mayor of Salt Lake Oity will keynote at the Columbus Green Building Forum tomorrow. In addition to speaking, he and Sen. Brown (how I like to use that title!) will join Mayor Coleman to officially inaugurate Greenview Estates, Columbus' first subdivision of green, affordable homes. The green activities will continue with Columbus Green Building Forum's Green Residential Showcase on Saturday 9/15, which is free and open to the public.

Environmental Defense Fund and a new Declaration

DavidP — Thu, 31 May 2007 15:11:04 EDT

Environmental Defense Fund asks you to sign a new Declaration.....

Global warming is the crisis of our time.

As we gather to celebrate the anniversary of the American Revolution, we find ourselves at a momentous turning point.

Thousands of you have joined us in recent weeks to draft a new Declaration articulating a New Patriotism to guide present and future generations.

Click here to sign....

Link

Change is not easy. The drafters of the Declaration of Independence said as much when they said "all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed."

We need to renew our commitment to change every day. We need to communicate our demands to our leaders every day.

That is why this July 4th, the names of every signer to our Declaration will be communicated to Congress.

We hope to have at least 75,000 signatures on our Declaration by July 4th.

Here is the group's home site.....

www.environmentaldefensefund.org

Governor's PUCO appointment getting thumbs up

Jill Miller Zimon — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 11:16:23 EST

From Bill Callahan who has followed the appointment process more closely than anyone else:

Paul [Centolella], a lawyer and economist, was a lead litigator and policy director for the Office of Consumers Counsel in the ’80s and early ’90s (the Spratley era). Since then he’s worked as a consulting economist for Science Applications International.

Among the four candidates sent to Strickland by the PUCO Nominating Council, this was probably the best pick. Congratulations to both the Governor and the new Commissioner.

And Vindy.com publishes an article about how consumer advocates "hail" the choice as well:

We are very pleased with Gov. Strickland's appointment of Paul Centolella to the commission. Paul is very knowledgeable on energy issues," said current Consumers' Counsel Janine Migden-Ostrander, who worked with Centolella at the agency in the early 1980s.
His knowledge of how transmission lines are connected will help in persuading federal energy officials to get the decades-old grid up to date, Migden-Ostrander said.

Ohio Citizen Action Director Sandy Buchanan, who has been critical of commission rulings that she felt favored utilities over consumers, also liked the appointment.

"This is the type of commissioner we need to see," Buchanan said.

That sure sounds hopeful. Given that my state rep is the vice-chair of the House's PUCO committee, I hope to follow the action as best as I can. I'm just starting from zero with the lingo of it all.

NASA and Coal?

Carol Cogitating — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 23:04:39 EST

I ran into an interesting article Link by Kevin Kelley with West Life News, a Westlake area publication, that is worth a read. The article followed Governor Strickland’s visit a few weeks ago at NASA Glenn Research Center.

Apparently the Governor’s visit was to take a look at the alternative fuel research going on at the NASA facility. The Governor visited the facility’s “Advanced Subsonic Combustion Rig”, the only device of its kind in this country, which is being used to develop alternative jet fuels. The combustion process converts CO2 and hydrogen to produce liquid fuel.

What caught my eye is that NASA is looking at technology to convert Ohio’s coal into gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. Fuels converted in this process have no sulfur emissions (which produces acid rain) and reduced CO2 emissions. Just think, a coal-powered space shuttle?

I find this very exciting, although I am concerned about applications that increase the mining of coal within the state without a concurrent policy to deal with the devastation left behind. Greater use of our coal resources would be a huge economic boost to our Appalachian areas of the state. Coal use further may increase with “clean-coal technology” in the generation of electricity. Add “liquid fuel” to the mix, and the mining industry will indeed be happy.

If the cost of coal increases, many ecologically sensitive areas that were too expensive to mine in the past may be economically viable. Because of federal law, mining companies are doing a better job at “reclamation” of land after mining activities have ceased. But the landscape is forever changed. And older mines have left a legacy of ecological problems, from mine subsidence to acid mine drainage into our potable water. There is not enough funding to address these problems created by mining companies long relegated to history. It is my hope that if these new technologies are successful, that increased mining is predicated on provisions for taking care of the environmental costs associated with the past, present and future mining operations.

Geothermal Energy Gets a Second Look

Carol Cogitating — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 21:55:25 EST

MIT released a comprehensive study last month of the potential for geothermal energy within the United States. The study found that mining the huge amounts of heat that reside as stored thermal energy in the Earth's hard rock crust could supply a substantial portion of the electricity the United States will need in the future, probably at competitive prices and with minimal environmental impact.

Strickland on "Clean Coal", but can I eat the fish?

Carol Cogitating — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 20:06:34 EST

One of Governor Strickland’s Turn Around Ohio initiatives is to create "good jobs" through "clean energy" in Ohio. Citing statistics such as Ohio being 6th in the US in total energy consumption and 4th in both the use of electricity and largest industrial energy users, clearly some kind of strategy for our energy intensive economy is necessary for sustainable growth. Oil costs continue to rise in this global economy with the emergence of industry in China, Russia and India and some estimate that the local supply of natural gas only has an economic life expectancy of about 60 more years (do I have time to dump my Columbia Gas stock?)

Governor Strickland has pledged to implement an energy strategy to create jobs and spur one billion (with a "b") in public and private investment in "Next Generation" energy production and consumption by 2010, a surely aggressive and exciting timetable. One of the steps in this strategy is to support "Clean Coal Technologies" by working to ensure that Ohio's regulatory climate provides incentives for investment in a wide range of clean coal technologies, including the development of advanced coal gasification technologies, such as Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) technology.