Community Blogs at ProgressOhio

Central Figure in CDC Vaccine Cover-Up Absconds With $2M

One Oar in the Water — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:55:10 EDT

From Robert F Kennedy Jr writing at the Huffington Post:

A central figure behind the Center for Disease Control's (CDC) claims disputing the link between vaccines and autism and other neurological disorders has disappeared after officials discovered massive fraud involving the theft of millions in taxpayer dollars. Danish police are investigating Dr. Poul Thorsen, who has vanished along with almost $2 million that he had supposedly spent on research.
Thorsen was a leading member of a Danish research group that wrote several key studies supporting CDC's claims that the MMR vaccine and mercury-laden vaccines were safe for children. Thorsen's 2003 Danish study reported a 20-fold increase in autism in Denmark after that country banned mercury based preservatives in its vaccines. His study concluded that mercury could therefore not be the culprit behind the autism epidemic.
His study has long been criticized as fraudulent since it failed to disclose that the increase was an artifact of new mandates requiring, for the first time, that autism cases be reported on the national registry. This new law and the opening of a clinic dedicated to autism treatment in Copenhagen accounted for the sudden rise in reported cases rather than, as Thorsen seemed to suggest, the removal of mercury from vaccines. Despite this obvious chicanery, CDC has long touted the study as the principal proof that mercury-laced vaccines are safe for infants and young children. Mainstream media, particularly the New York Times, has relied on this study as the basis for its public assurances that it is safe to inject young children with mercury -- a potent neurotoxin -- at concentrations hundreds of times over the U.S. safety limits.

Read the rest of the article here.

Emergency Internet control bill gets a rewrite

One Oar in the Water — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:39:50 EDT

From Declan McCullagh of CNET:

Sen. Jay Rockefeller alarmed technology and telecommunications firms last year when he announced a plan for the president to seize "emergency" control of the Internet. Now the West Virginia Democrat is trying again with a new version that aides hope will be seen as less extreme.
During a closed-door meeting on Capitol Hill on Wednesday attended by about a dozen industry representatives, CNET has learned, Rockefeller's staff pitched a revised version of his controversial cybersecurity legislation.
It says that after the president chooses to "declare a cybersecurity emergency," he can activate a "response and restoration plan" involving networks owned and operated by the private sector. In an attempt to limit criticism, instead of spelling out the plan's details, the latest draft simply says that it must be developed by the White House in advance.
There is no requirement that the emergency response plan be made public, meaning it could still include a forcible disconnection of critical Web sites from the Internet--which is what the March 2009 version of the legislation had proposed.
Larry Clinton, president of the Internet Security Alliance, whose members include Verisign, Verizon, and Raytheon, says no disconnection language is explicitly in the bill: "We are pleased that the 'kill switch' allowing for the government to shut down private sector access to the Internet has been eliminated."
But, Clinton said, "We think the bill still has a long way to go." If the private sector is expected to help out with national security, he said, there ought to be liability protections, insurance breaks, and tax credits for small businesses.
Read the rest of the article here.

Kilroy Announces Support of Health Care Reform Bill

Dave Harding, ProgressOhio — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:38:26 EDT

Washington, DC—U.S. Representative Mary Jo Kilroy (OH-15) today announced that she will support H.R. 4872, The Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010. She came to her decision after reviewing the final bill which is posted on her web site.

“I will vote for the health insurance reform bill that will put our families and small businesses in charge of their health care choices,” said Kilroy. “As many of my constituents know, I live with multiple sclerosis. I understand what millions of Americans with pre-existing conditions face, including my constituent who suffers from Parkinson’s disease and who was physically harassed by opponents of health insurance reform just this week in front of my office.”

“This bill accomplishes much of what I have been fighting for and I’m encouraged that by passing it we’ll reduce the deficit by $100 billion over the next ten years, hold insurance companies accountable and give central Ohio families more insurance choices. For seniors, the bill would strengthen Medicare and close the donut hole for Medicare Part D,” Kilroy continued.

Kilroy concluded “This bill is by no means perfect. It does not stop the ‘pay for delay’ scam that allows big drug companies to stop affordable prescriptions from coming to the market, it is a big step in the right direction and will save lives. I will not stop fighting for central Ohioans after this vote.”

Bob in his own words

Bret Thompson, ProgressOhio — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:37:42 EDT

Taken from his post here:

I'm the person you all are writing about. Let me tell you a bit about me. First of all, my actions were NOT about me, NOT for me either.
My parents raised me to think about other people; like:
• "Whatsoever you do to the least of us..."
• "He's not heavy, he's my brother."
• "Do unto others what you would have them do unto you."; and, especially in our large family,
• "Share, and share alike."
One of my brothers said that if our parents would have written a book about how they raised seven kids on so little money, they would have been rich. But they didn't, and we weren't. We shared a lot and handed stuff down a lot--and our parents did without, often, and a lot.

Last Tuesday, i got up,, made my sign, went to the demonstration, and came home. I though it was over. But i guess i was wrong on that!
My sign borrowed from the "Got Milk?" ad: "Got Parkinson's?// I DO and YOU might//Thanks for helping!//That's community."
Medicare paid for brain surgery that significantly mitigated my suffering. When I got my brain implants turned on, life became almost ordinary for awhile--and we all cried tears of happiness.
But Parkinson's is still eating away at my nervous system, and some day i'll die from it. In the meantime, i have dedicated myself to thanking my family and friends, and the broader public for helping me. I do so mostly by writing, and occasionally by putting myself in harm's way, to bring attention, not to me--i'm the luckiest guy since Lou Gehrig--but to people who need help so badly and couldn't make the rally.
My only hope is that my Mother and deceased Father would be proud of me.

More Here

Video: Obama’s Final Health Care Speech: 'A Century Long Struggle'

Dave Harding, ProgressOhio — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:29:40 EDT

One day after announcing he was postponing an important trip to the Asia-Pacific region, President Obama today called this weekend's expected health-care vote in the House a "historic" opportunity to do what's "right" for the American people.

The speech at George Mason University was Obama's fourth off-campus health-care event in the past two weeks. In it, he framed the vote as a choice between a victory for the insurers or a victory for the American public.

"We are going to do something historic this weekend," the president told a cheering crowd that frequently interrupted him with chants of "Yes we can". "The only question left is this: Are we going to let the special interests win once again? Or are we going to make this vote a victory for the American people?"

Repeatedly couching the health-care vote in historical terms, Obama compared it to the votes to pass Social Security and Civil Rights legislation. He also invoked the memory of Sen. Ted Kennedy for the second time this week saying the late Massachusetts senator had pushed for reform because he knew it was right -- regardless of how it might play politically.

"In just a few days, a century-long struggle will culminate in an historic vote," he said. "As messy as this process is, as frustrating as this process is, as ugly as this process can be, when we have faced such decisions in our past, this nation time and time again has chosen to extend it's promise to more of its people."

Watch It:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

ZACK, WHAT WOULD NIXON DO?

David Lore, Licking County Pro-Active Citizens — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:30:41 EDT

"It’s astonishing that Republicans today are lined up overwhelmingly against a health care package that is more modest and moderate than one that Richard Nixon proposed in the early ’70s." (Nicholas Kristof column, Access, Access, Access, New York Times, March 18.)

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/18/opinion/18kristof.html?src=tp

Surely, in the health care debate, we've always known what Jesus would do.

Now, according to Kristof, we'd know what Nixon would do as well.

The question remaining this weekend is what our own local congressman, Zack Space (18th), and other holdout Democratic House members will do when the final bill comes up for a vote

It's a lot harder to figure out politicians than basketball players, and that's why I don't fill out brackets going into March Madness and I usually don't predict how any particular politician will vote. In either case, too many ways the ball can bounce.

But I'm betting (for real, through my minimal campaign contributions) that although Space is holding out, hoping that Speaker Pelosi won't need his vote, in the end he'll do the right thing and vote "YES." if needed.

Why would he take such a political risk in his Republican-leaning district?:

He voted earlier for the more liberal House version of the health care bill and it's not like his Republican opponents and critics are going to forgive and forget, even if he votes NO on the final measure. Can you imagine all seven 18th District Republican hopefuls quitting the race and throwing bouquets instead of bricks at the Democratic incumbent? Do you really think a NO vote would lift the bullseye the GOP has put on Space's back?
Although a Democrat in a nominally Republican district, Space has amassed a large campaign war chest and won't face a well-known opponent, regardless who emerges from the messy Republican primary.
Space has done a good job over the past four years being attentive to the concerns of voters in his 16-county district, and has followed through with the energy and intelligence to do something about these concerns. He's been responsive to farmers and agricultural interests and has looked out for the interests of small business and community development. Progressives will support him because he's shown courage in supporting health care and cap-and-trade energy legislation. Yellow-dog Republicans (those who would vote for a yellow dog before ever voting for a Democrat) won't be in his column come November regardless of how he votes now, but by establishing creds as an independent thinker, Space should do okay with independents.
Space has been adopted as a favorite son by Speaker Pelosi and the Democratic House leadership, as well as by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Why would he jeopardize all that leverage in Washington?
What up-and-coming Democrat wants to be on the wrong side of history when health care is so central to not only the Obama presidency but the future of the party?
And now he can argue that he's only doing what (Jesus) (Nixon) would have done.

That's my view, anyway. Just don't ask me where the Buckeyes will wind up in the Big Dance. Let's hope that in this regard, President Obama (who gave Ohio State an early exit) doesn't know what he's talking about.

Video: Targeted by the Tea Party - Parkinson's Hero Speaks

Dave Harding, ProgressOhio — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:17:55 EDT

It was the video that shocked the nation - Tea Partiers mocked a man with Parkinson’s, as he sat quietly.

The man with Parkinson’s from the video, sat down with ProgressOhio yesterday.

Watch now and find out what he was thinking during that fateful moment and why we must pass health care now.

Watch It:

For a year now, they’ve mocked and they’ve lied and tried to stop us. This weekend, we win.

Send this to a friend now!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsHZnc9qcMQ Bob Speaks Part II

The original video is available here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ik4f1dRbP8

David Sirota: WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH DEMOCRATS?

Doug — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:11:29 EDT

Published on Friday, March 19, 2010 by Creators Syndicate
What's the Matter with Demorcrats?
by David Sirota

Ever since Thomas Frank published his book "What's the Matter With Kansas?" Democrats have sought a political strategy to match the GOP's. The health care bill proves they've found one.

Whereas Frank highlighted Republicans' sleight-of-hand success portraying millionaire tax cuts as gifts to the working class, Democrats are now preposterously selling giveaways to insurance and pharmaceutical executives as a middle-class agenda. Same formula, same fat cat beneficiaries, same bleating sheeple herded to the slaughterhouse. The only difference is the Rube Goldberg contraption that Democrats are using to tend the flock.

First, their leaders campaign on pledges to create a government insurer (a "public option") that will compete with private health corporations. Once elected, though, Democrats propose simply subsidizing those corporations, which are (not coincidentally) filling Democratic coffers. Justifying the reversal, Democrats claim the subsidies will at least help some citizens try to afford the private insurance they'll be forced to buy - all while insisting Congress suddenly lacks the votes for a public option.

Despite lawmakers' refusal to hold votes verifying that assertion, liberal groups obediently follow orders to back the bill, their obsequious leaders fearing scorn from Democratic insiders and moneymen. Specifically, MoveOn, unions and "progressive" non-profits threaten retribution against lawmakers who consider voting against the bill because it doesn't include a public option. The threats fly even though these congresspeople would be respecting their previous public-option ultimatums - ultimatums originally supported by many of the same groups now demanding retreat.

rest here:

http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/03/19-5

Why Not Ohio? Indiana Graduates First Green Technicians

Dennis Spisak — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:48:36 EDT

Why Not Ohio? Indiana Graduates First Green Technicians

Last Monday, the Apollo Alliance was proud to co-sponsor an event honoring the first "Green Technician" graduates of an Indianapolis training program run by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 481 and the National Electrical Contractors Association of Central Indiana. After receiving their certifications, the newly minted Green Technicians displayed an array of solar panels and a wind turbine they recently installed at the Electrical Training Institute, where they received their instruction.

"Each graduate of the Green Technician program will be an Industry Certified Technician, ready to work on anything from windmills to retrofits of existing buildings that need to become more energy efficient. We are incredibly proud of their achievement," said Jim Patterson, director of the Electrical Training Institute.

The green technician training program is an apprenticeship program that includes classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Apprentices are paid during the course of their training.

Why Not Ohio? Why are other states getting the jump on us in creating 21st century green technology jobs? Why are other states building more 21st century green manufacturing jobs quicker than Ohio?

The reason is Ted Strickland is passive when it comes to embracing Green Technologies. TellStrickland will always be a Dirty Coal and Nuke Governor first. We need a Green Party Governor to bring Green Technology jobs quicker to the Buckeye State.

Dennis Spisak-Green Party candidate for Ohio Governor

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

Http://www.dennisspisak.com

Vote in the Green Party Primary on May 4th!

Hardball: Protester Who Heckled Sick Man Is Member Of Americans For Prosperity

Dave Harding, ProgressOhio — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:53:10 EDT

If you haven't witnessed the individual throwing money at a Parkinson's Disease victim earlier this week, you really must see it.

This guy is quickly becoming the face of the tea party.

Turns out with stop action he is shown holding the corporate astroturf sign of Americans For Prosperity or tea party central.

Chris Mathews: Tea Party protesters hacked and humbled a man with Parkinson's Disease at a health care reform rally held by reform supporters and a counter protest organized by affiliates of the Tea Party.

Tim Phillips, President of Americans For Prosperity responds:

Watch It:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Two Rallies in Warren Friday for Rep. Tim Ryan: Show Your Support For Rep. Ryan And His Upcoming YES Vote

Dave Harding, ProgressOhio — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:47:37 EDT

Our District 17 Representative, Tim Ryan, is one of our strongest allies in Congress - he's been unwavering from day one in his fight for quality, affordable health care for all Americans.

Rep. Ryan made us all proud last November when he cast his YES vote for health care reform, and we know when the next vote comes he's going to stand up for us again.

Friday, the Tea Party will be targeting Rep. Ryan with rallies, and the media will be there covering them.

Are you available Friday - either during your lunch hour or toward the end of the workday day, to show your support for Rep. Ryan and his upcoming YES vote?

We know Tim Ryan isn't going to cave in to this pressure from the right. But at times like this, it's important to let him know his friends will stand with him - just like he has stood with us on this and so many other important issues.

We we can count on Representative Ryan in this fight. Can he count on you?

WHAT: Rally in support of Rep. Tim Ryan
WHEN: Friday, March 18, Noon to 1 PM and/or 4-5 PM
WHERE: 197 West Market St., Warren, OH 44481
RSVP: Click here to let us know you'll be there

Kilroy Gives Floor Speech on Parkinson's Victim Video

Dave Harding, ProgressOhio — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:47:07 EDT

Washington, DC—U.S. Representative Mary Jo Kilroy (OH-15) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives this morning in relation to the health care reform debate and the Columbus Dispatch video showing a protester in front of her Columbus office throwing what appeared to be money at a sitting man who said he had Parkinson’s disease.

The Dispatch video has been played widely on television and can be seen here: http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/multimedia/video/video.html?video=949486.

Congresswoman Kilroy

“I believe that a great strength of our democracy is our first amendment. It allows for the robust exchange of ideas and opinions. I welcome that. I want to hear what my constituents are thinking, what concerns they have—concerns about how health care will work for them. I want to listen to them about their lack of health care and how that affects their lives or the high cost of health care and how they’re coping with that.

“I have held town halls, round tables, small groups—over twenty meetings in my district over health care. And this week demonstrations for and against health care reform were held in front of my district office.

“Unfortunately, some of those opposing health care reform went too far. Instead of making their arguments against the bill they engaged in abusive language directed at one of my constituents who suffers the terrible ravages of Parkinson’s disease. They treated him like a beggar. They threw dollar bills at him. They did not respect his humanity. They did not respect his right to give his opinion on the health care bill.

“This type of protest goes too far. It has crossed the line. The health care reform debate is about respecting each other’s rights as human beings and, when it comes to needed medical care respecting our rights as citizens to express our opinions.”

The video of Kilroy’s remarks begins at 10:22 and can be seen here: http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/292588-1.

ProgressOhio Video:

Tea Partiers Mock Apparent Parkinson's Victim from Progress Ohio on Vimeo

Learn the Progressive Ropes - Apply for the New Leaders Program

Dave Harding, ProgressOhio — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:22:59 EDT

The Ohio Center for Progressive Leadership's 2010 New Leaders Program (NLP) application opened last week - this is a great opportunity for diverse young people to get training, coaching, mentoring and networking opportunities while pursuing a career in progressive political and policy change. The program is for 20-30 year olds with 0-2 years professional experience interested in social justice work.

Click here for more details on the program.

You can apply today, or nominate young, diverse leaders that are up and coming! The application deadline is May 2nd.

Training for the NLP will focus on core leadership skills from time management to fundraising, as well power analysis, progressive values and messaging, and more. This is a part-time program with components that will begin in June and go through September, and it is built for folks who are working full-time jobs. The cost for the program is only $100, and scholarships are available so that this is not an issue for anyone.

Read about past participants from 2008 and 2009, and contact Gavin Leonard at gleonard@progressiveleaders.org or 513 381-5680 with any questions.

Here's to growing the progressive movement!

Healthcare

Don — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:51:13 EDT

By going to www.itpps.com chose healthcare issue, then "people" tab, you can register your opinion and it will be displayed as a color map by congressional district. Tell them what you think,it's free.

Video: Obama Signs Jobs Bill, Says More Must Be Done

Dave Harding, ProgressOhio — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:20:32 EDT

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama has signed into law a package of tax breaks and spending designed to give the nation a jobs boost.

In a sunny Rose Garden ceremony, Obama said the legislation will help the private sector start hiring again.

It is the first of several jobs measures promised by Democrats this year. Obama called it essential but "but by no means enough."

Watch It:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

RALLY FRIDAY: Rep. Driehaus, Don't Turn Your Back On Us

Dave Harding, ProgressOhio — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:31:09 EDT

Passage of health care reform could come down to just a few votes, and CONGRESSMAN STEVE DRIEHAUS could be the deciding vote - he needs to hear from you!

With a vote on health care reform just days away, we have a simple message to Congressman Driehaus: "Don't turn your back on Hamilton County families!"

WHAT: Health Care Reform Rally
WHEN: Friday, March 19, 2010, 2:30pm
WHERE: Office of Congressman Driehaus, 441 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45202
RSVP: Click here to let us know you're coming.

It's happening everywhere: health insurance companies jacking up premiums, crushing small businesses and working families across America. Right here in Ohio, we've seen our rates go up by 30, 40 even 60% in just the past few weeks.

Tell Congressman Steve Driehaus to keep standing up for us, not the insurance companies. Pass health insurance reform now!

This legislation will make health care affordable for the middle class, provide security for seniors, and guarantee access to health insurance for the uninsured - while reducing the federal deficit by over $100 billion over the next decade. In Rep. Driehaus's district, the health care reform bill will:

Improve coverage for 394,000 residents with health insurance.

Give tax credits and other assistance to up to 156,000 families and 13,800 small businesses to help them afford coverage.

Improve Medicare for 93,000 beneficiaries, including closing the donut hole.

Extend coverage to 44,000 uninsured residents.

Guarantee that 10,300 residents with pre-existing conditions can obtain coverage.

Protect 1,300 families from bankruptcy due to unaffordable health care costs.

Allow 49,000 young adults to obtain coverage on their parents' insurance plans.

Provide millions of dollars in new funding for 39 community health centers.

Reduce the cost of uncompensated care for hospitals and other health care providers by $52 million annually.

ProgressOhio Calls On ORP To Distance Themselves From Bully Behavior

Dave Harding, ProgressOhio — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:51:24 EDT

ORP Deputy Communications Director Was At Tea Party Rally Where Parkinson's Victim was Mocked

View Larger Image

COLUMBUS - Ohio Republican Party Deputy Communications Director Megan Zaffini was at the Tea Party Rally on Monday that resulted in the bullying of a health care supporter with Parkinson's disease.

Rather than intervene, it appears Ms. Zaffini took pictures with her cell phone and tweeted excitedly about the event.

Yesterday, shocking video taken by a Columbus Dispatch reporter Doral Chenoweth made national news, showing Tea Party protestors mocking a seated counter-protestor with a sign indicating he has Parkinson's disease. They then proceed to hurl wadded up bills at him shouting, "I'll decide when to give you money!"

Watch It:

Yesterday on Hardball with Chris Matthews, Indiana Rep. Mike Pence denounced the mob mentality on display in the video.

"Kevin DeWine and the Ohio Republican Party need to denounce this behavior as Rep. Pence did yesterday," said Brian Rothenberg, Executive Director of ProgressOhio.

"ORP and any other political operatives should feel a duty to either stop such actions on site or denounce them. Ms. Zaffini instead took pictures and tweeted while a Parkinson's patient was bullied and berated, which is shameful."

Transcript:
Narrator: At one point a man who's sign said he has Parkinson's sat down in front of health care opponents.
Tea Partier #1: You're looking for a hand-out, you're in the wrong end of town. Nothing for free over here, you have to work for everything you get.
Tea Partier #2: I'll pay for this guy. Here you go. Start a pot. [Drops dollar bill on man, turns around, then walks back. Bends over, repeatedly jabs finger at man.] I'll decide when to give you money! Here's another one, here you go. [Throws wadded up bill at man.]
Crowd: You love a communist.
Tea Partier #2: No more hand-outs!

Full video from The Columbus Dispatch: http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/multimedia/video/video.html?video=949486

CBO: Health Care Reform Bill: "Biggest Deficit Reduction Measure In 25 Years"

Dave Harding, ProgressOhio — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:17:27 EDT

The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that the Democrats' revised health care bill will cost $940 billion over the next 10 years, a House Democratic source told CNN Thursday.

The bill cuts the deficit by $130 billion during that period of time, according to the source.

Ezra Klein notes that this means “more deficit reduction than either the House or Senate bill, and more coverage than the Senate bill.”

It cuts the deficit by $1.2 trillion in the second ten years.

It reduces annual growth in Medicare expenditures by 1.4 percentage points per year.

Expands coverage to 32 million Americans.

A third Dem source exults that this is the “biggest deficit reduction measure in 25 years, since the 1993 Clinton budget.”

As Boehner Fails to Block Health Vote, Pelosi Releases Benefits Of Reform Report For Minority Leader's District

Dave Harding, ProgressOhio — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:35:57 EDT

Yesterday, the Energy and Commerce Committee released an analysis on the impact of the new health insurance reform legislation on families, small businesses, seniors in Medicare, health care providers, and the uninsured in each of the 435 Congressional districts.

For instance, in Minority Leader Boehner’s district in Ohio, the legislation will:

Improve coverage for 427,000 residents with health insurance.

Give tax credits and other assistance to up to 161,000 families and 11,600 small businesses to help them afford coverage.

Improve Medicare for 99,000 beneficiaries, including closing the donut hole.

Extend coverage to 29,500 uninsured residents.

Guarantee that 8,800 residents with pre-existing conditions can obtain coverage.

Protect 1,400 families from bankruptcy due to unaffordable health care costs.

Allow 54,000 young adults to obtain coverage on their parents’ insurance plans.

Provide millions of dollars in new funding for 10 community health centers.

Reduce the cost of uncompensated care for hospitals and other health care providers by $28 million annually.

See how reform will impact your community»

Information on data sources»

Thank Ted Strickland: Ohio Has 3 Of The Dirtiest Coal Plants in Nation For Mercury Pollution

Dennis Spisak — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 05:31:34 EDT

Thank Ted Strickland: Ohio Has 3 Of The Dirtiest Coal Plants in Nation For Mercury Pollution

In a story from yesterday's Columbus Dispatch:

Three Ohio power plants are among the top 50 "dirtiest" in the U.S. for the mercury they emit from their smokestacks, according to a report released today.

American Electric Power's Gavin plant along the Ohio River in Gallia County more than doubled its output, emitting 937 pounds of mercury in 2008 compared to 435 pounds it released in 2007.

That was enough to rank Gavin 12 on the Environmental Integrity Project's list.

The Washington D.C.-based advocacy group used pollution data on 467 coal fired power plants that utilities report each year to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's toxic release inventory to compile its rankings. AEP's Conesville plant in Coshocton County, pictured above, was No. 14 on the list with 898 pounds of mercury emitted.

FirstEnergy's Sammis plant, along the Ohio River in Jefferson County ranked No. 44 with 498 pounds of mercury in 2008. Mercury is linked to nerve and kidney damage in children and is linked to brain damage and mental retardation in fetuses.

The U.S. EPA considers coal fired power plants "the largest human-caused source of mercury emissions to the air in the United States."

It's one of the most common pollutants found in Ohio's lakes, streams and fish. That's prompted a statewide Ohio EPA advisory that residents should eat no more than one meal of locally caught fish per week.

And Ted Strickland is a "Green" Governor? Thanks to Ted Strickland being in bed with the dirty coal lobbyists Ohio continues to pollute the air and streams of this great state with mercury. And it will only get worse with Ted Strickland as Governor, Ted propses to keep 75% of Ohio's power sources to remain coal fired plants. It's time we elect a Green Party Governor to Ohio to help clean our state's natural resources.

Dennis Spisak-Green Party candidate for Ohio Governor

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

Http://www.dennisspisak.com

Vote in the Green Party Primary on May 4th

for more info, contact 330-503-1407