“GET IRATE OVER MERCURY, MOMMIES”
In December, 2003, this title to an article written by MOLLY IVINS
appeared in the Des Moines Register. I remember saving it at the
time, and it is still extremely relevant. Ms. Ivins said…“Mercury is a neurotoxin that damages the brains and nervous systems of fetuses and young children, and probably affects adults…
“Eight
percent of American women of childbearing age already have mercury in
their blood above the Environmental Protection Agency's 'safe
level'. MERCURY EMMISSIONS FROM
POWER PLANTS GET INTO RAIN CLOUDS AND COME DOWN IN LAKES AND RIVERS,
THUS POISONING FISH AND THE PEOPLE WHO EAT THEM. COAL-FIRED
POWER PLANTS ARE THE LARGEST SOURCE OF MERCURY, SPEWING 50 TONS A
YEAR INTO THE AIR, ABOUT 40 PERCENT OF THE TOTAL…
“The
truth is, EPA is doing nothing about mercury pollution. The
decrease to 34 tons a year is a byproduct of new filtering requirements
for NITROGEN (CAUSES SMOG) AND SULFUR DIOXIDE (CAUSES ACID RAIN), which aren't too much to write home about either…
Continuing, Ivins says, “I once heard a Texas politician being begged to consider doing something 'FOR THE CHILDREN of Texas'. He asked if they had a PAC. (Political Action Committee)
“Well,
no they don't. But they have mommies. Their mommies know
the difference between 50 tons a year and 5 tons a year. Mommies
know what a campaign contribution is. Mommies can tell the
difference between a cynical sack of excrement and safe babies. Mommies can get very angry. You've got to watch those mommies, Karl.”
Don't you just love Molly Ivins? To check out her entire article, go here.
Take action against mercury pollution HERE!
Another well-spoken person from Texas was recently heard from. JIM HIGHTOWER was a guest on IOWA PRESS
Friday, July 29th. IOWA PRESS airs on IOWA Public TV Friday
evenings and repeats on Sundays. Mr. Hightower is a well-spoken,
funny political satirist, best-selling author, and radio commentator
with a twist on current events that makes you smile and say, “He really
hits the nail on the head.” Hightower says we need a political
party FOR THE WORKERS AND THE FARMERS. He says the Republicans
have been the party for corporations and many Democrats have
become more and more like them in so far as big money
contributions.
But, Hightower did point out that started to change when GOVERNOR HOWARD DEAN
went to people via the Internet and asked for small donations from many
people. He says the Democratic STRENGTHS need to be talked about
again. Among them are ECONOMIC FAIRNESS, SOCIAL JUSTICE, AND
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL PEOPLE.
To read the entire text of the show and listen to the wit of JIM HIGHTOWER, go to www.iptv.org/iowapress/
Are you keeping track of your county officials and what goes on at the county board meetings?
How about your city council meetings, have you been to one
lately? Make yourself available to go at least twice a month to
public meetings in your community. It is the only way we can
continue the momentum and make positive changes. As a good
citizen, you will also become a good role model for the young
ones. THEY ARE WHAT THIS IS ALL ABOUT ANYWAY.
Don't forget to CPR: CONSERVE/PARTICIPATE/RECYCLE
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