"If future generations are to remember us with gratitude rather than contempt, we must leave them something more than the miracles of technology. We must leave them a glimpse of the world as it was in the beginning, not just after we got through with it."
–President Lyndon B. Johnson, on the signing of the Wilderness Act of 1964
I know that the purpose of this blog is to write about the good things in life. The meaning of this journey we are on, etc. But sometimes that feels like I'm just burying my head in the sand. And, it feels almost selfish to ignore the things that are happening in this world, that will ultimately effect the journey through life of future generations. So, yes, once in awhile I feel the need to vent. This is one of those times.
This past week was a harsh lesson in reality.
The gas companies have come knockin' in our small communities.
We are losing the fight.
Since June, after watching a terrifying documentary called "Gasland" (See HERE) I've been struggling to come to terms with this inevitable new reality. (HERE). Yet, since it seemed so far away, and was happening elsewhere, I've continued to hope for a miracle. (And, yes, others have prayed, but that hasn't worked either).
In July, I even used the Kid Rock card. (HERE). But, since no one reads this blog, the only one comforted was me. But others with much larger audiences have written (HERE). Still nothing. It is if no one was reading. No one was listening. And no one was asking questions. But still I held out hope.
Until last week, when it landed in our small communities in Central Michigan. And no one seems to care. And that is the most frightening. Some of us send them emails with the links to articles on what others have experienced, no response. Others put up signs, and people seem to drive right by. It is a hard fight with neighbors, and friends. And no matter how hard you try, it usually boils into a political argument. The information, no matter how truthful, is dismissed as left-wing hysteria or, my favorite, mainstream media garbage. And then I'm left to wonder, now who is burying their head in the sand?
I'm on the losing side of the argument because their is no financial reward for them to agree with me. The dollars are too tempting, I understand the economic times we are in. So, do the gas companies who are preying on these folks.
But, sadly, everyone will eventually lose here. My neighbor's decision based on their own short-term financial needs will not only effect the long term health of their children, but mine. They are willing to trade the possibility of contaminating their wells and exposure to cancer causing agents for the sake of a few thousand dollars now. Those same agents, can slowly leak into my water supply as well. They can be consumed by the wildlife that we all hunt and they can enter the plants in the gardens we grow. Many of my neighbors are cattle ranchers, farmers and dairies. Will I be able to trust the word "organic" again?
These companies have already bought off the Michigan state legislature, and the Federal Government. The company sales people aren't going to tell you about "fracking" and what it will do to our water supplies, to our wildlife, to our children and to our future. And, these are the same companies that will continue to pour money into elections and groups like the Tea Party HERE. This chaos and bickering will continue to keep our eye off the ball and their profits will continue to pour in. A vicious circle with the Oil and Gas companies laughing all the way to the bank, and small town, middle America poisoned and dying.
How representatives from these companies mislead home howners:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/04/18/post_676_n_850425.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/04/17/fracking-report-carcinogens-water-wells_n_850159.html
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