The State of Things?

From the July 11, 2009 NY Times.  Headline reads, “Views of Scientists and Public in Conflict, Survey Finds”.  Article by Cornelia Dean.  One excerpt…

“Almost a third of ordinary Americans say human beings have existed in their current form since the beginning of time, a view held by ony 2 percent of the scientists.  Only about half of the public agrees that people are behind climate change, and 11 percent does not believe there is any warming at all.

“According to the survey, about a third of Americans think there is a lively scientific debate on both topics; in fact there is no credible scientific challenge to the theory of evolution and there is little doubt that human activity is altering the chemistry of the atmosphere in ways that threaten global climate.”

Clearly we have a lot of work to do to help folks around us understand the facts.  So do the scientists.

Ralph

Words’ Worth

There is an active principle alive in all things;

In all things, in all natures, in the flowers

And in the trees, in every pebbly stone

That paves the brooks, the stationary rocks,

The moving waters and the invisible air.

All beings have their properties whch spread

Beyond themselves, a power by which they make

Some other being conscious of their life,

Spirit that knows no insulated spot,

No chasm, no solitude; from link to link

It circulates, the soul of all the worlds.

This is the freedom of the universe;

Unfolded still the more, more visible,

The more we know; and yet is reverenced least

And least respected in the human mind,

Its most apparent home.

William Wordsworth

Fireworks on Fireworks

L points out Fourth of July fireworks contribute to pollution.  They distribute heavy metal residues.  In other words they’re filthy and bad for ya.

K says to go.  The amount of pollution, compared to others sources, is so negligible, so why skip the community celebration and fun?

J, the real boss of me around here, says I’m going.  And so far, I say, “I don’t know”.

What are your plans?

I love our annual local rite for American independence.  Our town has the BEST fireworks display of any town it’s size, hands down.  And we always precede it with dancing to the oldies (and newies, I think, too) and lots of picnicking and socializing on Rider U’s big lawn.  Fabulous local fun.  Hard to pass up.

I am left with this for now: I’ll probably get swept up in the enthusiasm of the moment and go.  And I will feel bad.  Is that any way to live?

I invite your comments…

Ralph