An Evironmental Win

Last Friday, against steep odds, the House of Representatives passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454, the Waxman-Markey bill). It was a historic moment, and you were among the tens of thousands of Wilderness Society members and supporters who helped make history.

Thanks to you, Representatives got e-mails, letters, faxes, and phone calls urging them to support the bill. Thanks to you, letters to the editor appeared in newspapers around the country, letting members of the House know that their constituents supported this important legislation.

Thanks to you, the bill passed by a vote of 219 to 212.

Considering the millions of dollars spent to defeat the bill by polluters with a vested interest in keeping us dependent on the fossil fuels that cause global warming, it was an extraordinary achievement.

Passage of the Waxman-Markey bill means there will be significant new investment in clean, sustainable energy — and in the jobs a clean energy economy will create right here in America. It means there will be funding to safeguard our treasured natural resources and wild landscapes on which wildlife and human communities depend. It means that for the first time in history, we will be putting limits on the greenhouse gases that cause global warming and put us and future generations at risk.

House passage of this act is a monumental achievement. We needed every single call and letter — and with your help we generated more than 32,000 messages to House members. And we won!

In the words of the late anthropologist Margaret Mead, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

The Senate fight looms like Everest later this summer, but with your help we will climb it.

With gratitude from all of us at The Wilderness Society,

David Moulton
Director of Climate Policy

L

Nellz: Memorial

Many of you had noticed that sometime last year I added a Puppy avatar to my signature named Nellz. No one knew her name, the church people called her Ghost Dog, but in my dreams she'd answer to Nellz.

Nellz lived down the street @ a church and had been abandoned by her owner (or had run away). She was abused and wouldn't let anyone touch her nor would she eat out of anyone's hand.... She would take treats from the preacher if he held them in his mouth with his hands behind his back.

Anyways...I've been stopping and feeding her few times a week; steak, lamb leg bones, treats, etc. When I'd call her by Nellz, she'd come running, unless she saw my truck first...then she'd be there before I got out! And, yes she would eat out of my hands.

The last few weeks I kept worrying about her, I saw flowers on the lawn & wondered if she was gone & under the flowers because she had been hit by a car.

This morning...my intuition was played out... I was driving south and I saw an inanimate white bundle on the driveway of the church w/ blood on it....so I make a quick turn into the driveway, and...I could see Nellz's tail from under the towel... I couldn't bring myself to uncover her...

So it's like that....and I'm gonna miss her so much...

I wanted to bring her home, but I had no place to keep her here & in my heart I knew that she wouldn't want to be fenced in.

She's happier now and not living in fear or pain, and I got to have time with her.......

But...It's My Parking Space!

Ok, I have lived in the same place for the past 17.5 years....and needless to say I have had the same parking space since the day I moved in.

My space is the only one that is up the driveway and alongside the duplex I live in. Every one else has a gated carport to park in.

So last night I come home, after working late due to customer problem (with a happy ending), to find a message on my answering machine...it was from the hired help of my downstairs neighbor. The message told me: that I need to park on the street not in her parking space (she doesn't own a vehicle), that I wake her up in the morning when I go to work 1 day a week before 8:00 am (she's a recluse & mental invalid who doesn't work), that she can't sleep and has to wear earplugs because I come home late (last week I went to Disneyland and got home @ 3:00 am) and make noise.

Needless to say, this is not the first time she has complained, but it was the first time it was about my lovely self, and it did not sit well with me.

Last month some guy was installing a car stereo at the far end of the building and the noise was bothering her...It was about 2:00 pm, so I told her as it wasn't after 10:00 pm, that she needed to get a grip...and if she was so unhappy to call LAPD, because I wasn't!

Now we also have Armenian (I am Hye as well) neighbors living with extended family on three sides of us....all have young children, all yell & scream all hours of the day & night, continually....Hmmmmm, no complaints about them?

So, I called my landlord (Bless his rotten little heart, he backed me up) and he came out today and in front of him I told her in no uncertain (but sickeningly sweet) terms that I've parked in the same space for 17 years and I will continue to do so, nor will I be changing my work schedule anytime soon to accommodate her whims.

Guess what? She tried to ignore me & wave me away...didn't work, so, I said it again (loudly) and asked her if she understood me...she nodded affirmative.... Meanwhile I wrote her a letter about the difference between living in an Adult complex (all 4 units) on a city street and a private sequestered residential home for the handicapped....which will be delivered in the next day....

What the hell is wrong with people? If she is so "ill" due to her neurosis then what is she doing in the "normal" live-a-day outside world? There are homes for people like her.....

I have little empathy with people who pretend to be debilitated and unable to live a healthy life, yet can be meaner than a mamma coon protecting her young while telling everyone else what they have to do to accommodate their whims. This is soooooooooooo NOT my reality....

So that's the story of My Parking Space!

The northern leopard frog may be smaller than a cup of tea, but this tiny amphibian is in big trouble. Once prevalent throughout North America, threatened northern leopard frogs are put at an even greater risk by endosulfan -- a deadly pesticide that’s been banned in at least sixty countries, but not in the U.S. Help protect northern leopard frogs and human health. Urge the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to take endosulfan off the market. The EPA is only accepting comments on a proposed endosulfan ban until this Monday (June 29th), so please take action today. Endosulfan is a neurotoxic organochlorine pesticide -- similar to DDT and other insecticides that have been banned in the U.S. for decades. It has a wide range of environmental and health risks to birds and other wildlife, but threatened northern leopard frogs are especially vulnerable to its effects. In one recent scientific study, a low dose of endosulfan was enough to kill 84% of leopard frog tadpoles that came in contact with it. According to the study’s lead author, Rick Relyea, “Endosulfan appears to be about 1,000-times more lethal to amphibians than other pesticides that we have examined.” [1] Endosulfan is banned across the European Union and in many other countries. However, the companies that make this deadly poison have managed to keep their dangerous product on American shelves. It is time for U.S. authorities to put human health and the safety of our environment ahead of profits for the chemical companies! Please take action now. Frogs aren’t the only ones threatened by endosulfan’s continued use. This deadly poison also poses human health risks -- particularly for the farm workers who apply the poison to tomatoes, tobacco, apples and other crops. Endosulfan can cause many adverse health effects. At low doses, endosulfan exposure has been linked to hormone system disruption, autism, Parkinson’s disease and other birth defects. At higher levels, endosulfan can cause headaches, vomiting, convulsions and -- in extreme cases -- unconsciousness and even death. Endosulfan's risks to our health and our wildlife are unacceptable. Please urge the EPA to get endosulfan off our shelves today. Thanks in advance for making a difference on this vital issue. With your help, we can send a loud, strong message to the EPA that our frogs, our health and our environment are worth protecting. Sincerely, Caroline Kennedy Senior Director of Field Conservation Defenders of Wildlife P.S. We only have a few days to make our voices heard on this issue. Please take action right now to protect our frogs and our health by getting this deadly poison off the shelves. Note [1] http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/pesticides-frogs-47111403

BORDER GUARDS GONE - U.S. DRONES PATROL AKWESASNE

Sent: Sunday, June 21, 2009 10:33:01 PM
Subject:

BORDER GUARDS GONE - U.S. DRONES PATROL
AKWESASNE


MNN.  June 18, 2009.  Mohawks refuse to
have
guns.
We wanted to keep our people safe.
The Haudenosaunee and our allies are
the
custodians
of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence
River
watershed
which we never surrendered.
We are the “keepers of the Eastern
Door”
of Great Turtle Island.
According to the Jay Treaty 1794 the
US-Canada
border is meant for the visitors, not
for any
Indigenous.

The colonists can put whatever restrictions
they
can get away with on their own people.
They
can’t interfere with the inherent right
of the
Ongwehonwe to traverse our land free
from
harassment by the occupation forces.
We will decide what kind of identification
we
will use to traverse our territory.


The Canada and US border services agencies
shut
down their imaginary line on May 31 2009.
Now they want to combine their border patrol
on
the south shore of the St. Lawrence River.

Why did Canada want to put in this gun policy
at
Akwesasne knowing we would object?
Border agents were encouraged to create a
confrontation.  We did not react and made
no
justification for the guns.


The US and Canada know we are sovereign.
It’s a nation-to-nation issue.
Legally they have to go through the
Governor
General or US President to speak to us.


It looks like Canada wanted to open the
door
for the US military to legally enter
Canada.
Canada’s Minister of Public Safety,
Peter Van Loan,
announced on June 18th that the US is
going to
fly unmanned predator drones over Akwesasne
from
Fort Drum near Watertown New York.
These can accurately fire missiles at
specific
houses, buildings and even people, just
like in
Afghanistan and Pakistan.  They can take
pictures
and listen to conversations 30 miles into
Canada.

The fake situation in Akwesasne is meant
to
justify this surveillance across the
continent
to spy on Canadians.
Since we have been illegally declared as
enemy
combatants, they can take away our civil
and human
rights and fire any kind of missiles at us.
They are doing this in Pakistan, violating
their
sovereignty. 


Conservative government’s reaction to our
position
has been violent.  Tyendinaga Mohawks were
attacked
by what looked like military commandos.
Why?
A militia is now being set up in Caledonia
to go
after the Six Nations people.
Presently they are unarmed and not in
uniform.


Ron Moran, president of the Customs and
Immigration Union, said the majority of
the
guards have been advised not to return to
work
as long as the border crossing stays on
Kawenoke,
Cornwall Island.
Not having guns could have adverse health
effects.
We are being used in a phony labor
management
dispute. It looks like the border guards
are
going to be removed and replaced by the
military.

Canada and Big Tobacco deliberately created
the
downward spiral of our community trying to
bring us under trusteeship.  We have been
harassed,
criminalized and can’t get jobs.  We have
been
put in a helpless position and in personal
debts
of millions of dollars in bogus fines for
as much
as $50 million for conducting trade and
commerce
to feed our families. Big Tobacco of the
UK does
not want competitors.
They took our ceremonial tobacco and turned
it
into a multi-billion dollar business.

Randy Hillier, Member of the Ontario
Government,
said on June 18, 2009, “The Mohawks only
arrived
in Canada after the American War of
Independence
and were granted reserves”.
He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.
Ontario, Toronto, Canada, Hochelaga and
Donnacona
are all Iroquois place names.  He stated
further
that Prime Minister Stephen Harper can arm
border
guards if he wants to.  He’s insinuating
that we
have no rights.   He’s using anger at us to
stir up votes to become the Ontario
Conservative
Party leader.


Recent Federal Court of Canada orders bear
out
the plot. Two Mohawk women were brutally
assaulted
on June 14, 2008 at the Akwesasne border.
They could not bring charges against the
border
guards unless they paid court costs.
Prothonotary Mireille Tabib made an order on
October 23, 2008 that Mohawks residing in
Akwesasne and Kahnawake are not residents of
Canada.
Yet someone coming from South Africa, if
assaulted,
can lay criminal charges for free!

The Canadian judicial system has made us
persona
non grata with no rights to be protected by
their
system like everybody else in the world.
This violates the International Covenant on
Civil and
Political Rights, Article 1.


Crown agencies such as the RCMP, OPP, CBSA
and the
Attorney General of Canada have refused to
investigate
this crime.  Subsequent orders supporting
Tabib are:
Judge Francois Lemieux on January 29, 2009;
and Claude Morissette on March 16, 2009.
[613-952-4238].


Is the incident at the border a pretext to
show how
the Canadian and US military and police are
going to
treat people?  The siege and surveillance
look like
growing martial law.  Laws have been passed
to protect
the military and police from anyone defending
themselves from them.  Cops can now sue their
victims.
The multinational corporations used this same
tactic
to shut down the environmentalists.    


Europe and the US are fighting over Canada’s
resources.
The Europeans have the money, but not the
soldiers.
They control the banks, car companies, mines,

etc.
The US has the bombs, soldiers, planes and
war
machinery. The US economy is now deflated and
headed toward bankruptcy.  Monied people
bought up
everything at low prices, like companies,
houses,
infrastructure, factories, and roads.
The US is in hawk to the banksters, becoming
a
vassal state to Europe.  Economically
desperate US manpower can be used as
mercenaries
by
the banksters for global conquest.


This scheme was concocted a long time ago and
being
played out to bankrupt and create 350 million
desperate
poor US and Canadian people.  Are the US and
Canada
trying to provoke and trap us Mohawks into
defending
ourselves just like the Palestinians so they
can
come in and do away with us first and then the
rest
later?       


Kahentinetha MNN Mohawk Nation News,
www.mohawknationnews.com
kahentinetha2@yahoo.com
Note:  Your financial help is needed and
appreciated.
Please send your donations by check or money
order to
“MNN Mohawk Nation News”, Box 991, Kahnawake
[Quebec, Canada] J0L 1B0.  Or go to PayPal on
website.
Nia:wen thank you very much.
Go to MNN “BORDER” category for more stories;
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and more at our CafePressStore
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JUNE 16 UPDATE FROM AKWESASNE: MINISTER"S COMMENTS INACCURATE

Subject: FW: JUNE 16 UPDATE FROM AKWESASNE: MINISTER"S COMMENTS INACCURATE

> Subject: JUNE 16 UPDATE FROM AKWESASNE: MINISTER"S COMMENTS INACCURATE > Date: Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:52:35 -0400 > From: kanentiio@aol.com > > For immediate release: > Ohiari:ha / June 16, 2009 > > For more information: > Brendan F. White > Communications Officer, > Mohawk Council of Akwesasne > Cell: (613) 551-3287 > Email: bwhite@akwesasne.ca > > MOHAWKS OF AKWESASNE ISSUE RESPONSE TO > PUBLIC SAFETY MINISTER INTERVIEW > > AKWESASNE, ONTARIO — Yesterday’s radio interview with Canadian Public > Safety Minister Peter Van Loan on Cornwall’s AM1220 was simply a chance > for the minister to deflect blame away from the Federal government over > the situation at Akwesasne, and to continue to mislead the public in > believing there have been efforts at the federal level to resolve the > situation. > Instead of addressing the great financial impacts being felt by > Cornwall businesses, Minister Van Loan simply restated his stance that > CBSA will not send their officers back to work unarmed, and he > continued to insist that Mohawk Council of Akwesasne was consulted on > the issue of arming the customs officers, despite the Grand Chief’s > announcement last week disputing this claim. The Mohawk Council of > Akwesasne maintains that the federal government of Canada must consult > on a government to government level with the Mohawks, and that the > Canada Border Services Agency does not have the authority to consult, > or negotiate, on behalf of the government of Canada. > In response to the question of arriving at a solution to the issue, the > Minister referred Cornwall business owners to the Mohawk protes > ters for > answers, suggesting that suffering Cornwall businesses had Mohawks to > blame for the bridge closure, instead of addressing the issue at hand, > which is the arming of customs officers who have demonstrated a pattern > of racial profiling and abuse of authority. > In response to the question of why the customs officers cannot go back > to work, unarmed, while the issue is discussed and negotiated, Van Loan > said simply that the CBSA will not send their officers back to work > unarmed - clearly dodging the real question of why Canada is not > working toward a resolution. This is an arbitrary policy decision, and > the Minister’s response in the interview was illogical and evasive.. > The customs officers were not armed on May 31st, and both the CBSA port > and Akwesasne community members were safe. > Minister Van Loan clearly wants the CBSA to speak for Canada instead of > dealing directly with the Mohawk governments. To date, there have been > no attempts by the Minister’s office to meet with the Mohawk Council of > Akwesasne. > The Mohawks of Akwesasne continue to encourage supporters to help urge > the Minister of Public Safety to engage the Akwesasne leadership in > meaningful and respectful discussion toward a peaceful resolution. > Minister Van Loan’s office can be contacted by phone at (613)996-7752, > by fax at (613)992-8351, or by email at VanLoP@parl.gc.ca > To listen to the interview, visit www.am1220.ca. > --30--

Akwesanse Update

A Report from the International Bridge Closure at Akwesasne > > ©by Doug George-Kanentiio > > > It is quiet on the Mohawk Nation Territory at Akwesasne. On June 1 > agents of the Canadian Customs walked away from their posts at the > facility located on the Kawehnoke (Cornwall Island) section of > Akwesasne. The Americans responded by closing their facility across the > St. Lawrence River to any north bound traffic. The Mohawks reacted by > securing the building and its grounds. A camp was set up next to the > customs complex and a flotilla of boats set in motion to carry the > Mohawks across the river. Although there were tensions the first few > days the situation is stable, peaceful. > > The Canadian Customs officials ordered their workers off the job > because of a dispute over arming their officers. The Mohawk Council of > Akwesasne, supported by the Mohawk Nation Council, informed Canada the > Mohawk people were opposed to the arming of the agents and said a June > deadline for binging the Canadian weapons to Mohawk territory would not > be acknowledged. There were no threats, no acts of violence and no > plans by any legitimate Mohawk council to disrupt traffic or confront > the Customs personnel. > > But the Customs officials maintained there was a real danger to its > staff and pulled them out of Akwesasne. The response by the Mohawk > people, after the initial surprise at this radical action, was to > organize an encampment, protect > the facility and engage in negotiations > to resolve this problem. Canada Customs officials have shown a > reluctance to go to Akwesasne and meet with the people, electing to > believe discounted reports of threats to their security. The Mohawk > Nation Council has lent its diplomatic and spiritual skills, effecting > a remarkable unity among the often factionalized Akwesasne people. > Those at the camp are disciplined and determined; they will not > compromise on the arming issue since it means the likelihood the > weapons will be used against Natives. > > As of June 16 there have been no serious discussions from the Canadian > authorities. The Mohawks have sent delegations to Ottawa without > success. Meanwhile, the St. Lawrence-or more properly the > Kaniatarowanenneh (Big River)-is being crisscrossed by boats ferrying > people to their homes and businesses. Plans are now in the works to > find an alternative to driving across the bridges, the traffic of which > has become a real headache because of the increased US security > measures at the border. > > The Mohawks are aware that both Canada and the US are on high alert and > ready to use their massive police/military powers against the community > if given cause. Accurate, non-inflammatory information coming directly > from the Mohawk Nation is necessary before any individual or group > becomes involved. The Mohawk Nation may be called at 518-358-3381 or > via e-mail: Mohawkna@westelcom.com. This situation > may well last for much of the summer.

Just Say "Hell NO!"

Dear Auntie Nanuuq, Something big just happened -- over 25,000 times. Last week, the Wal-Mart Watch communities in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles sent more than 25,000 letters to their City Council members. They asked their leaders to keep Wal-Mart out of their cities -- and to support the Employee Free Choice Act because it offers the best chance to ensure Wal-Mart treats its workers with dignity and respect. But the Wal-Mart Watch community is just getting started -- and it's your turn to help. Make sure your state legislators also get the message. Send them a letter urging them to stand up to Wal-Mart now: http://action.walmartwatch.com/legislature Wal-Mart is trying to use the recession as an excuse to build stores in cities that have already rejected it. At the same time, it is spending millions to fight the Employee Free Choice Act -- the one thing on the table that will prevent the company from taking advantage of its workers. Although your state legislators can't pass the Employee Free Choice Act by themselves, they can urge their Senators and Congressmen to pass the bill, and pressure local city councils to halt further Wal-Mart projects until it becomes law. Now's the time to send the message: http://action.walmartwatch.com/legislature Here are some of the messages Wal-Mart Watch members like you wrote to their City Councils: "Chicagoans didn't want Wal-Mart when the economy was booming and we don't want it now! The fact remains that wherever Wal-Mart appears, small businesses and vital economic communities disappear." "Wal-mart is absolutely antithetical to what NYC is to me, not to mention as anti-nyc neighborhood as it gets. We need more small businesses hiring people at respectable wages to boost the city, and the people living here. Wal-mart certainly won't help me, a tax payer paying directly into the district." "I encourage you to vote for the Employee Free Choice Act. Without this legislation, Wal-Mart would only hurt LA's economy and lower standards of living for many workers and families." "Unless Wal-Mart radically changes its employment practices (which is highly unlikely), it's important that we not allow them to open stores in NYC. Wal-Mart hurts both workers and local businesses. WE can't have that here. Unless the EFCA is passed, keep them out of NYC!" Make their message even stronger by speaking out to your state officials now: http://action.walmartwatch.com/legislature For years, we've been fighting together to make Wal-Mart a more responsible company. We've had many victories, but Wal-Mart still refuses to pay living wages and benefits, and refuses to respect the communities in which it operates. It's time to force Wal-Mart to change -- and that begins with you. As always, thank you for your support. Sincerely, David Nassar Wal-Mart Watch

Paid for by WalmartWatch.com

White House Report on Global Warming

If you aren't sure why global warming is our top priority, please read this email. Moments ago, the White House released a detailed scientific report forecasting devastating impacts of global warming in the United States if we don't take dramatic steps now to cut our global warming emissions. The report, Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States, breaks down climate impacts region-by-region The Northeast: * Hartford and Philadelphia could average 30 days of 100+ temperatures per year while Boston could see more than 20 100-degree days per year; * Native maple, beech, birch, spruce and fir forests could be almost entirely lost; * The climate of New Hampshire could resemble the climate of North Carolina. The Southeast: * Much of Florida and southeast Texas could see more than 180 days in the 90s per year while other southeastern states could see more than 100 90-degree days per year; * Spring and summer drought has already increased by 12 percent and 14 respectively over the last 30 years. The frequency, intensity and duration of droughts in the region are likely to increase; * Sea level rise and stronger storm surges could inundate and ultimately flood coastal communities along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. The Midwest: * The climate of Michigan could resemble the climate of Oklahoma and the climate of Illinois could resemble the climate of Texas; * Deadly heat waves like the one that killed more than 700 people in Chicago in 1995, will become more frequent. Under higher emission scenarios, Chicago could experience up to three such heat waves every year; * Higher emissions scenarios would cause a water level drop of 1-2 feet in the Great Lakes, threatening shipping, infrastructure, beaches and ecosystems. The Great Plains: * Hotter, drier summers will threaten the already overused High Plains aquifer, which irrigates 13 million acres and provides water to 80% of the people in the region; * Increased temperatures and higher carbon dioxide levels will threaten farming activities with more drought, pest infestations, and faster weed growth; * Under higher emission scenarios, North and South Dakota, which currently see only a handful of 100-degree days, could see 50 or more days of 100+ temperatures per year. The Southwest: * Under higher emission scenarios, the southern half of Arizona, southeastern California and Las Vegas could see more than 120 days with 100+ temperatures; * Most of the region could see precipitation levels decline by more than 40%, pushing already water-strained areas over the edge; * Southwestern forests will be decimated with less water, more wildfires and more invasive pests. Under higher emissions scenarios, California's mountain forests could decline by 60-90%. The Northwest: * Mountain snowpack runoff, critical water needs, could run 20-40 days earlier, threatening water resources in summer months; * Declining summer streamflows and warmer water temperatures could push salmon and other cold water fish species, already stressed by human activities, over the brink; * 100-degree days are rare today in the Northwest. Under higher emission scenarios, much of the region could see 30-40 days of 110+ temperatures per year. Without action, this is the future that awaits our children. We can't let it happen. The good news? The U.S. House could vote on a landmark energy and global warming bill as soon as next week. We're doing everything we can to pass this bill and keep the pressure on the Senate to move a bill of its own. Here are three things you can do now to help: 1. Take action to urge passage of the bill in the House: http://support.edf.org/site/R?i=dC1jcWwuDtIZmuCBfQv1aA.. 2. Forward this email to all your friends and family. 3. Share facts about your region on Facebook or Twitter. Please include a link to our action alert: http://support.edf.org/site/R?i=7nlhOXW80zAmaQq9G7wM1A.. Thanks for all you do, Environmental Defense Fund P.S. In addition to the human toll, this report reinforces the dire threat American wildlife face in a warming world. Go to our Warming and Wildlife campaign to meet and see seven "ambassador" species that face a bleak future in a warmer world: http://support.edf.org/site/R?i=4iLgefFw1stvEy2Z8zsUdw.. Environmental Defense Fund 1875 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 600 Washington, DC 20009 1-800-684-3322

A major new report on global warming released today concludes that global warming is real, it is human caused, and we must take action now to address it. This multi-agency science report makes clear the time for debate is long past. It's time for action.

The first opportunity comes next week when the House is expected to vote on the American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454), sponsored by Representatives Waxman (D-CA) and Markey (D-MA).

Even if you've taken action on this subject before, we need you to do so again! Click here now to urge passage of this bill.

Today's report demonstrates beyond any doubt that protecting our natural resources from the impacts of climate change must begin now if we are to avoid catastrophic effects to natural systems and the people, animals, and plants that depend on them.

It is critical that the Waxman-Markey bill, with its dedicated funding to safeguard natural resources, is passed with no weakening amendments. Please deliver that message right now to your Member of Congress.

Our forests, rivers, oceans, and wild lands, so important to wildlife, are critical to human health as well, providing clean air and water, and capturing and storing global warming pollution. To avoid the worst impacts predicted in this report, safeguarding our natural resources is more important now than ever.

We must convince those still wavering in the House to vote for this bill. Please take action now.

We'll keep you posted.

Best wishes,

Kathy Kilmer
The Wilderness Society

P.S. As always, we 've provided more information on our action page, under the link "Tell me More."

What Are They Thinking? I Hate Stoopidity!

Later this month the World Heritage Committee of the United Nations will meet in Spain to decide if a proposed Canadian strip-mine in the headwaters of Montana's Glacier National Park places the Park "In Danger."

Glacier National Park comprises the U.S. portion of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, the world's first Peace Park Created in 1932 as a symbol of the peace and friendship between Canada & the United States.

Both Glacier and its Canadian cousin, Waterton Lakes National Park, provide critical habitat for the Peace Park's largest and most sensitive species that make the area one of only two fully intact ecosystems left in the Lower 48. But one area around the Peace Park particularly rich in wildlife is unprotected on the Canadian side.

Take action to save this special park now.

Specifically, the proposed strip-mine would dump over 325 million tons of waste rock into a tributary of the Flathead River.

The Flathead River Valley forms the western boundary of Glacier National Park and its rich wide open lands and pristine waters provide habitat for grizzlies, wolves, lynx, wolverines, threatened bull trout and genetically-pure westslope cutthroat trout. But the strip-mine proposal threatens to turn this biological heart of the Peace Park into an industrial playground.

Any leakage of waste could reach and contaminate Glacier Nation Park within 24 hours!

Canadian and U.S. officials need to hear from you before the World Heritage Committee meeting in Spain later this month. Please tell them this threat to Glacier National Park and the Flathead Valley is unacceptable and that the Flathead River Valley needs to be permanently protected.

Best wishes,

Kathy Kilmer
The Wilderness Society

Elders' Meditation: Respect for the Earth: June 12, 2009

"The faces of our future generations are looking up to us from the earth and we step with great care not to disturb our grandchildren."

--Traditional Circle of Elders

The leaves, when they are finished with their life on the trees, will return to the Earth. The leaves that return to the Earth are the future trees. So inside the Mother Earth are the future forests. The human, when finished with its life on the Earth, will return to the Earth. So in the Earth are our future grandchildren. Knowing this, we should be respectful of the place where our future generations live. Only take from the Earth what you need. Every time you pick a plant or Medicine, leave an offering and leave a prayer. Be respectful and walk in a sacred way.

Great Spirit, teach me to respect the place of future generations

Musings on Love & Memory

I came upon this quote in a book I was reading, and it makes sense to me, especially when I look out upon the world and see all the broken hearted lonely people craving love and affection:

"We can never let the world take our memories of love away, and if there are no memories, we must invent love all over again"; "Love is what the cup of our soul contains when we leave the world and the flesh. This we will drink forever." Magda from "The true Story of Hansel and Gretel" by Louise Murphy

I am in and out of a "relationship" and have been for the past 7 years....I know what it is when he holds me, I know when he has kissed me, I Know the Love hiding therein is Real. I Know, I Feel it.

I also know that his hiding is Not about me. It's his own sense of lack, his own pain & misery.....I was not the one that helped to create it...but I am the one who is willing to help heal it. But again it is up to him to want to heal....it is his choice, not mine.

I know that we are all responsible for our own part in each of our relationships, we are all to blame, and the blame is shared...it takes two. But to heal a relationship, both people have to step up to the plate and make the effort, when one or the other refuses to take part in the healing, then there is but no choice to take a time out.

I am in a time out....I have not walked away...I can not say that I ever will. I can say, that I continue to live my life, I do make plans and stay busy...I go out with other people (men included) and I live my life to its fullest. If another comes along that makes my heart sing, so be it...I will cross that bridge when I come upon it.

I am not lonely, I am not broken hearted...I am sad, I carry my sadness within my heart, but I do not give up nor do I stop living and I continue with my life a much as possible. Occasionally I cry, but not very often, for I am not the one who is losing out on love. There is love in my life everyday and every way. I am surrounded by love, I give love and I receive love.

I keep the good times in mind and I give thanks for having the opportunity to have known that man. I will keep the memories for I know what love of a good man is...and if it is not to be with him, then I know what I need from another.

So, that's how it is....

Government Secrets Waste's Billions

$10 Billion a Year to Keep Government Secrets Secret

June 5, 2009 - 9:18am — Blake

Keeping government secrets doesn’t come cheap. According to the latest report from the National Archives and Records Administration’s security office, it cost the U.S. government $9.85 billion in FY 2008 to maintain the volume of classified material that’s locked away. The good news is that the cost of protecting state secrets seems to be leveling off, according to Secrecy News, which notes the federal government spent heavily on classifying documents following Sept. 11, a trend that finally eased last year. In comparison to the previous year’s costs, the total for FY 2007 was $9.9 billion.

Technorati Tags: Government Docs

Murder of Dr. George Tiller

Dear Auntie Nanuuq,

I am writing today to share my deep, personal sadness and that
of the entire Planned Parenthood family about the murder of Dr.
George Tiller this morning in Kansas.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and those close to
him who are suffering a personal tragedy.

Dr. Tiller was the epitome of high quality medical care
underscored by deep compassion for his patients. While he was
not a Planned Parenthood provider, Dr. Tiller provided critical
reproductive health care services, including abortion services,
to women facing some of the most difficult medical
circumstances. He was continually harassed by abortion opponents
for much of his career - his clinic was burned down, he was shot
by a health center protestor, and he was recently targeted for
investigation only to be acquitted by a jury just a few months
ago.

None of this stopped George Tiller from his commitment to
providing women and their families with compassionate care that
others were unwilling to offer.

His death is an enormous loss for the patients who relied on
him, his dedicated staff, and the medical community. And it is
also a loss for each of us for whom Dr. Tiller represented
courage against unbelievable adversity.

Sincerely,

Cecile Richards, President
Planned Parenthood Federation of America

****************************************
(C)2009 Planned Parenthood(R) Federation of America, Inc.
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/

________________________________________________________________________

Dr. George Tiller: a physician who helped people under "desperate circumstances"

Carla Axtman

The murder over the weekend of Dr. George Tiller, one of a handful of physicians who performed late-term abortion, is an absolute tragedy. As Kristen wrote yesterday, many are in mourning and angry over this disgusting and hate-filled act.

This was an act of political aggression against a doctor who helped people who were in absolutely desperate circumstances:

Anti-choice activists often cast late-term abortions as the murder of a viable baby at the whim of a woman who doesn't wish to be inconvenienced, carried out by a doctor who looks at her and sees only cartoon dollar signs. They're egged on by relatively mainstream figures like Bill O'Reilly, who declared that Dr. Tiller "destroys fetuses for just about any reason right up until the birth date for $5,000." Such misinformation and outright lies about procedures that are in fact rare and only performed when medically necessary are what led anti-choice activists to call Tiller "America's Doctor of Death," and accuse him of running a "murder mill." The reality of what Dr. Tiller did, however -- helping women in absolutely desperate circumstances, when almost no one else would -- is what led one woman who had to terminate a wanted pregnancy because of a terrible late-term diagnosis to call the doctor and staff at his Women's Health Center "our heaven when we were living in hell."

This was a man who was treating patients in dire need of help. His cold-blooded murder for what looks like political and religious reasons is revolting. The justifications for his murder by the repugnant Randall Terry and the swill that is Free Republic are a stark reminder that the Americanized version of the Taliban are alive and well.

Dr Tiller is a hero and a martyr and should be remembered as such. His murder should galvanize Americans further against the hate-filled, fear-mongering fringe that treat women and choice with visceral disdain.

http://www.blueoregon.com/2009/06/dr-george-tiller-a-physician-who-helped-people-under-desperate-circumstances.html?cid=6a00d8341c2c3f53ef01156fc4eca4970c

__________________________________________________________________________

Library Avengers: Why You Better Fall on Your Knees and WORSHIP a Librarian

Avenging 29 Nov 2007 06:47 pm

Worship

Why you should fall to your knees and worship a librarian

Ok, sure. We’ve all got our little preconceived notions about who librarians are and what they do.

Many people think of librarians as diminutive civil servants, scuttling about “Sssh-ing” people and stamping things. Well, think again buster.

Librarians have degrees. They go to graduate school for Information Science and become masters of data systems and human/computer interaction. Librarians can catalog anything from an onion to a dog’s ear. They could catalog you.

Librarians wield unfathomable power. With a flip of the wrist they can hide your dissertation behind piles of old Field and Stream magazines. They can find data for your term paper that you never knew existed. They may even point you toward new and appropriate subject headings.

People become librarians because they know too much. Their knowledge extends beyond mere categories. They cannot be confined to disciplines. Librarians are all-knowing and all-seeing. They bring order to chaos. They bring wisdom and culture to the masses. They preserve every aspect of human knowledge. Librarians rule. And they will kick the crap out of anyone who says otherwise.

From: www.libraryavengers.org

Credit Card Reform WIN!!!: May 21, 2009

Thanks to you--your phone calls, your emails, your donations, the personal stories you shared with the press and lawmakers, the personal visits you made in Washington and at home--We Won!

The House of Representatives just passed the credit card reform bill on a bipartisan 357 to 70 vote. Yesterday it passed in the Senate 90 to 5. We don’t have information about the individual votes, or we would pass it along. Look for an update in next week's regular ConsumerLine email newsletter.

The bill now goes directly to the President's desk. We hope for a signing ceremony as early as Friday.

What does the bill do?

First, it moves up the effective date for reform. An earlier effective date for rate relief was a big part of your message to Congress since January. Then it:

• Restricts all interest rate increases during the first year and restricts interest rate increases on existing balances
• Increases notice for rate increase on future purchases
• Preserves your right to repay under the old terms after a rate increase
• Limits fees and penalty interest
• Requires fair application of payments--not just applying your payment to the lowest interest balance
• Provides gift card protections
• Protects young consumers

And more! Here's our updated page summarizing your new rights as a card holder.

It's been decades since Congress passed credit card rules that were opposed by the credit card industry. Why did they do it? Because of you.

You turned your frustration with your card bank into action for real reform and you did it with passion and intelligence. Thank you for everything you do!

Sincerely,
Pam Banks
CreditCardReform.org
A project of Consumers Union
1101 17th Street NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20036

Take Action NOW: Credit Card Reform: May 20, 2009

The Senate just PASSED credit card reform today. The bill goes back to the House for a final vote TOMORROW.

But the banks hope to derail reform at the very last minute with scare tactics trumpeted on the front page of today's New York Times.

After months of raising rates and lowering credit limits for responsible card holders to make up for their bad investments elsewhere, they say these rules will hurt those very same responsible customers.

These rules are not the problem. The banks are the problem. Don't let them change the subject. Make sure your Representative hears from you right now.

The banks can raise your interest rates, and then slap that higher rate retroactively on charges you already made. They can add fees, lower your credit line and change your due date at any time and for no reason. They like that power, and will say anything to keep it.

After they gambled away their own capital on risky investments and then borrowed to the hilt to gamble some more--they now say the problem is irresponsible American credit card holders. Hardly.

These rules make sure you get the deal you signed up for. If you are offered a low rate, and you charge something at that rate, you will repay that debt at that rate. If the banks want to add fees, they have to give you notice and time to find a better deal. Instead of tricks in small print, you get a card agreement you can count on.

The banks hope to pit Americans against one another so we will stop looking at them. It's the oldest trick in the book. Tell your Representative you aren't falling for it.

The Senate passed this bill today by a large margin--90 to 5! Let's make sure every Representative votes with you, not with the banks.

Sincerely,
Pam Banks
CreditCardReform.org
A project of Consumers Union
1101 17th Street NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20036

You Are Breathing Poison

Do You Know What These Lines in the Sky Are? They are NOT: "contrails", vapor trails, sky writing, from commercial jets or private planes....... They ARE Chemtrails: Poisonous, used as pest control (maybe the two-legged kind), used to control the weather, used as a respiratory inoculation program, and are brought to us by the u.s. government, u.s. air force, and NASA. What are Chemtrails? Streaks of chemicals created in the air by spray systems on airplanes at any altitude. Chemicals are sprayed via planes for many purposes including crop dusting and mosquito control. Also fuel is sometimes dumped to reduce weight before landing. But within the Chemtrail observer community Chemtrails are the product of an active large scale operation. Chemtrails are said to vary from contrails in their length of persistence. For more information visit these sites: http://chemtrailcentral.com/chemfaq.shtml http://carnicom.com/conright.htm http://rense.com/general59/aerosolandelectromag.htm http://chemtrails911.com/
Elder's Meditation of the Day - May 7
"We must all become caretakers of the Earth."
---- Haida Gwaii Traditional Circle of Elders
Mother Earth is the source of all life. We should not only be concerned about the part of the Earth we live on, but we should be concerned about the parts of the Earth that other people live on. The Earth is one great whole. The trees in Brazil generate the air in the Untied States. If the trees are cut in Brazil, it affects the air that all people breathe. Every person needs to conscientiously think about how they respect the Earth. Do we dump our garbage out of the car? Do we poison the water? Do we poison the air? Am I taking on the responsibility of being a caretaker of the Earth?

Great Spirit, today, I will be aware of the Earth. I will be responsible

More Environmental Good News: May 16, 2009

Regarding Mountaintop Removal Mining

Thank you for writing to express your support for the "Appalachia Restoration Act" (S. 696). I share your concerns about the environmental impacts of mountaintop removal mining, and I welcome the opportunity to respond.

As you know, the practice of mountaintop removal mining - which involves removing mountaintops to mine coal seams within the mountain - has been found to have damaging effects on nearby streams as large quantities of excess rock and dirt may cause the deterioration of the watershed and the filling of streams.

On March 25, 2009, Senator Benjamin Cardin (D-MD) introduced the "Appalachia Restoration Act" (S. 696), which would amend the Clean Water Act to prevent the disposal of mountaintop mining waste into streams and rivers. This bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. Although I am not a member of this Committee, I will keep your support in mind should S. 696, or similar legislation, come before the full Senate.

You may also be interested to know that on April 27, 2009, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced that the Department of the Interior (DOI) is taking action to rescind a Bush Administration rule that eased restrictions on mountaintop removal mining to allow discharges of coal mining waste within the 100-foot buffer zone surrounding streams. Secretary Salazar has asked the Department of Justice to file a motion in U.S. District Court requesting that the rule be set aside and sent back to DOI for further review. DOI will draft a new rule and seek public comment.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also taken action to address concerns about mountaintop removal mining by suspending permitting for mountaintop mining projects until the EPA can assess the impact of this practice on water quality and aquatic life.

Again, thank you for writing. If you have additional questions or comments, please contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-3841. Best regards.

Regarding Health Care Reform

Thank you for writing to me about the need for health care reform. I am committed to enacting comprehensive health reform that controls rising health care costs and ensures high-quality, affordable health care for all Americans.

Congress recently passed a budget that lays out some basic principles for health care reform: making health care coverage affordable, guaranteeing Americans a choice of health plans and physicians, investing in prevention and wellness, improving patient safety and quality care, and making health care reform fiscally sustainable.

As the number of uninsured Americans grows rapidly, more people are suffering and forgoing needed care. It is estimated that more than 45 million Americans are without health insurance, including 6.7 million people in California.

Escalating health care costs are hurting our families and our economy. In order to put our economy on a sound path to recovery, we must address the costs and inefficiencies of our health care system. As we move forward in the debate on health care reform, I will continue to fight for common goals of constraining costs, expanding access, and improving quality.

I look forward to working with the Obama Administration and my colleagues to enact legislation that will put these principles for health care reform.

Again, thank you for writing to me. Please feel free to contact me again about this or other issues of concern to you.

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator


Win for the Polar Bears

Please take a few seconds out of your day to thank the 38 members of the California legislature who stood up for polar bears.

Last year, both houses of the California legislature adopted a joint resolution, authored by Assemblymember Ted Lieu (Torrance), calling on the Bush administration to stop stalling protections for polar bears and penguins threatened by global warming. This year, 38 state senators and assemblymembers joined Assemblymember Pedro Nava (Santa Barbara) in a joint letter urging Secretary Salazar to restore these essential protections to the polar bear.

The joint letter from the legislature states: "The people and the state of California cherish our wildlife and natural habitats, and we are committed to protecting our natural heritage and imperiled species from the impacts of climate change."

By last Friday, Salazar had restored some protections, but unfortunately announced that he would continue the Bush-era policy of denying full protections to polar bears.

California's legislators deserve our praise and support for standing up for polar bear protections. So often we ask you to call or write to urge your elected representatives to do more to protect the environment, and they need to know we appreciate it when they do.

Click here to find out more and thank California's legislators.

Creative Puns for Educated Minds

Creative Puns for Educated Minds

1. The roundest knight at King Arthur's round table was --
--Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi.

2. I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island, --
--but it turned out to be an optical Aleutian .

3. She was only a whisky maker, --
--but he loved her still.

4. A rubber band pistol was confiscated from algebra class --
--because it was a weapon of math disruption.

5. The butcher backed into the meat grinder --
--and got a little behind in his work..

6. No matter how much you push the envelope, --
--it'll still be stationery.

7. A dog gave birth to puppies near the road --
--and was cited for littering.

8. A grenade thrown into a kitchen in France --
--would result in Linoleum Blownapart.

9. Two silk worms had a race. --
--They ended up in a tie.

10. Time flies like an arrow. --
--Fruit flies like a banana.

11. A hole has been found in the nudist camp wall. --
--The police are looking into it.

12. Atheism --
--is a non-prophet organization.

13. Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the hallway. --
--One hat said to the other, 'You stay here, I'll go on a head.'

14. I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger.--
-- Then, it hit me.

15. A sign on the lawn at a drug rehab center said, --
--'Keep off the Grass.'

16. A small boy swallowed some coins and was taken to a hospital.--
-- His grandmother telephoned to ask how he was, a nurse said, 'No change yet.'

17. A chicken crossing the road --
--is poultry in motion.

18. The short fortune-teller who escaped from prison --
--was a small medium at large.

19. The man who survived mustard gas and pepper spray --
--is now a seasoned veteran.

20. A backward poet --
--writes inverse.

21. In democracy, it's your vote that counts. --
--In feudalism, it's your count that votes.

22. When cannibals ate a missionary, --
--they got a taste of religion.


23. Don't join dangerous cults: --
--Practice safe sects !