Energetic Synergy

LIKE PINOCCHIO'S NOSE

2008-11-26T14:11:00.000-07:00

Like Pinocchio’s nose the bailout figure keep$ growing and growing and growing … and “we” continue to act surprised…

Did you actually believe the fir$t $et of figure$ they conveniently provided to us was the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth…?

That’s exactly what they expected us to believe after 30 years or more of their easily digested pabulum propaganda education.

Reality is we need to face up to the decisions “we” – that’s you and I – permitted to be made in our stead. Events and circumstances have placed the ball now squarely in our court and in our hands, which is where it ought to be. “We” can take up this challenge and run with the ball and score for the good of all mankind or we can shrink and continue to permit others to do our thinking for us…?

By now “we” should be aware of the outcome of letting others do the thinking and decision making which rightfully belongs solely with each of us…?

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“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world...
indeed it’s the only thing that ever has." … Margaret Mead

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… People should never be afraid of their government, government should always be afraid of the people …

"Fascism ought more properly be called corporatism because it is the perfect merger of power between the corporation and the state." … Benito Mussolini

Website address for Paul F. Miller’s blog ….

http://energeticsynergy.blogspot.com

http://waterman99.wordpress.com

And let me be even a bit bolder, I am most willing to present and discuss any water issue before any audience in Arizona where open full disclosure and two way dialog is permitted.

you really think "they" are the solution....?

2008-11-20T09:46:00.000-07:00

As I read this article – HIGH STAKE FOR ECONOMIC SUMMIT – in the Arizona Republic, it is difficult for me to believe those whose actions brought about this current financial debacle are now the ones to whom we are turning for leadership out of the very situation their action created…?

As I read this I am mindful of words spoken and written by Albert Einstein ... A problem can never really be solved using the same level of thinking with which the problem was originally created …

I can not for a minute believe that turning to this leadership will bring about the fundamental change needed to put not only our US economy but the world economy on a very different course.

Can you…?

take the bet...we'll give thWe wil give the Big 3... get out of jail free card and our $$$ to boot

2008-11-19T12:12:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration … What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

Like you, I too, have asked of myself, what is my feeling respecting a “bailout” of the Big 3 auto makers – GM – Ford – Chrysler … ?

The Arizona Republic reports in its 18 Nov 08 issue that such a bailout is unlikely, but I wouldn’t bet on it…?

Were I a Las Vegas “odds maker” I believe I would most likely bet the farm that in the final analysis the DC “beltway” politicians will wither under the pressure and provide to these folks a substantial bailout package after a round of BS designed to bam-foozle us…!

I do not doubt the current economic impact which the “auto-industry” has on the USA economy. As currently reported by statistics about 1 in every 10 of us is in some manner connected to the auto industry. A significant financial hit on domestic auto industry would indeed be another blow to our current precarious economy. Granting the auto “giants” carte-blanche bailout in line with the no strings attached bailout to “wall street” and the banks serves us even less.

I would be less than honest were I not to note part of me would like to spank the Big 3 for the greediness of upper mgt and the degree to which their product has polluted our environment. But that is grossly unfair on my part. Such a position indicates I choose to blame them for decisions I voluntarily made, though I would rather not admit.

Inasmuch as I believe a bailout package will be offered to the Big 3, I propose it includes at least the following if not more stipulations:

 Public ownership of the stock in their corporations – no gifts – loans only
 Public “oversight” of all aspects of their business
 Café standards of at the minimum of 40 MPG every vehicle every brand
 Make GM bring the EV 1 – (or equal) electric car back into production
 Development & production of electric vehicles by all mfr on the street by 2011
 Big 3 endorse – universal single payer health insurance
 Strict salary and benefits caps to all top mgt in all car companies based on average employee wages paid

In my judgment some of these same stipulations should be part of any public bailout of tax payer funds to any company no exceptions.

Do I actually believe such stipulations will be implemented – HELL – no as in our infinite wisdom “we” continue to permit the fox to guard the hen house, “we” never seem to learn.

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… People should never be afraid of their government, government should always be afraid of the people …

"Fascism ought more properly be called corporatism because it is the perfect merger of power between the corporation and the state." … Benito Mussolini

And let me be even a bit bolder, I am most willing to present and discuss any water issue before any audience in Arizona where open full disclosure and two way dialog is permitted.

Website address for Paul F. Miller’s blog …. http://energeticsynergy.blogspot.com

BAIL OUT FOR WHOM

2008-11-18T15:01:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration … What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

When I first saw this headline in the Saturday issue of the Arizona Republic … GORDON REQUESTS BAILOUT MONEY … I was unsure if I was going to laugh or cry. This is the same elected official sworn “to serve & protect” who so generously gifted more than one hundred million dollars in tax breaks to the developer of City North which recently opened with great fanfare.

This is the same elected official who is choosing to balance his city budget by closing or reducing hours at public libraries…? And public swimming pools…? Hello, what exactly am I missing…?

We might begin to balance our City of Phoenix budget by first reducing your salary and those of the mental midgets comprising our City council who went along with your generosity and tax breaks to favor business enterprises. Then we might look at what we might save by not putting all the chrome stuff on the fire trucks, though it makes them pretty…? Then we might look at opening the “books” of the city completely for public scrutiny…? WOW, now that’s a scary thought, right Mayor Gordon…?

If “we” don’t ask, they aren’t going to tell. And in the final analysis it’s our tax money they are spending, but apparently you and I really don’t give a damn.

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… People should never be afraid of their government, government should always be afraid of the people …

"Fascism ought more properly be called corporatism because it is the perfect merger of power between the corporation and the state." … Benito Mussolini

And let me be even a bit bolder, I am most willing to present and discuss any water issue before any audience in Arizona where open full disclosure and two way dialog is permitted.

Website address for Paul F. Miller’s blog …. http://energeticsynergy.blogspot.com

ADEQ CAUGHT IN WEB OF DECEPTION

2008-11-18T12:15:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration … What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

ADEQ CAUGHT IN CLIMATE DISPUTE AT STATE CAPITOL … noted the Arizona Republic in its 14 Nov 08 issue …

I find I am inclined to suggest the current “dispute” respecting ADEQ is a continuation of one initiated at its inception as a separate agency as established by the Arizona Legislature in 1986 reputedly in response to growing concerns about groundwater quality. Its mission statement according to the ADEQ website is … to administer a variety of programs to improve the health and welfare of our citizens and ensure the quality of Arizona's air, land and water resources meet healthful, regulatory standards. In 1986, Bruce Babbitt was in his last year as Governor of Arizona and ADEQ in part, I believe was to establish his legacy respecting his implementation of “active management areas” (AMA) over certain aspects of water. Babbitt was to be succeeded by Evan Mechan during whose governorship was a most tumultuous time. Mechan’s action as Governor polarized our State over the federal MLK Day. His choice of words and descriptions such as “pickaninny” were daily headline fodder keeping all topics of public value off everyone’s radar.

ADEQ from the outset never enjoyed the full support of the state legislature as a number of members at the time saw this creation as nothing more than to placate the “pro-growth” constituents in our State. It has been since its creation a creature and the subject of “revolving” door philosophies, standards, rules and policies. Any Director who honestly chooses to be “pro” environment finds his/her tenure to be short. Review the philosophies, standards, rules and policies of ADEQ since its inception and one sees the hand of the lobbyists, attorneys of the public utilities, large water users (i.e. cities), corporate agriculture and the mines and last and not least – developers/subdividers. ADEQ philosophies, standards, rules and policies have had one aim and goal that is to promote unrestricted growth in all areas of our state – water – concerns be damned.

Part of me wants to stand and cheer and hope ADEQ meets its demise. Another more thoughtful part of me suggests such a stand could easily be an indelible blow to Arizona’s environmental concerns. Our individual and collective action, including moi, has since its inception left ADEQ twisting in the wind, subject to whomever and whatever was in the moment the loudest voice and produced the biggest lobbying effort.

Historically in Arizona, corporate agriculture, corporate mining, corporate developers/subdividers has had the ear of both the State Legislature as well as whoever was at the moment the Director of ADEQ. To understand ADEQ action, policy and enforcement one need look no further than to the maxim … $ money is the mother’s milk of politic$ … and if nothing else in Arizona our environment has always been the whim of political leaders from all political parties, persuasions and passions. Like all governmental agencies in Arizona – ADEQ – has felt that it was overworked, underfunded and understaffed. And perhaps given the vast scope of environmental concerns “we” chose to charge it with, they could be correct in their assessment.

In Arizona, with our overlay “western-cowboy” philosophy “we” hate taxes as much as we hate being told what “we” can and can not do on our own property. In this environment “we” create ADEQ requesting it to promulgate rules, regulations and enforcement policies for the benefit of our environment. Is this really doable …?

Water in particular in Arizona was one of those things which historically “we” are willing to fall on the sword for given its overwhelming significance in the desert in which we chose to live. The significance of water has since Arizona became a state in 1912 morphed from its once vaunted position of significance to one where today thanks to our quality education it’s considered merely a commodity and were one to choose to believe our State “leaders” – quite abundant…?

Given our collective understanding of water in Arizona which is conflicted at best, it is any wonder why then ADEQ rules, regulations and enforcement lack focus and direction…?

Allow me to put these issues on the table for our consideration…?

 Arizona is a desert with very limit rainfall
 Arizona has incredible diverse climates and elevations
 Arizona appears to have harnessed all sources of water in our state for the storage of water as well as the production of electric power
 The economic engine driving our state’s economy is homebuilding which entails the destruction our natural environment for roads, homes, schools, shopping centers, airports, railroads, sport arenas and parking lots.
 The once vaunted five “C” comprising the state’s motto – climate – cotton – citrus – cattle – copper – has morphed into – unrestricted growth.
 We are a state without a unified water policy respecting the “drought” conditions under which we have operated for many years.
 While many regions and communities in Arizona currently operate under restricted water use policies, “metro” Phoenix heeds no such policy or action.

Is it really doable that under this philosophy that ADEQ can honestly promulgate rules, regulations and enforcement actions which honestly protect our state’s environment…?

Should ADEQ meet its demise today…? Eliminating ADEQ does not solve any of the host of environmental issues facing our state. From my perspective it is possible, but only with a willingness on the part of Arizona citizens to choose to enact higher taxes those functions associated with individual homes, i.e. design, installation, operation and maintenance, re-sale inspections and certifications, of all residential on-site wastewater treatment and effluent disposal systems (commonly referred to as septic systems) can become the sole domain and providence of the individual 15 Arizona counties. As it is, those issues and topics in this individual homeowner realm are treated as the proverbial – bastard – child and sorely neglected by ADEQ. And quite frankly this should be expected as this segment of those affected by ADEQ actions are and always have been without representation. And without “mash-mouth-in-your-face” representation this segment does not get ADEQ attention and therefore its needs understandably go unheeded. Unlike other constituent groups affected by ADEQ this homeowner segment has been traditionally without any formal leadership and therefore lacks “standing” in ADEQ eyes. Given its diversity it is an unruly group by tradition not akin to being lead by anyone in any way, shape or form. Given its diverse structure it is fodder for ADEQ to easily divide and conquer which ADEQ has successfully done for years. And will continue to do.

With the ADEQ current leadership and direction it is not logical to assume it will suddenly take a turn and honestly take “environment’s” side on the host of issues which we face…? ADEQ, like all agencies is a political animal and will respond to those who support it and sustain its funding and to them ADEQ will be true.

In my opinion as currently constituted ADEQ needs our honest assessment, evaluation and appraisal to determine if its form requires restructuring or possibly elimination…? To enable you and me to make these assessments, evaluations and appraisals requires that government provide to us the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth which is all part of full open disclosure and dialog.

From my perspective it’s a task worthy of our active participation.

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… People should never be afraid of their government, government should always be afraid of the people …

"Fascism ought more properly be called corporatism because it is the perfect merger of power between the corporation and the state." … Benito Mussolini

And let me be even a bit bolder, I am most willing to present and discuss any water issue before any audience in Arizona where open full disclosure and two way dialog is permitted.

Website address for Paul F. Miller’s blog …. http://energeticsynergy.blogspot.com

DBO - DESIGN - BUILD - OPERATE

2008-11-17T14:23:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration … What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

DBO … these three letter can represent nearly anything, but increasingly today they denote - design-build-operate - procurement process. And “good news” the DBO process is approved by our Arizona Legislature.

These three letters denote how we permit a different slant to be achieved respecting “privatizing” of our water. The 90 marionettes masquerading as elected representatives “to serve & to protect” public health and welfare sold your interests out to the world wide multinational water purveyors under the guise …. a privateer’s own self-interest is served by performing contracted activities to ensure high quality …

It strikes me this is the same “self-interest” costume which Wall Street successfully wore to screw us over for an initial no-strings attached bail-out of $700 billion dollar.

It strikes me the current condition of our American economy – “trashed” – is the perfect setting for the multinational-for-profit-water-purveyors to lobby our city, county, state and federal politicians claiming with their “Cheshire-grins” that they can provide safe water cheaper than can public-funded-government-(that’s you and me)-owned-water services…?

The City of Phoenix already has a DBO water facility at Lake Pleasant, were you aware of that…? You might not be as it was snuck in by your City Council during the summer lull a number of years ago. How do we get full open disclosure on the activities of this DBO…?

What I find most interesting is the degree and the extent to which our politicians will go to keep these DBO situations off the front page and behind closed doors. This type of activity always raises the hair on the back of my neck. What about yours…?

DBO . . . while not true in all cases these three letters denote for me … DIRTY BUSINESS OPERATING … especially when it comes to our water.

… People should never be afraid of their government, government should always be afraid of the people …

Website address for Paul F. Miller’s blog …. http://energeticsynergy.blogspot.com

And let me be even a bit bolder, I am most willing to present and discuss any water issue before any audience in Arizona where open full disclosure and two way dialog is permitted.

IS THIS REALLY GREEN

2008-11-17T14:01:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration … What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

The use of effluent water for irrigation could be a short-term solution to the water shortage in Lake Havasu City....By Tony Waggoner…Saturday, November 8, 2008 8:33 PM MST…excerpted … “We can conserve better with effluent water,” Water Resources Coordinator Doyle Wilson said. “But we have to make sure we don’t put all our eggs in one basket.” Effluent water is recovered from flushed toilets and drained bathtubs. The city’s switch from septic tanks to sewers should allow for a greater amount of effluent water to help compensate for its expanding population and allow the city to reduce the amount of water it takes from the Colorado River. The city is generating almost 3 million gallons of effluent water a day, among three-wastewater treatment plants, Wilson said. Most of that water comes from irrigation. In October 2008, the city generated 2.8 million gallons. From September 2007 to now, Wilson said the city has varying levels of between 243 to 294 acre-feet of water treated a month. Of that effluent or “gray water,” 40-79 percent is being reused for irrigation throughout the city. The rest empties into percolation ponds. You may contact the reporter at twaggoner@havasunews.com.

I rise to salute what at first blush appears to be honestly “green” thinking respecting the use our current mandated ADEQ rules permit one to utilize sewage effluent. Re-use in the manner suggested by folks in Lake Havasu are not without both short term and long term public health implications, but, they represent a far more progressive and thoughtful approach to the manner we currently utilize all forms of water.

I invite us to use caution as we mover forward in these areas as the scope of our current knowledge on the short and long term public health implications of the residuals in all forms of domestic sewage is essentially unknown. The testing protocols currently utilized to determine the relative – safety – of any sewage effluent is simply a matter of political expediency. This should not deter us from honestly evaluation every possible reuse aspect to water, but, we should, I believe temper our judgments in favor of public health.

There is laying in the weeds a 900 pound gorilla – “for-profit-corporate-water-purveyors” – who truly do not want these forms of public reuse to come to fruition as they will cut into their potentially very lucrative profit$.

For an overview I invite you to consider reading – BLUE GOLD – the fight to stop the corporate theft of the world’s water. One can choose to discount this view and perspective at your own peril.

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… People should never be afraid of their government, government should always be afraid of the people …

With my personal “thanks” to Michael C. Ruppert …From the Wilderness… who closes his blog … "Fascism ought more properly be called corporatism because it is the perfect merger of power between the corporation and the state." … Benito Mussolini

And let me be even a bit bolder, I am most willing to present and discuss any water issue before any audience in Arizona where open full disclosure and two way dialog is permitted.

Website address for Paul F. Miller’s blog …. http://energeticsynergy.blogspot.com

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HONEST WATER ASSURANCE OR MORE SMOKE AND MIRRORS

2008-11-17T10:36:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration … What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

Is not the question of water adequacy related to how many straws “we” will permit to be inserted into any one subsurface water aquifer…?

State seeks comments on informal draft water rule by Saturday…Tuesday, November 11, 2008…Prescott Daily Courier… The Arizona Department of Water Resources is giving people one last chance to comment on proposed water adequacy rules before moving to a more formal phase….The agency's rulemaking process helps implement Senate Bill 1575, commonly called the water adequacy bill. The Legislature approved it in 2007….The bill made a significant change in Arizona water law by letting rural local governments reject new subdivisions that don't prove they will have adequate water supplies for the next century….The latest proposed changes are available on the agency's website at www.azwater.gov. The site also contains responses to public comments in the last round…Yavapai County Supervisor Chip Davis and local water consultant Ed McGavock were among those who recently registered comments and asked questions….County boards of supervisors must have unanimous votes to adopt the new rule, and Yavapai County Supervisor Carol Springer has stated she opposes the new rule….Municipalities can adopt the new adequacy rule even if counties don't. If they adopt the rule, they also must decide if they will allow an exemption to the rule if subdividers want to haul water to customers. …Several Verde Valley communities have stated their interest in adopting the rule. Prescott-area communities operate under different rules associated with active management areas (AMAs)….The agency's rules can be complex, especially where AMA and other boundaries cross. …One example is the Big Chino Sub-basin, where Prescott has the right to drill and export water to its citizens who live inside an AMA….State law could limit Prescott to a Big Chino well depth of 1,000 feet, while local developers might end up being able to drill deeper under the new adequacy rule. That concerns local municipal officials….Contact the reporter at jdodder@prescottaz.com

Our state position administered by our ADWR personnel does not appear to evaluate how many straws are permitted to be inserted into any one subsurface water aquifer, why is that…?

Then we compound this nonsense by issuing to the respective “subdivider” the vaunted 100 year water assurance certificate which he in turns passes to the real estate community who provide it to you and me. And without demanding verification we automatically accept is at being true.

If you really believe that, then I honestly have some ocean front property in Arizona I want to sell to you…?

Until we are provided with far more information and full disclosure this water assurance stuff is nothing but smoke and mirrors.

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… People should never be afraid of their government, government should always be afraid of the people …

With my personal “thanks” to Michael C. Ruppert …From the Wilderness… who closes his blog … "Fascism ought more properly be called corporatism because it is the perfect merger of power between the corporation and the state." … Benito Mussolini

And let me be even a bit bolder, I am most willing to present and discuss any water issue before any audience in Arizona where open full disclosure and two way dialog is permitted.

Website address for Paul F. Miller’s blog …. http://energeticsynergy.blogspot.com

THESE ARE THE ACTION OF A SNEAK

2008-11-13T08:15:00.001-07:00

Perspective for your consideration … What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

This referenced article appears in the 10-31-08 issue of the Arizona Republic … White House mounts last push to deregulate … and though I find it infuriating this action is NOT limited to the Bush administration.

This is the type of action reserved for sneaks, thieves, those who prefer to conduct their nefarious activities cloaked in darkness, under cover and in stealth. These shenanigans deflate and negate any uplifting positive endeavors undertaken by the out-going President, be he Bush or Clinton or ???

Why do “we” permit this type of action as its affects are unquestioningly extremely far reaching and debilitating…? In military parlance is this not tantamount to conduct unbecoming and grounds for formal legal query…?

These actions saddle every new incoming President and administration with a host of issues essentially over which they will be effectively unable to exert any real power. They are held hostage, as are we, to these self-serving actions of men seeking to CYA after they leave office.

I am opposed to rules for the sake of rules, so I can not offer a solution based on the imposition of a new set of rules. It strikes me this situation will only change when the President we elect honestly chooses to leave office at the end of his term without imposing these typical CYA actions. This will take an individual of unusual character.

We can expect all these actions taken to weaken our environment to have repercussions not only on us, but our children, grandchildren and generations yet to come. This is heinous and despicable action. Is this legacy position of … “to serve & to protect” … ?

… People should never be afraid of their government, government should always be afraid of the people …

And let me be even a bit bolder, I am most willing to present and discuss any water issue before any audience in Arizona where open full disclosure and two way dialog is permitted.

THESE ARE THE ACTION OF A SNEAK

2008-11-13T08:15:00.000-07:00

hard to believe

2008-11-11T13:18:00.000-07:00

The following was forwarded to me by a very dear friend and the information in the underlined news broadcast is, I believe, most worthy of consideration. For me on a personal basis, it reinforces the validity in the power of intention available to anyone choosing to at least be open to possibilities.

CBS 60 Minutes from Sunday November 2, 2008 demonstrated the tangible—thoughts produce results. Using a compute attached to the brain individuals with challenges can communicate with thoughts. They can write and control robotic devices. The patterns of energy produced through intention can be measured, read and produce results. Where will this take us in the future? Give a look see --- Here is a link to the segment Brain Power:

http://www.cbsnews. com/video/ watch/?id= 4564186n

Should anyone choose to share anything they may have gotten from this report, I am most interesting in learning of your observations, opinions and evaluations.

Respectfully,

might there be something amiss permitting the fox to guard the hen houses

2008-11-10T09:22:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration … What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

When All Is Said and Dung…New EPA rules let factory farms police themselves on water pollution…Posted at 3:32 PM on 03 Nov 2008…Factory farms can skip getting a pollution permit if they don't think they'll be mucking up nearby waterways, according to new U.S. EPA requirements. Enviros are unimpressed; notes Eric Schaeffer of the Environmental Integrity Project, "It literally puts the foxes in charge of their gigantic henhouses."

I do not believe it takes an Einstein to question the logic or the intelligence of implementing a rule as described above.

Let’s see if I understand the implications of this rule…? If I own and operate a henhouse which has say 500,000 laying hens which produces copious amounts of chicken shit each day, I can declare I don’t believe the chicken shit my chickens produce will muck up any nearby waterways and therefore I do not need any permit from any source to operate my business.

However, if I am a homeowner in Arizona who is building a home on property not currently served by a municipal or quasi-municipal sewer system, I am required to obtain a permit from the appropriate county environmental health dept to discharge the projected 450 gallons per day my 3 bedroom home is expected to produce…?

What am I missing…? I do not believe one needs to be a rocket scientist to question the relative value or strength of these two sources of wastes: chickens vs. humans. Most folks of aware that a little bit of chicken shit goes a long way and it doesn’t take too much to burn up or kill a lawn or a vegetable garden. As we don’t normally utilize human feces, at least in the USA, it is difficult for me to come up with a valid comparison. This analysis would not be remotely complete were we not to address the issue of vitamins, growth hormones, antibiotics and other pharmaceutical products introduced in copious amounts into the feed stock of laying hens. What impact do these residuals have on the waterways into which this sewage is released…?

This is NOT to minimize the release of residual cosmetics, pharmaceutical products, fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, etc found in human waste. But on a comparison basis, I suspect an individual might conclude the relative quantity of waste delivered on a daily basis into our biosphere is appreciably greater for chicken shit than it is for those homes utilizing an onsite septic system…? The question at this juncture is not whether either one is preferable...as I would conclude neither one has positive implications on the health of man.

This is a shining example of a pronounced – externality – a cost passed forward to a totally unaware populous. In this instance this externality will be paid for by generations and generations yet to come. In the meantime in our state of individual and collective amnesia we obediently adhere to the education we have for these past 40 years been taught by dominating-for-profit–corporations.

Might there be something amiss in permitting the fox to guard our hen house…?

With my personal “thanks” to Michael C. Ruppert …From the Wilderness… who closes his blog … "Fascism ought more properly be called corporatism because it is the perfect merger of power between the corporation and the state." … Benito Mussolini

… People should never be afraid of their government, government should always be afraid of the people …

adventurous - inquisitive - challenging

2008-11-07T09:53:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …
What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

Algae ponds in Gila Bend may help solve oil problem … By Dan Sullivan… ARIZONA DAILY STAR …GILA BEND — excerpted - In dozens of simple ponds in Gila Bend, something is happening that could help ease the nation's dependency on foreign oil. … The project is not controlled by an army of scientists or funded with millions of dollars worth of government research grants — it's a desert shrimp farm that is changing with the times to produce biodiesel from algae, using some of the same algae that feed the shrimp. "Shrimp farmers don't raise shrimp, they raise algae," said Gary Wood, owner of Desert Sweet Shrimp, which is transitioning to a new name, Desert Sweet Biofuels, with its new focus. …. The 50 ponds don't look impressive now — more like craters filled with murky water. But Wood said soon they will look like bubbling pools of split pea soup teeming with algae soon to be transformed into fuel. … "I've heard a lot of people saying 'drill baby drill' when they should be saying 'grow baby grow,' " Wood said. "We're going to grow our way out of this." …. He said his farm has the potential to produce 5,000 gallons of biofuel per acre in two years, and he expects the first gallons of biofuel to be ready in three to four months…. Algae is transformed into biofuels by pressing the oil out of the algae and then adding lye, sodium and ethanol as a catalyst to make the fuel more pure. The lye, sodium and ethanol can be reused. … Desert Sweet has done research trying to find the best strain of algae, and plans to test cultured and indigenous strains of algae. Wood said the company will look for the best strain until it finds "the one that will be a magic bullet." … Biofuels made from algae have an advantage over biofuels made from soybeans, palm oil or corn because algae is not a source of food, growing algae does not use agriculturally fertile land and algae can be grown in treated wastewater, said Joel Cuello, a professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering the University of Arizona. … Cuello said biofuels from algae need to be mass-produced to make them economically feasible. …

Utilizing essentially poor agriculture land, wastewater sewage effluent to produce a product developed from recycled ingredients causes me to rise to salute this one man’s choice to try something outside the “norm” and which I would venture to say is as much a labor of love as it is a commitment to assisting to find viable solutions to our fossil fuel dilemma.

I wish him god’s speed and extend to him my best wishes in his endeavor.

At one time – he – honestly represented that adventurous, inquisitive and challenging nature of America, welcome back …. ?

GOD BLESS AND GODS SPEED ... MR. PRESIDENT

2008-11-07T09:50:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration … What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

God Bless and Gods speed to you – Mr. President …

That I lived to see history being made last night is inspiring giving rise to hope individually we can move to embrace change not as something to fear rather as opportunity. As a nation we collectively chose a path of change relinquishing centuries of attitudes about people of color and seeing instead the man his intelligence, grace, poise and his gift to us in the olive branch of hope he extents to all.

The challenges awaiting our newly elected President run the alphabet from A to Z. His place as he take the helm as our 44th President of these United States is not unlike that faced by Abraham Lincoln who assumed command at the height of one of our darker hours and sought to bind up the nations wounds. Indeed our nation is wounded, we are wounded and in these hours we need each other. The walls separating those labeled foe, enemy and those labeled friend, compatriot need be torn down to permit free, open, full disclosure dialog to exit. In this atmosphere a new paradigm will emerge. It is not something to be feared, it is something to be embraced.

I ask of you Mr. President-elect: (1) do not under any condition or circumstance choose to lie to us, (2) provide honest open full disclosure education to every citizen, (3) work unceasingly and work with us to heal our world environment, (4) be that leader we need in these troubled times.

Our prayers and best wishes we extend to you – Mr. President.

THIS IS NOT TRANSPARENCY

2008-11-07T09:48:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration … What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

One small example of deception the result of lack of TRANSPARENCY … excerpted from AzOWRA newsletter… Onsite Wastewater Demonstration Project … Several years ago an onsite wastewater demonstration site was created on a portion of land at Northern Arizona University (NAU). This site was designed to test different onsite wastewater treatment technologies using real effluent from real homes-most test sites use sewage diverted from a municipal sewage stream which has different characteristics than household sewage. The demonstration site did not have a funding source and was subsequently mothballed. AzOWRA has made reactivating the site a top goal of the organization. A steering committee made up of AzOWRA members and NAU personnel has been formed. They have worked out the details of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two organizations. The site is being set up to accomplish two tasks: 1) to be a training facility for onsite wastewater treatment systems. The training curriculum has not been determined. It is hoped to include soil characterization training and system maintenance. 2) to be a for-fee, third-party test facility.

What is NOT revealed to you, especially those readers in Arizona, is it is YOUR tax money which built and which has supported this NAU testing facility under a EPA grant administered by ADEQ. In as much as this test facility is owned by and on property owned by the citizens of Arizona WHY are they (public) not invited nor provided their rightful place at the head of any negotiation to this MOU achieved solely behind closed doors…? This is NOT transparency.

Review the AzOWRA website to ascertain their members as well as their affiliation. From the outset AzOWRA has been essentially the playground for selected regulators and selected proprietary interests. As I was one of those instrumental in the initial formation and establishing of AzOWRA this was not the intention nor in keeping with its original mission statement.

That the NAU site should be utilized most assuredly has merit, but, denying the public whose $$ built and support$ via taxe$ this facility their rightful place at the head of all decisions respecting the use of this facility is patently wrong.

I fully understand the feeling on the part of the selected AzOWRA and NAU personnel that this is such a small and seemingly insignificant topic it will fly beneath the radar of most all Arizona citizens as well as the Governor and all of our State Legislators and Senators. And, you know, you are probably right…?

To the extent I am able I can expose these forms of NO transparency what action are to be taken are in the hands of others – the people – the public – the voters.

… People should never be afraid of their government, government should always be afraid of the people …

GOD BLESS AND GODS SPEED

2008-11-05T09:57:00.000-07:00

DO WE CHOOSE TO SEE

2008-11-04T10:12:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …

Do these headlines below suggest that – “we” – that’s you and me – are in the mood and are ready to stand actually demanding our government (remember they swear they serve & protect) eliminate its duplicity and truly become transparent…?

EPA Doesn't Tell the Whole Tale of Enforcement …OMB Watch…http://www.ombwatch.org/article/blogs/entry/5463/23

GAO says EPA may be overstating penalties …Reuters UK…http://uk.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUKTRE49K6NK20081021

Environmentalists sue EPA …Arizona Daily Sun http://www.azdailysun.com/articles/2008/10/22/news/national/20081022_us_ne_183801.txt

Groups Go to Court to Force Cleanup of Air Pollution in National Parks …MarketWatch …http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/groups-go-court-force-cleanup/story.aspx?guid=%7B5E1D6109-305C-4381-9496-0417DA2CCBBF%7D&dist=hppr

8-state panel to take on EnergySolutions' loophole …The Salt Lake Tribune... Judy Fahys …http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_10781338

THANK YOU … for taking that initial first step to stand up to the overwhelming duplicity and lack of honest transparency so prevalent in all levels of our government.

I/you/me/us quite often and I would suggest, with cause in the last eight years, chastise the “PRESS” as being “bed-fellows” with government officials and bureaucrats and equally as duplicitous in performing their responsibility to report freely and impartially informing, not supporting politically correct propaganda. Such actions, as those noted above, by the “press” are to be lauded, supported and defended.

For the moment, I am willing to give the “press” the benefit of the doubt and believe the information they are providing to us is impartial and truthful. To expect there is absolutely no bias in any “press” writing it to expect the impossible as they are human and as such are not without emotion and/or prejudices. Until proven to the contrary, I invite us – that’s you and me – to get off our duff and lend a hand as the “press” fights to open what had been, especially in these last 8 years, secreted closed sequestered hallowed environments wherein our fate has been determined.

For me the recent Wall Street monetary financial collapse and chaos is a direct result of our – that’s yours and my – duplicitous participation. In a voice heard at the highest levels of government, we too, wanted in on the “milking” of our monetary system. Why should only the “robber-barons” (Gates, Walton’s, the oracle of Omaha and selected others benefit) “we” too have a right to participate. And we did. Those from the “press” expressing contrary positions “we” ridiculed, demeaned and summarily told to shut up.

The “press” does not always get it right, and then neither do we. Were this an athletic contest and our win/loss records compared, I question whose would fair the better. We can individually as well as collectively continue to berate, demean, belittle bad mouth and criticize the “press” for all of its actions, or we can in the spirit of understanding partner with them supporting them when their actions honestly promote for the good of all of mankind. Actions taken like those noted above by the “press” to expose the heinous underbelly of our environment are, it seems to me, worthy of note and of praise.

“WE” gave up our individual and collective control of self and therefore everything else long ago. The degradation and pollution of our environment did not occur overnight and it will not be corrected overnight. The path to recovering and restoring our environment is but in its infancy. Many of us alive today will not live to see that first shaft of light as dawn breaks over an enlightened environment as yet unborn.

… “as my ancestors planted for me before I was born, so do I plant for those who come after me” … attributed to ancient Hebrew wisdom

… People should never be afraid of their government, government should always be afraid of the people …

IT - is fixed when all government rules, laws, regulations are transparent and clear, concise and understandable.

2008-10-31T08:52:00.001-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …What does it look like when it’s fixed…?
EPA must limit builders' water pollution …U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upholds a California suit by the Natural Resources Defense Council…By Carol J. Williams, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer …September 19, 2008 …excerpted…The Environmental Protection Agency is obliged by the Clean Water Act to protect the nation's waterways, beaches and drinking water from pollution caused by real estate development and should set standards for limiting construction runoff by the end of next year, a federal appeals court ruled Thursday.
A further appeal is possible, but environmentalists applauded the decision, saying it was likely to spur the EPA to take steps to ensure that development of shopping malls, housing subdivisions and other construction doesn't lead to beach closures, waterborne diseases, flooding, fish deaths or contaminated drinking water.

The EPA began work nine years ago on setting limits for building-site runoff after conceding that it can carry high levels of nutrients and metals into rivers and streams. But the agency then reversed course, eliminating construction from the list of activities it regulates to protect surface waters for consumption, navigation and recreation.
In 2004, the Natural Resources Defense Council sued the EPA for failing to set effluent limits for builders. The U.S. District Court for the Central District of California ruled in favor of the environmental group in 2006 and ordered the EPA to establish standards for the construction industry by December 2009.

In upholding the district court ruling, the appeals court noted that there is nothing in the Clean Water Act allowing the EPA to remove a category of polluter from the federal law's application.

How EPA writes regulation affecting water pollution caused by real estate development will have a significant impact in Arizona. In Arizona aspects surrounding real estate development are acclaimed by all level of politicians as the foundational lynchpins of our economy.

The Great Seal of the State of Arizona depicts the 5 – C’s – those legacy aspects comprising the foundation of our state … copper, cotton, cattle, citrus, climate … today they have all been supplanted by real estate development which enjoys unprecedented power and influence with all levels of city, county and state government.

What I envision is an EPA document portending to take proactive positions on controlling and/or eliminating the pollution of our water sources by real estate development in the preface and in the first pages. When one reads the entire document, we will find weasel language afforded to every governmental oversight agency to permit real estate development to continue as usual, with an occasion fine or headline here and there. But for the most part it will be business as usual.

To except a different document entails that “we” make those writing these regulations aware of our thoughts. Interestingly “we” have no idea who these folks are, where they meet, or if their actions are even subject to “public” input and oversight…? When the proposed regulations are published for comment, they will be in “governmentese” language designed to confuse, confound, obfuscate, conceal and so disguise the real intent so as to make it highly improbable that “we” are able to ask meaningful questions. Writing regulations in clear, concise and understandable language is dangerous as it permits “us” to discern the truth, the one thing these rule writers most desperately want us never to see.

IT - is fixed when all government rules, laws, regulations are transparent and clear, concise and understandable.

… People should never be afraid of their government, government should always be afraid of the people …

A SALUTE TO INGENUITY

2008-10-30T16:58:00.000-07:00

quagga mussel may be benign but to rid these pests could kill us

2008-10-30T11:34:00.000-07:00

The arrival of the quagga mussel which has been found thorough most of the Colorado River system into the “metro” Phoenix water system should not be viewed as a surprise.

What I find laughable is the Arizona Republic article referenced above which notes … pests (quagga) aren’t health risk … most likely is quite valid.

But guess what…? The methods “we” choose to permit utilities and water purveyor to utilize are health risks. To rid the pumping, treatment, filtration and water delivery systems of this “pest” these folks wash down portions of their system with CHLORINE and are now looking at utilizing a specific microbial toxin that would target quagga with a product know as a BIOPESTICIDE. Are “we” really being asked to believe that both of these products – chlorine and biopesticide are benign and probably good for human kind…?

The carcinogenic affects of chlorine have been clearly delineated and established for years. The fact there is to my knowledge absolutely no testing of this new biopesticide on any aspect of human health makes it highly suspect.

So while the quagga mussel itself may not be harmful to human kind the methods we choose to employ to rid ourselves of this pest … might kill us … but according to our political leadership we do not have any unresolved human health issues relating to water in Arizona …?

… People should never be afraid of their government, government should always be afraid of the people …

in an atmosphere of no oversight monsters are created

2008-10-29T17:14:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration … What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

After reading the article referenced below, I am inclined to ask … precisely who in our Arizona state government sees this as a viable form of “serving & protecting” the public’s health…?
What is in the lake’s muck? …By Dick Kamp…Published Tuesday, October 28, 2008 9:57 AM MDT … excerpted…The pumping at Superfund Site and local fishing hole Pena Blanca Lake, 12 miles northwest of Nogales, was 18 days along last Friday. There were 197 million gallons out of 332 million gallons of water that had been sucked out and pumped over the dam spillway at the north end of the lake into Pena Blanca Canyon, hopefully without mercury. A large amount of the lake was now muck instead of water and the stream draining the lake was running down into Agua Fria Canyon and under Interstate 19 by Rio Rico, on the way to the Santa Cruz River.

One could see the sediment that lay below the 57 acre and 51-year-old lake that has been found to contain mercury, arsenic, lead and other heavy metals. How much and how deep is the sediment, and what else might be in it, can’t answered yet. Program Manage suggests sediment is about 12-14 feet in a number of areas, consistent with recent projections, although previous estimates have gone as deep as 60 feet with an average of 21 feet. It is uncertain how thoroughly ground water will be monitored at the unlined site, which will be excavated 14 feet deep and ultimately end up 20 feet high. When the work is complete, it will be reseeded and re-contoured.

However, there are no plans to install monitoring wells, generally costing in the area of $30,000-50,000, to ensure that pollutants do not migrate into nearby groundwater.
Hello, we hope we are not putting mercury into the Santa Cruz River…? We are uncertain how thoroughly ground water will be monitored at the unlined site…? We have NO plans to install monitoring wells to ensure that pollutants do not migrate into nearby groundwater…?

Tell me this is a comedy routine destined for a movie and that ADEQ and ADWR and EPA, ad-nausea did not actually permit and sanction this lunacy…? Who in god’s name signed off on this ridiculous project for and in behalf of the citizens of Arizona…?

Heaven help me I feel I am watching some Halloween horror movie as this is an event with potentially nightmarish consequences.

When “we” choose NOT to be actively involved these are the types of decisions and choices which are made in our stead. By our silence we are complicit.

… People should never be afraid of their government, government should always be afraid of the people …

if you are still looking for someone to blame, look in the mirror

2008-10-28T18:11:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration … What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

Lead article headlines such as this one that appears in the Arizona Republic – 10/28/08 – cause me to ask … Who exactly was minding our public cash register during the last legislative budget session …

The principals – our Governor and the leadership of the State Legislature and Senate each point their finger at the other … it’s their fault …

It strikes me these types of articles make a mockery of our reputed commitment to education. This is not representative of providing “quality” education. Why is it that teachers and classroom sizes are almost always the first things government curtails or stomps on when they feel a “cash-pinch” of their own creation…?

I am always surprised that sports i.e. football and basketball, etc are not touched – they are the sacred-cows of our contemporary society.

Our Governor is a most intelligent individual and I know she is aware acts such as this have far reaching and lingering affects within the business and educational communities all over the world. Arizona can not be honestly seen as a place where its citizens and government are truly committed to providing quality education. No - we are committed to the path of least resistance.

Do you actually believe it is only the universities which will be required to lessen the number of their teachers and increase the size of their classes..? I suspect it will be all levels of education beginning in Kindergarten.

I find it laughable there is NEVER any mention on any level of reducing executive administration personnel or decreasing the salary of the college deans or provost or president…like “wall-street” they are exonerated their own golden parachutes still in tact.

Watching our Arizona political and business leader scurry into the back ground seeking the safety of the dark I am forcibly reminded of what leadership can be as portrayed by Michael Douglas in movie - The American President - in his speech to the “press” … We have serious problems to solve, and we need serious people to solve them. And whatever your particular problem is, I promise you Bob Rumson is not the least bit interested in solving it. He is interested in two things, and two things only: making you afraid of it, and telling you who's to blame for it. That, ladies and gentlemen, is how you win elections . We've got serious problems, and we need serious people. And if you want to talk about character, Bob, you'd better come at me with more than a burning flag and a membership card. If you want to talk about character and American values, fine. Just tell me where and when, and I'll show up. This a time for serious people, Bob, and your fifteen minutes are up. My name is Andrew Shepherd, and I AM the President.” …

Sadly Arizona’s leaders choose a different course – that of the “ostrich” – and like them “we” too meekly bow our head and ask no questions of them and demand no answers from them. If you are still looking for someone to “blame” – look in the mirror.

… People should never be afraid of their government, government should always be afraid of the people …

Get over it and raise HELL

2008-10-28T17:01:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration … What does it look like when it’s fixed…?
Company to seek 40% increase in water rates…by Diana Balazs - Oct. 27, 2008 11:10 AM…The Arizona Republic - Paradise Valley and Scottsdale customers of the Arizona American Water Co. (note one of the largest world-wide multinational corporate-for-profit water purveyors on our planet) could face a hefty rate increase - about 40 percent - next summer if a request filed by the company is approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission in March. Company officials say the increase is needed to pay for significant water system improvements and an increase in operating costs. (By God make them prove it in terms and language understandable to a “normal” human being, forget the governmentese crap)
How much will it cost?
• Most of Arizona American's residential customers have a 5/8-inch water meter. If approved, their average water bill would increase by 70 cents per day from $49.21 to $70.26 per month, based on a monthly usage of 20,493 gallons. That translates to about a 43 percent increase.
• Residential customers with a 1-inch meter would see their bills increase by $1.75 per day from $137.35 to $189.86 per month, based on a monthly consumption of 56,575 gallons.
That would represent a 38 percent increase. Many customers hit with surcharges approved by the commission in 2006 in Arizona American's last rate request have seen a drop in bills thanks to a recent commission decision to reopen that case. Paradise Valley officials, residents and resort operators petitioned the commission to review the two controversial fees - a high-block surcharge and a public-safety fire-flow surcharge - after customers were hit with soaring water bills .But those rate reductions, which took effect Sept. 1, are only temporary. The commission will address both surcharges March 19 when it hears the new rate case filed this May by Arizona American. Why rate hike is needed. Since the previous rate filing, Arizona American officials say the company has invested about $26 million in improvements, including building an arsenic treatment plant to comply with new federal arsenic standards and adding new infrastructure to prevent leaks and main breaks and maintain adequate water supply and quality.
The name Arizona American Water might ring a bell for you as they quite recently chose to turn a deaf ear at a ringing alarm allowing the water they provide to portions of Scottsdale and PV to be contaminated. But so far based on the spineless actions of our Arizona Corporation Commission and Arizona Dept of Environmental Quality, they apparently feel …”no harm, no foul” … slap their wrist and let it go at that.
Hey, the requested 40% increase will most likely be granted to Arizona American Water by the industry marionettes on our Az. Corporation Commission. Besides no one got ill or died as a result of the contamination Arizona American Water allowed and besides most likely their executives need an increase in their “golden parachutes” and it would seem based on our choice to finance a $700 billion dollar boon-doogle wall street bail out, we’re more than happy to oblige no strings attached.
And besides you don’t get to be one of the giant world-wide multinational corporate water purveyors without knowing know to “screw” over public officials, many of whom have or will seek employment with them after getting a free education at your expense. It’s all part of that revolving door syndrome.
Arizona American Water may legitimately require an increase in rates, but, those of you served by this corporate water giant ought to be asking what you’re actually getting in return and YOU need to have a hand in all forms oversight from operations to finance and ROI. Sorry, neither ACC nor ADEQ provides oversight. Why, because both agency “cry” they are under-staffed and perhaps to some degree in certain area they may well be. But, the playing field is part of that revolving door where one is a regulator one day and part of the regulated business enterprise the next. It s a game and you the rate payer and in this case Arizona American Water user who picks up the tab.
Think about it, politicians from our Governor to State Legislators and Senators, bureaucratic officials and governmental personnel at all levels can feign and assume their proverbial “ostrich” position – but – like it or not, like the saying on President Truman’s desk … the buck stop here … and here is with you.
Unless you want to pay 40% more for water, I would invite you to organize, get acquainted, talk, become educated on exactly what Az American Water does with its $$$ now and why they need 40% increase. Attend the ACC hearing and DEMAND to be heard and DEMAND straight no BS answers, not the proverbial bureaucratic “gobble-degook” they love to spew. This is not rocket science and our ACC commissioner and Az American Water personnel can provide clear, concise and understandable answers. DEMAND it they chose to be elected …”to serve & to protect” … YOU not corporate interests.
The only thing stopping any of you is – fear – get over it and raise HELL.

… People should never be afraid of their government, government should always be afraid of the people …

although the 11th hour we have an opportunity to be expresse

2008-10-27T16:55:00.001-07:00

Perspective for your consideration … What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

Stop covert bid to gamble beauty…The Arizona Republic… David Nimkin
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/articles/2008/10/25/20081025grandcanyon25.html ... EXCERPTED ... It is indeed ironic, that as we face a financial crisis of historic and global proportions - due in a large extent to deregulation and diverted oversight - the Bush administration would seek to reduce oversight and safeguards for a place as significant and remarkable as the Grand Canyon. Yet that is what has happened - and concerned citizens have only until Monday to oppose this damaging proposal. The swelling price of uranium ore on world markets has sparked renewed interest in mining claims throughout the Colorado Plateau. There are more than 10,000 hard-rock mining claims near Grand Canyon National Park already, and 3,000 uranium-mining claims. Then late last year, the administration authorized a permit for exploratory uranium drilling on federal land just 2 miles from Grand Canyon - risking this national treasure. The administration then offered the public a meager 15 days to learn of the rule change and comment on it. We would be foolish and future generations profoundly sorry, if we don't challenge this perverse effort to ravage our national treasures in the name of resource extraction. Please mail written comments to the Director, Bureau of Land Management, 1620 L Street, NW, Room 401, Washington, D.C. 20036, Attention: RIN 1004-AE05, or visit www.regulations.gov (type RIN 1004-AE05 to find the proposed regulation) and offer your opinion before the close of the public comment period on Monday. It is up to all of us to ensure the Grand Canyon and all national parks are preserved unimpaired for our children and grandchildren. David Nimkin is southwest regional director of the non-profit National Parks Conservation Association.

I rise to express my alarm that as the director of the southwest National Park Conservation Association, Mr. Nimkin would be blind to the manner in which the Bush administration has chosen to treat all aspects of our environment. In his terms as President, Mr. Bush has consistently taken a stand which enhances the bottom line of industry and always opposed to the wishes and concerns of the public. That Bush would at this late date change his stripes and see value in the preservation of pristine conditions in the Grand Canyon is sheer insanity. The mining interest have been working incessantly to open vast new tracts of land to exploration, which I must suspect Mr. Nimkin is far more aware than am I…? To plead the accusations alleged by Mr. Nimkin at the eleventh hour causes me extreme heart burn and I want badly to blame and shame his action, though I can understand his reluctance to act previously.

I suspect under the cover of darkness in the lingering days of the Bush administration actions will be secretly taken which only much later may see the light of day well after the damage has been done. Such has become the lingering action of our Presidents of late as they leave office knowing there is nothing anyone can really do to harm or stop their actions.

In this event, we have been forewarned albeit at the 11th hour, but we do have an opportunity to be expressed should we care to take it.

… People should never be afraid of their government, government should always be afraid of the people …

given our love to label...what do you suggest we label this

2008-10-27T10:27:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration … What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

Given our love to “label” … what do you suggest we “label” this … ?

Reflecting back to my college days as a business student my professors would be pulling at their hair ranting this type of action is tantamount to socialism. How can this be when for the past 35 years or more our political leadership and prominent educators label our economic course as … “free-enterprise-for-profit-corporate-capitalism” … willfully designed with little or no government (pubic) oversight or participation…?

In this moment it is so tempting to point my finger and rant at the action of others all the while willfully refusing to acknowledge my own participation in as well as support for this course of action. It is both amusing and prophetic to acknowledge I chose to have one foot implanted in each camp (a) staying the course to achieve the business mantra of the era – profit maximization - on the one hand, (b) while intellectually acknowledging and supporting “public” participation and oversight. The reflection of that man looking back at me in the mirror, with a knowing smile on his face, echoes what is true for me. One, I did not achieve the goal nor achieve the status as a giant of capitalism as guilt entered when I was about to grasp that proverbial brass ring. Two, deep within me resides the need to be a champion for those unable to defend themselves, not a capitalistic attribute. For years I bounced like a ping-pong ball back and forth between capitalism and socialism to borrow a couple of contemporary labels. Might you have too…?

A label I could be inclined to ascribe to this newspaper article is … “gamesmanship” … a tragic and pathetic effort to perpetuate a dying, diseased and fundamentally flawed socio-economic mantra based on fear and deceit. The “shell-game” being enacted before our eyes is to have “us” – that’s you and me – unconditionally believe and accept that all forms of profit are privatized while all forms of loss are socialized. We are asked to believe the giants of capitalism are to be not only rewarded, but exonerated from any form of liability, accountability or responsibility for any of their actions.

The foundation of our political system to which we have historically paid “lip-service” noting a philosophical difference between – Republicans vs. Democrats, Liberals vs. Conservatives, Right wing vs. Left wing – is likewise dead, dying, diseased, disabled and fundamentally flawed to its very core. Understandably “we” have great difficulty giving up belief in systems which we have been educated to believe portend to express a specific truth. Except for the spelling … Republicans vs. Democrats, Liberals vs. Conservatives, Right wing vs. Left wing … are one and the same, their allegiance being solely... to those holding the reins of power in the “free-enterprise-for-profit-corporate-capitalism” environment in the moment.
We have been educated to see “differences” even those devised solely by propaganda and therefore illusory. It is exceedingly difficult to set aside our personal bias, prejudices, perceptions, evaluations and beliefs and choose as did Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz and dare look behind the curtain to see who is actually manipulating and making the puppet move and speak. But more than that, we “fear” the unknown and will most often choose positions and directions which are NOT in our best interest either short term or long term.
Isn’t that interesting…?

This “gamesmanship” can only endure in a climate fostered and supported by fear. Exposed to the clear light of day the illusory dark forces scamper as rats abandoning a sinking sink as is being increasingly witnessed.

Americans, I believe love to make things complex. Reality is really quite simple. And the complex is merely simple aggregated, nothing more. Were “we” with honest intention coupled with faith to choose to leave this current “gamesmanship” - the universe would open a door.

… People should never be afraid of their government, government should always be afraid of the people …

and "we" believe it is SAFE

2008-10-25T09:40:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

Drinking Water of 41 Million Americans Contaminated with Pharmaceuticals
Environmental News Network... Organic Consumers Association …http://www.enn.com/pollution/article/38022 …

An investigation by the Associated Press (AP) has revealed that the drinking water of at least 41 million people in the United States is contaminated with pharmaceutical drugs…EXCERPTED …It has long been known that drugs are not wholly absorbed or broken down by the human body. Significant amounts of any medication taken eventually pass out of the body, primarily through the urine. …"People think that if they take a medication, their body absorbs it and it disappears, but of course that's not the case," EPA scientist Christian Daughton said. …While sewage is treated before being released back into the environment, and water from reservoirs or rivers is also treated before being funneled back into the drinking water supply, these treatments are not able to remove all traces of medications. And so far, the EPA has not regulated the presence of pharmaceuticals in drinking water, meaning that there are no laws in existence today that protect consumers from this increasingly dangerous chemical contaminant of the water supply….Medications for animals also contaminating the water supply…Drugs given to animals are also entering the water supply. One study found that 10 percent of the steroids given to cattle pass directly through their bodies, while another study found that steroid concentrations in the water downstream of a Nebraska feedlot were four times as high as the water upstream. Male fish downstream of the feedlot were found to have depressed levels of testosterone and smaller than normal heads, most likely due to the pharmaceutical contamination in their water…."It brings a question to people's minds that if the fish were affected ... might there be a potential problem for humans?" … While the concentration of drugs in drinking water tends to be low, some medications, such as hormones, are able to operate potently even at concentrations of one part per billion. To make matters worse, there is evidence that the chlorine commonly used to treat drinking water may make some pharmaceutical chemicals more toxic. Thus, the typical claim that "pharmaceuticals are only present in very low concentrations, and therefore could not be dangerous" holds no water (pardon the pun). Not only are some chemicals potentiated (made more toxic) by other chemicals in the water, but to date, there have been absolutely no studies looking at the increased danger posed by combinations of pharmaceuticals now being found.

“IT” will be fixed when headlines like this no longer appear anywhere in the world and when without question we feel absolutely safe to drink any water presented to us for our consumption. And, moreover when the water we use on all forms of agriculture is equally as safe.

I have come to ask, what is the purpose for these types of “hyper” headlines…? Is it easy to make up it is merely to cause fear…? Or is there another more benign purpose in mind…? I propose the formal education we receive about water goes like this. Water is a chemical formula consisting of H2O, the end. In our formal education we are taught that water is inexhaustible can be used again and again without any consideration of what we choose to expose it to. And finally our science says, trust us, you can drink it, don’t be concerned about the smell or that odd taste, it’s good for you, we’ve done double blind studies, you have nothing to fear.

Pioneers like Rachel Carson in Silent Spring, and the French scientist, Jacques Benveniste, who dared say … water has memory … took positions about our environment, especially water that caused them to become pariah summarily denounced by the politically correct medical and scientific community world wide of their time. Interesting how things are correlated as Sir Issac Newton noted, for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction and it applies equally to all we say and all we do. In America, we believe firmly entrenched in the infallibility of science while every day all around our globe folks, like you and me, shred this belief to shreds. Intentionally activated energy is moving mountain, healing the sick, clearing the mind, finding ways to clean our air and our water, while many of us choose to remain fixed and locked on to the formal education we received. And, you are free to remain, believing as you choose. There are other paths and directions in which you might look…?

All paths leading to awareness requires each of us to take accountability and responsibility for what we choose to accept as the truth. The underlying premise of the … Clean Water Act … was noble, though man’s greed has unquestioningly corrupted its lofty intent. The economist’s concept of “externalities” most assuredly rears its head when we ponder the implications polluted/contaminated water has on all forms of life, especially mankind.

Without question we accept the bottled water in that designer/decorator plastic bottle is not only safe but healthy and beneficial to you, all the while not aware it often begins its life from the same facet from which you drew water this morning to wash your face. This water, according to this article appears to be laden with microscopic pieces of “stuff” which is not really healthy for us. So, what can we do, (a) nothing, but that’s a choice, (b) scream, cuss, yell, complain and condemn, and that’s a choice too, (c) begin to ask those providing water to you, to explain completely in clear, concise and understandable terms how are they preparing the water they provide to you. And, begin to own that when we take accountability and responsibility for our water, it will be safe. Find that incredible, don’t you…? But that’s what IT looks like to me when it’s fixed.

… People should never be afraid of their government, government should always be afraid of the people …

next of the list for your carnal pleasure we throw ... (fill in the blank) ... to the lions

2008-10-24T10:39:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration … What does it look like when it’s fixed...?

I rise to offer a salute of gratitude to the pending action those sworn to serve and to protect appear to be taking to eliminate callous barbaric animal cruelty.

I remain standing in awe these same individuals by their silence promote callous and barbaric cruelty in the form of “cage fighting” of their fellow human beings. They can point their collective finger, should they choose, towards our State Capital to note our Governor and the 90 mental midgets masquerading as our State Legislature and Senate provided the “law” enabling – “cage fighting” - to be a plank in supporting our state’s economy according to “press” releases.

We humans are quite amazing on the one hand we see, feel, understand and extend compassion to eliminating man’s overt cruelty to animals, while on the other, we choose to turn that now blind eye on man’s inhumanity to man as we engage in – cage fighting - utter brutality for our amusement, enjoyment and to promote our economy…? Is this not on yet another level a re-enactment of the Christians being thrown to the lions for the carnal pleasure of the ancient Romans…?

What is life about, if not to learn to live with as opposed in our hubris to dehumanize, annihilate and slaughter..? That we are able to support all the implications surrounding “cage-fighting” makes the actions of Americans soldiers at Abu Grah in Iraq understandable, though reprehensible.

For you, what does it look like when it’s fixed … or do you feel there is nothing to be fixed…?

… People should never be afraid of their government, government should always be afraid of the people …

stupid is as stupid does

2008-10-23T13:49:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …
What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

Yea, I know the article I am referencing below is about water issues in California, so why should we care…? In case you did not know or forgot, our neighbor to the West is that 900# gorilla which like it or not has its foot on our neck respecting Colorado River water, think not, guess again…?

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-water10-2008oct10,0,3193038.story
From the Los Angeles Times - excerpted - …As water level drops at Diamond Valley, rationing becomes more likely … With the lake -- intended as an insurance policy in case of natural disaster -- at only 60% capacity, the MWD board could start rationing Southern California cities as soon as 2009….By Tony Perry … Los Angeles Times Staff Writer …October 10, 2008

Diamond Valley Lake, the giant regional reservoir in Riverside County, has been tarnished by the water woes gripping Southern California. … was meant to be the major drinking-water storage facility for thirsty Southern California, as well as an insurance policy against a traumatic cutoff of water. It's the largest reservoir in Southern California. … As supply has decreased, water from Diamond Valley has been sent by the MWD to its customers to supplement their own declining allocations. … But the end may be in sight, hastening the day of rationing throughout Southern California. Estimating when Diamond Valley will no longer be able to ship water to local agencies is a mixed issue of hydrology and politics. … Drawing the reservoir down too far could leave the region in dire straits -- much like a person who stops paying his homeowner's insurance to save money just days before his house is hit by fire. … Diamond Valley was designed as an emergency source of water in the event of an earthquake or other disaster that could cut flows from the Colorado River and Northern California. … Reservoirs throughout the state are in similar predicaments as storage levels drop. Farms, cities and suburbs are all being hit. … In Los Angeles, the mayor has been pleading with residents and businesses to reduce consumption, backed up by a new "drought buster" ordinance. . … Soon the MWD board will consider plans for rationing.

I rise to query the political “leadership” of metro-Phoenix in particular:
 Is there a unified “water” policy that can be implemented when this area faces “dire” consequences…?
 And what constitutes “dire” consequences…?
 Does the Phoenix metro area have an emergency source of water remotely similar to the Diamond Valley Lake in Southern California…?
 Governor do we currently have a state-wide “drought buster” provisions in place…?

My gut tells me for the past 25 years in particular – Arizona – has chosen to sell its soul to unrestricted growth in the process paying little or no attention to the – unintended consequences – or the externalities of these choices. We are intent to defy the lessons of history and appear on the abyss of a potentially similar fate.

I would like to propose a change in the Arizona state bird from the Cactus Wren to the far more appropriate … ostrich … which is the position Arizona assumes whenever the topic of water is on the table.

You know – Forest Gump was right … stupid is as stupid does … means that stupidity is not just a surface thing derived from a person's appearance. Stupidity is a matter of deeds, not looks. Like other versions, it comes down to this: judge people by what they do, not by how they appear. I don’t know about you but our actions, individually and collectively, respecting – water – are unquestioningly stupid

… People should never be afraid of their government, government should always be afraid of the people …

full disclosure vs behind closed doors

2008-10-22T08:18:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …
What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

Published: 10.06.2008….Developers may win 50%-rain rule…By Tony Davis …
Arizona Daily Star- excerpted - … Standing at the entrance to the new West Side office of Southwest Hazard Control, an environmental-cleanup firm, are 11 corrugated metal tanks, all 8 feet tall and 6 feet in diameter. (equal about 1,600 gallons/each container)…After the West Grant Road site's native mesquites and yuccas and the South American jacaranda trees become established in a year or two, every drop of their irrigation water will come from the tanks. … On Oct. 14, the Tucson City Council will vote on an ordinance to require new commercial developments to harvest rainwater. If it's approved, most of those affected likely won't go that far. The proposal, supported by the city's staff and an advisory committee, mandates that 50 percent of a development's landscaping water must be from rainfall. … That's down from a proposed 75 percent that the committee had endorsed last spring and from some environmentalists' original hope for 100 percent. … But all factions involved agree that a 50 percent ordinance still would put the city in the vanguard. It would bring water conservation one more step toward the foreground during a drought that many scientists say threatens the city's long-term supply of Colorado River water, backers say. … "When people typically think of rainwater harvesting, they think of corrugated metal tanks next to the house. … The water-harvesting system there costs a little over $1 per gallon of stored water, he said, compared with an estimate from the business-backed Metropolitan Pima Alliance of $2 to $4 per gallon for a cistern system…. every site needs to be considered separately, and the city should give incentives such as permit-fee waivers to encourage harvesting. … Another desert reality that must be considered is that some areas get more rain than others during a storm, she said. … "We don't want to create an ordinance that puts an onerous financial burden upon people," … "We're trying to find that spot where we can use this untapped resource of rainwater in an economical and efficient way." …… a few months ago, the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association had criticized as unfair another committee recommendation to make gray-water plumbing mandatory in new homes, because existing homes use far more water. The recommendation became law last month after SAHBA withdrew its objection.

My heart wants me to rise to salute this effort on the part of Tucson, while my head urges restraint, the dichotomy surrounding my ability to trust government. I hold no degree or notoriety in – water conservation – what I know I have learn primarily from the “school-of-hard-knocks” and my life experiences.

Taken solely at its face value, the Tucson proposal mandating a min 50% of landscaping water must come from rainfall can be seen as appreciably challenging. I must note that Tucson has historically shown a far more honoring understanding of water usage than is demonstrated daily by the environs of the Phoenix metropolis. What type of landscaping will emerge from this conservation position is yet to manifest. It is easy for me to approve of this action on the part of Tucson as I do not live there and therefore will be only minimally, if at all, impacted.

My concern lies in the action taken by the officials in Pima County and Tucson to mandate the installation of greywater plumbing in all new homes. As many of you are aware, I fully support an honestly promulgated greywater program developed in an environment of full and open disclosure and discussion. Unfortunately that was not the environment which Karen L. Smith, then the Director of the Water Quality Division of ADEQ permitted in 2005, when the current rules and regulation affecting the design, installation and O&M of all greywater systems were implemented. Under her tutelage the current rules and regulation surrounding greywater are not realistic and are designed to be normally unenforceable. The notion of public health was “kicked to the curb” and summarily dismissed. This is a slippery slope and path upon which we have embarked respecting greywater installations in our state.

Water harvesting and greywater are two sides of the same coin – water conservation – and depending upon the use and the manner of dispersal of the liquid, this require thoughtful contemplation respecting the long term health implications to man.

Or is this scene we are witnessing just another “band-aid” or feel-good placebo government is using to CYA and the water policies and practices they continue to choose to develop and implement principally behind closed doors…?

… People should never be afraid of their government, government should always be afraid of the people …

labels ... do they really benefit humans

2008-10-21T08:38:00.001-07:00

Labels … do they benefit man …?

There are unquestioningly situations where labels serve a useful as well as beneficial purpose to man. It is useful to have labels differentiating a can of peas from a can of tomato soup. It is helpful to have numbers on doors to assist one to quickly find a specific destination. It serves mankind to have speed limits posted along highways in the hope that we choose to heed this call to care and cause no harm to others.

Are there instances where labels do not serve or benefit man…? Labels inappropriately applied to people, situations, educational ability, condition of health, labels which falsely describe the contents, labels which perpetuate an unsubstantiated myth and labels used intentionally to deceive.

Our world is full of labels those that are positive, uplift and promote the commonality of man and those that intentionally separate, discriminate and isolate, as well as those that are morally repugnant and deceptive.

We are educated and conditioned by our culture to use and believe without giving any thought to the labels we perfunctorily use every day. Unconscious are we and that’s what we like. In this state we can feign we are unaware and from this artificial state release ourselves from accountability and responsibility. Falsely clearing our conscious some might label this.

As I contemplated my own roll in this labeling arena, I happed to find and read … The Soul of Autism … a book by William Stillman. In this reading it became abundantly clear to me, that to one degree or another, especially as a young child, I too had autistic tendency, though the word was not then formulated. To the degree to which I remain under its influence I will gladly leave to others to label as they deem personally appropriate. The line separating what we choose to label autism vs. Asperger syndrome or other human disability or affliction is exceedingly thin so precisely where along that spectrum I was might be impossible to discern. But no doubt I entered this incarnation initially along that spectrum. This disclosure I make freely and without any expectation or want of pity or choosing to elicit any form of sympathy from anyone. I do it simply because I want to and need to for my own self honesty and transparency.

What I find extremely interesting is the degree to which as a youngster in particular I was influenced by the labels society assigned to everything. Labels were assigned and perpetuated by my family, friends, school and religion and I was supposed to unquestioningly adhere to them. That I was early on labeled a “trouble-maker” is now very understandable as it reflected what I understood to be my only means of overt rebellion and to vent against what I saw as the unjustified labeling so prevalent in our society and which remains undaunted today. I certainly was not absolved then or even now and often repeat without thought the labels so prevalent in my environment.

What I find profound is the degree of significance and validity we unquestioningly choose to attach to labels of all kinds, what say you…? Use of labels for us, especially in America, is like finding the box containing the “holy grail” permitting us to sanctimoniously and safely put everything in a specific place. We use labels to separate, divide, discriminate, cloud, demean, placate, detach, and segregate as well as to isolate. The labels which we normally use are what I would term (label if you will) negative in their overtones, why is that…? There are labels we place on others which hold them up for applause as winners, causing those we term – losers to hang their head as defeated. But is this not really just a form of separation, dividing and conquering…?

We love labels as they allow us to communicate without thought what is false and what is true, label it and be through. Labels allow us to cover even extremely diverse situations using just one word, though as we have not the education we know not how to hear and honestly listen. Hearing and listening are art forms intentionally eliminated in the education we provide. Why is that do you suppose…? One could conjure up the notion, a populous unable to hear and listen is more easily molded and controlled. Over time like animals in Pavlov’s experiments we just react unquestioningly. Life in such a mindset is devoid of intention wherein we just “do it or else.”

There is an allure to labels which in stealth mode form and provide the camouflage we appear so desperately to need. Our current national political landscape is laden with covert labels, which in Arizona echo back to the descriptive term “pickaninny” uttered in the debate about MLK day by now deceased, Governor Evan Mechan. Today, the covert label providing the same stealth transparency and applied to Barack Obama is - arrogant – the lily white code word for “uppity.” Uppity, which I find interesting as that was term my mother often applied to me along with don’t get too big for your britches, young man.

Labels offer us emotional comfort enabling us to differentiate “them” from us. In Arizona, should you be labeled – disabled – watch out as our Governor and the 90 dwarf mental midgets masquerading as our State Legislature will see that you become just more “road kill.” Those we can label as gay, illegals, dopers, prostitutes and homeless, watch out, we’re going to get you too. We’re going to clean up this state and it begins with you, or is that me…?

God, don’t you just love – labels – they’re so much fun and so easily applied and labels we can find to fit anyone or situation our attention is directed to. And much of the time, they, do not even need utter the word for we have been so finely tuned to understand what they are actually referring to. Now how’s that for a perfect robotic response…?

Uppity … that’s a word I suspect is clandestinely used behind closed doors by Director Steve Owens of ADEQ and many in his employ, to label – us – that’s you and me. For them it covers a multitude of situations including covertly denying us our rightful place at the table where every decision is made affecting our environment. It’s the cover word when government says just who do we think we are anyway, uppity are we…? And we grin or shake our head and silently depart leaving them to continue to allow our environment to be raped, pillaged and plundered all in the name of unsustainable growth. Sustainable could also be another “uppity” word for them. I find as I write this one of the unifying songs from the MLK civil rights march era resonates within … “we shall over come, we shall overcome some day” … powerful then, equally powerful today.

Uppity, is one of those labels applied whenever those seeing themselves separate and part of a ruling class, feel a rise on some unexplainable level that “we” – that’s you and me – have had a belly full and revolt. In 1964 a handful of Vietnam veterans out side the Republican convention in Miami in ’64… shouted and demonstrated in the street … alarming the law and order conventioneers of the Nixon era. On the heels of their “uppityness” the travesty labeled the War in Vietnam was to see an end.

We – that’s you and me – are especially fond of those labels so liberally applied to issues surrounding health. He’s an epileptic, she’s has breast cancer, he’s got prostrate cancer, you, know, it’s so sad their child is autistic, their other one has Down’s syndrome, wow. He’s illiterate, can’t read, she’ so dumb, he’s deaf, she has MS, or they’re blind. He’s afflicted with Aspergers Syndrome, she’s got Tourette syndrome, they’re all physically disabled you know. How easily these labels allow us to discriminate, segregate, separate and define – them. Now we’ve safely put them in a box, where they so appropriately belong, don’t they…? Come on, their different from us, aren’t they…? We need some simple method to tell us apart, don’t we…? I mean, like after all, we can't have them thinking they’re as good or “normal” like us…?

These are but a few of the host of labels we so affectionately endorse and unthinkingly use and apply. And these same labels are but a few of those we have been educated to fear. These are but a few of the labels giant pharmaceutical companies tout when they need drive home the benefits their most recent “drug” reputes to cure or eliminate. Take this pill, rub on this salve, swallow this capsule three times a day, rub this goo on your feet and behind your ear, and “we” (big pharma) promises you, you’re cured ____ fill in the blank with every promise under the rainbow. Tragically knowing not another way, we follow them like the children in the story of the pied piper of old.

There are labels we have been educated to reject, scorn, belittle and even hate. Labels which they say, undermines…? Undermines, might may I ask…? Labels which they feel undermine their control over us. Just what might these labels be…? Some of these labels are in the realm as judged by them as being far too esoteric, too far out … words … like energetic, vision, resonate, accountability, responsibility, sustainability and especially love. These words give rise to labels with incredible symbolic power especially when used in the context of issues concerning public policy and social justice. These are the words which give rise to labels which bring fear to them choosing to endorse pubic policy goals that intentionally discriminate, separate, isolate, segregate and inappropriately define. Like everything in life it is a choice we each make with every label we utter. From that, there is no escape. Oh, yes, you may be able to postpone taking accountability and responsibility for every one of your thoughts, deeds, actions in any form, but answer for them, you must and will.

Labels appear to hold and give sway to some magical power over man. Some of these labels are for good and beneficial to all, while others lessen and discriminate. What labels you choose to contemplate and give credence to is solely up to you. Some many years past I got a tape cassette the title I can not recall. On this tape was the life story of Famous Amos, an African-American cookie entrepreneur. Though Amos’s story is fascinating, he gives praise to the passage which follows as being a guiding light for him, when all other lights went out….”Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation) there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. I have learned a deep respect for one of Goethe's couplets: Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it."

I sincerely invite to you and me to consider applying this last line …”Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it” … as one of the foundational labels for your life. Why…? For far too long now, we’ve chosen to individually and collectively give our selves over to – fear. We need only believe in I/you/me/us and leave the fear they promote – out. I/you/me/us have, hold and possess all the power and magic we need to manifest a world based on unconditional love. We might choose to consider as was made famous in Star Trek on TV… to boldly go where no man has gone before … whole-heartedly endorsing unconditional love. Too corny, what have I/you/me/us got to lose…?

And let me be even a bit bolder I am most willing to present and discuss any water issue before any audience in Arizona where full disclosure and two way dialog is permitted.

… People should never be afraid of their government, government should always be afraid of the people …

WHEN ARE THERE TOO MANY

2008-10-20T11:56:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …
… What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

WHEN ARE THERE TOO MANY …It strikes me to be able to answer this query without further information requires one to possess skills even the illustrious illusionist Harry Houdini did not.

Too many of what …some would suggest the question relates to the number of people occupying this blue-green planet we call Earth. Others would suggest quite different topics.

I ask this question in the context of when are there too many … statutes, laws, rules, ordinances, decrees, acts, edicts, bills, orders, regulations, directives, diktats, commands, and judgments…?

Does anyone actually know the number of federal, state, county, city, to cite but a few, to which we agreed to be subjected….? I truly do not believe any of us has a clue as to the actual number of commands we have agreed to live by…? I would hazard a wild ass guess the actual number is in the many thousands, surprised….?

As if this were not enough, each day, those we elect “to serve & to protect,” us are busy developing more rules, laws, regulations all for the express purpose of what…? I dare say we don’t have a clue…? The words they write are often in direct conflict with previously enacted rules, laws, and regulations and so voluminous are these words, years and often generations pass, before anyone actually discovers the inconsistencies.

One day the action of those sworn “to serve & to protect” is directed to promulgating words expressly for the purpose of punishing and abusing us at the alter of their god – “midas-elite” – whose financial support is now their “mother’s milk.” In their next breath and the next day, these same “leaders” champion positions which on their face appear to actually have our best long term interest at heart. Too often, when one reads the very small fine print associated, revealed is what most of us are intuitively aware … the big print gives, the fine print denies and takes away … and the fine print always exceeds the big print.

Promulgating laws, rules and regulations has evolved into an “art” form whereby success is measured not in how clear, concise and understandable these are designed, but rather how convoluted. And in all cases, we are content to leave ultimate interpretation and therefore control and dominion solely in their hands, why…?

I dare say, there is probably not a day, perhaps not even an hour that goes by that I do not in some way either deliberately or unthinkingly disregard or break at least one if not a host of their laws, rules and regulations. In fact, when I think about it, writing this email can quite easily under the preposterous terms of the laughable and equally bogus - PATROIT ACT - be grounds for rendition.

232 years ago, folks like you and me, simple people, wanting simply to live and let live, to be left free to live our lives in whatever manner we chose, providing in living our life we did not cause harm to others, save slavery and annihilation of indigenous cultures, fought for these rights, which today, we obediently choose to surrender for what…?
The plethora of laws, rules and regulations which govern, control and dominate all of our actions make it virtually impossible for us to consider ourselves – free. We are by choice – slaves.

And we will remain – slaves – until we choose to be solely accountable and responsible for our own lives and not permit it to be controlled, manipulated and dominated by anyone else. There is, I believe, an inherent caveat that in living our life we can not knowing harm other human life. I would go one step further suggesting that we can not knowing harm any other life form, however, I realize that is a proposition perhaps outside the scope of many humans to comprehend.

IT - is fixed when we realize all the written words defining laws, rules and regulations are unnecessary and all that is required is our individual acknowledgment of our need to be honorably and solely accountable and responsible for self.

… People should never be afraid of their government, government should always be afraid of the people …

there is a risk to being an OSTRICH, you think

2008-10-14T08:58:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

The article entitled … EPA: Toxic fuel in water is not a public threat appears in the 9-23-08 issue of the Az Republic … whereas the article below appears in the 9-33-08 issue of the Washington Post … both explore the tentacles associated with PERCHLORATE a cacogenic ingredient which EPA under George W Bush, in particular, declares is not a public health threat.

I want to take this opportunity to encourage and invite everyone to read this document as it may prove to be an eye opener for you – my input follows this document - …. EPA UNLIKELY TO LIMIT PERCHLORATE IN TAP WATER … By Juliet Eilperin…Washington Post Staff Writer …Monday, September 22, 2008… excerpted …. The Environmental Protection Agency, under pressure from the White House and the Pentagon, is poised to rule as early as today that it will not set a drinking-water safety standard for perchlorate, a component of rocket fuel that has been linked to thyroid problems in pregnant women, newborns and young children across the nation.
According to a near-final document obtained by The Washington Post, the EPA's "preliminary regulatory determination" -- which was extensively edited by White House officials -- marks the final step in a six-year-old battle between career EPA scientists who advocate regulating the chemical and White House and Pentagon officials who oppose it. The document estimates that up to 16.6 million Americans are exposed to perchlorate at a level many scientists consider unsafe; independent researchers, using federal and state data, put the number at 20 million to 40 million.
Some perchlorate occurs naturally, but most perchlorate contamination in U.S. drinking water stems from improper disposal by rocket test sites, military bases and chemical plants. A nationwide cleanup could cost hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars, and several defense contractors have threatened to sue the Defense Department to help pay for it if one is required.
The new EPA proposal -- which assumes the maximum allowable perchlorate contamination level is 15 times what the EPA had suggested in 2002 -- was heavily edited by officials of the White House Office of Management and Budget. They eliminated key passages and asked the EPA to use a new computer modeling approach to calculate the chemical's risks.
Under a process the OMB initiated in 2004, federal agencies with an interest in chemicals such as perchlorate, such as the Defense Department, have opportunities to weigh in on the EPA's regulatory decisions before they become final: The Government Accountability Office reported this spring that the Pentagon had pressured the EPA for several years not to regulate perchlorate.
"They have distorted the science to such an extent that they can justify not regulating" the chemical, said Robert Zoeller, a University of Massachusetts professor who specializes in thyroid hormone and brain development and has a copy of the EPA proposal. "Infants and children will continue to be damaged, and that damage is significant."
A reference to those studies in the EPA's proposal was deleted by OMB officials. The document states that establishing a drinking-water standard for perchlorate "would not present a 'meaningful opportunity for health risk reduction for persons served by public water systems,' " but it also reveals that many Americans will be exposed to the compound at levels higher than recommended if nothing is done to remove it. Perchlorate impedes the functioning of the thyroid gland, which produces hormones that foster mental and physical development and control metabolism. The notice indicates that the agency plans to finalize its decision by Dec. 1.
The EPA's assistant administrator for water, Benjamin H. Grumbles, said in a statement yesterday, "Science, not the politics of fear in an election year, will drive our final decision."
"Until then, final numbers and strategies are mere speculation," Grumbles added. "We know perchlorate in drinking water presents some degree of risk and we're committed to working with states and scientists to ensure public health is protected and meaningful opportunities for reducing risk are fully considered."
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, chaired by Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), has endorsed legislation requiring the EPA to set a standard for the chemical and to monitor perchlorate in tap water. Yesterday, Boxer lambasted the agency for refusing to establish a federal exposure standard.
"Perchlorate has been a serious, persistent and widespread problem which threatens the health of our families, especially our children," Boxer said. "For the Bush EPA to walk away from this problem and shrug off this danger is, in my view, unforgivable and immoral."
Federal, state and independent scientists have differed over the years as to what represents an acceptable dose of perchlorate in drinking water, though all have set the bar higher than the non-mandatory level in the EPA's new proposal. In January 2002, the EPA issued a draft risk assessment finding that 1 part per billion should be considered safe; in March 2006, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection set a maximum contaminant level of 2 ppb; last year, California adopted a standard of 6 ppb.
A National Academy of Sciences panel prepared a risk analysis in 2005 that, according to the EPA's traditional models, would produce a protective standard of 1 to 6 ppb. The academy's study came under attack because two of the committee's members had financial ties to defense contractors that face legal liability because of perchlorate disposal.
In the EPA's proposed rule, the administration assumes that perchlorate contamination of 15 ppb is safe. But its regulatory document states that "between 16,000 and 28,000 pregnant women" and 900,000 to 2 million Americans could be exposed to higher levels.
The EPA document also finds that bottle-fed infants would be exposed to more than five times the level the National Academy of Sciences deemed safe -- 700 nanograms per kilogram of body weight per day -- if parents mix formula with drinking water containing perchlorate levels of 15 ppb.
OMB officials said during the drafting process that there was "no need" for detailed data to flesh out a table suggesting that infants would be exposed to perchlorate levels above the academy's recommendation.
To determine safe levels of exposure, the administration opted not to use the academy's "reference dose," a formula that includes a tenfold safety factor to protect children and vulnerable populations, and instead used a computer model developed by the Chemical Industry Institute of Toxicology. EPA officials initially inserted language in the document calling this a "novel approach," but the OMB deleted that language.
Federal officials have yet to determine the extent of perchlorate contamination nationwide, but it is known to be widespread. The GAO, which produced a 2005 report calling for a better federal tracking system for perchlorate, found that limited EPA data show the chemical compound has polluted the soil, groundwater and drinking water in 35 states and the District and has contaminated 153 public water systems in 26 states.
So how does perchlorate play out in Arizona…? Well under the leadership of Governor Napolitano and her ADEQ Director, Steve Owens, we’re going to study this some more in the meantime taking NO action.
Perchlorate has been discovered in drinking wells north of the Az Canal on Tatum while these two have huddled, yet Arizona is NOT prepared to establish a perchlorate quality standard for potable (drinking) water…?
That perchlorate levels exceeding 480 ppb are found in Lake Mead, one of the principal water storage reservoirs for the potable (drinking) water serving metro Phoenix and Tucson and still Arizona under this team sworn to serve and to protect us, they are NOT prepared to establish a perchlorate quality standard for potable (drinking) water…?
As both Napolitano and Owens are attorneys, perhaps they are waiting for the Arizona Supreme Court to make some determination which they can then hide behind…? Or maybe they require a more overt form of proof on the cacogenic qualities of perchlorate, like carcasses of dead, dying, disease, disabled men, women and children…?
It is unconscionably for Arizona’s Governor and her Director of Environmental Quality do nothing on the one hand, while proclaiming to the world at large our water is - safe - and we have all the water we need. The two of you, indeed have learned well the mantra about lying… “If you tell a lie long enough, loud enough and often enough, the people will believe it” … Adolph Hitler
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////
.NO IT IS NOT IN OUR BACK YARD, BUT AT THE VERY LEAST “SIN” CITY IS AT LEAST ACKNOWLEDGING THEY HAVE A PROBLEM WHICH IS MORE THAN ARIZONA IS EVEN WILLING TO CONSIDER …?
LAS VEGAS SUN … 9-29-08 … Joel Schoenmann … ENVIRONMENT…EXCERPTED … Cleaners’ chemical lingers in water, soil …Huge ‘plume’ traced to business under bankruptcy protection …A massive plume of pollution under acres of homes, roads and a golf course in central Las Vegas is the worst of 28 sites in the valley contaminated by the same chemical. The gas-like mass of perchloroethylene, PCE, also known as tetrachloroethylene, or TCE, is emblematic of the intersection of older, less regulated Vegas — indeed, the entire nation — with a world of science that discovers dangers in commonplace practices of years past.
The sites identified by the Nevada Environmental Protection Division include two at Nellis Air Force Base, three at casinos and 19 at current or former dry cleaning businesses. The chemical is widely used for metal degreasing as well as for dry cleaning fabrics. Inhalation of its fumes can cause neurological, liver and kidney problems, according to the EPA. Studies have found that prolonged exposure increases the risk of cancer. The EPA is currently reassessing its potential carcinogenicity. Perchloroethylene remains in use in the dry cleaning industry, though other solvents with less harmful effects are also being used. Dry cleaners are now asked to take special precautions against site contamination to prevent PCE from getting into drinking water. In 1991, California declared perchloroethylene a toxic chemical, and its use will become illegal in that state in 2023.
TCE … http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts19.html ...for one site with information which you may find useful and informative
PERCHLORATE … http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate ... for one site with information which you may find useful and informative.
PCE … http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts18.html … for one site with information which you may find useful and informative
The Arizona vision to serving and protecting the public as well as providing environmental protection is to not acknowledge that TCE and PERCHLORATE and PCE are carcinogenic and something the public ought to be made aware of and a pro-active posture taken to address and remediate it.
Arizona believes, what the public doesn’t know, can’t hurt them…? And besides, when the Governor and State Legislature don’t address it, then they don’t need to budget for it and you know how they “balance” your state’s budget…?

… People should never be afraid of their government, government should always be afraid of the people …

bottled water is safer, yea right

2008-10-14T08:37:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …

Water: Americans face battle with the bottle -- By The Wisconsin State Journal--Friday, September 26, 2008 -- arizonadailysun.com -- Flagstaff -- Just about every American house has plenty of tap water available anytime. So why has bottled water consumption doubled in the last decade? On average, American consumers drink about 28 gallons of bottled water annually per person. One reason: many people seem to believe that bottled water is actually safer than tap water. There's some credence to the claim: some local newspaper investigations have shown all manner of contaminants in supposedly treated municipal water. But after a four-year review of the bottled water industry and the safety standards that govern it, the National Resources Defense Council concludes that bottled water is no cleaner or safer than water from the tap. "An estimated 25 percent or more of bottled water is really just tap water in a bottle – sometimes further treated, sometimes not," says a NRDC report.

Who monitors quality? The feds. But while U.S. Food and Drug Administration standards for contaminants take into account the Environmental Protection Agency's tap water standards, the two standards aren't identical. Some standards for bottled water are stricter than for tap, such as those for fluoride and lead. But some are not. Bottled-water companies may not disinfect or even test for parasites such as Cryptosporidium or Giardia - requirements for municipal tap water. The FDA says bottled water sources are unlikely to harbor the parasites. …. OBSERVATION …. BOTTOM LINE … IT’S A CHOICE YOU NEED TO MAKE AS THERE IS NO SINGLE STANDARD – NOTE – THE FOX IS GUARDING THE HEN HOUSE.

So what's the problem? Water bottles are often made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET #1), a product of crude oil. "Making bottles to meet Americans' demand for bottled water requires more than 1.5 million barrels of oil annually, enough to fuel some 100,000 cars for a year," according to the Earth Policy Institute. Transporting bottled water consumes energy, adding carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. Plastics are generally recyclable, but we are less likely to recycle water bottles. The Container Recycling Institute claims that a high percentage of plastic water bottles used in the United States become garbage or litter. …OBSERVATION … BOTTOM LINE …. MOST OF THE PLASTIC USED TO PRODUCE BOTTLED WATER IS NOT RECYCLED

What are the alternatives? Increasingly, restaurants serve free, filtered local tap water instead of expensive bottled water. This "drink local" movement benefits environment and customers by avoiding the environmental costs of producing and transporting bottled water long distances. The downside: Banning bottles can mean a significant loss of revenue for establishments used to marking up bottled water prices.

Mark Twain's famous quotation, "figures don't lie, but liars figure," is very appropriate when it comes to any discussion respecting “bottled” water. There is notable difference in the numbers depending upon who is attempting to make a point – pro or con – respecting “bottled” water. Many NGO sources note that at least 40% of all “bottled” water especially in the USA begins its life as nothing more than ordinary water from the same facet you get your water delivered. Then as a result of “processing” it is magically transformed into a myriad of brand names all attempting to denote themselves as transformative, benevolent to your inner healing or appealing to some other intrinsic emotion.

This is sheer lunacy given the fact overwhelmingly we package this product in PLASTIC, which immediately begin to deteriorate when exposed to UV (sun) which negatively impacts the water altering whatever “magic” the for-profit-corporations wanted you to believe they imparted into their special brand of water in the first place.

In our robotic stupor in a manner reminiscent of Pavlov’s dog’s we obediently consume the for-profit-corporate elixir.

… People should never be afraid of their government, government should always be afraid of the people …

NON-DENIAL, DENIAL THIS PASSES THE "SMELL" TEST IN ARIZONA AS THE TRUTH

2008-10-13T08:34:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …
What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

What does … “it’s important to note that George Johnson and any of the entities related to George Johnson have NOT admitted to liability or fault” … says their spokesperson.

I would appreciate your input and assistance to enable me to understand and comprehend what the statement above really means…?

Let me understand, though this individual voluntarily without duress chose to sign a legal document in this care a - consent decree - which commits them to paying 1.25 million dollars in the form of a fine, we allow them by some slight of hand to anoint themselves as pure as Ivory soap …. 99..44% pure.

Just what in the hell does this “double-speak” really mean…?

Were I to choose to remit payment to a lawful governmental agency for say an alleged speeding ticket … can I honorably claim while I paid the assessed fine, I am NOT admitting to any liability or fault, even though it is my picture on the “photo-radar”…?

It seems to me, were I actually NOT liable or at fault, I would NOT under any circumstances pay the fine, no way, no how. And I most assuredly would not sign a consent decree…?

This is certainly not the first nor will it be the last instance where we meekly permit the wool to be pulled yet again over our eyes. The question I have is why we continue to permit and excuse this behavior, conduct, deportment and call it – justice served…?

and by god we are stupid

2008-10-12T12:18:00.001-07:00

Appearing on the front page continuing to page A-6 of the 10-12-08 issue of the Arizona Republic is an article … Retail worker flood heath plan … I could sure use your help…? Can anyone explain to me how the largest corporate retail company in the world – WAL-MART - and the largest employer in the State of Arizona can have the more than 5% of its Arizona work force covered by tax-payer public financed health care…?

Like moths drawn to the proverbial flame “we” flock to Wal-Mart for the “cheapest” all the while patting ourselves on the back for our “good-fortune,” blatantly choosing to ignore contrary or contradicting information, which informs us on the EXTERNALITIES our own greed permits the Wal-Mart’s of the world to push off onto others in our world society, including their own employees.

Before we choose to point our finger and shake it at Wal-Mart, or McDonalds or any of the major food purveyors, i.e. Frys, Basha’s, Safeway, Target, let us take long hard look at exactly who is looking back at us in the mirror…? It’s me, it’s you, it’s us - we are accountable and responsible for the disgraceful plight of today’s health care in America.

Serendipitously I happened to watch the DVD … SICKO … yesterday, and as I was reading this article I was forcible struck by a scene in this movie where while engaged in conversation with Americans now residing in France the comment of one of them … Americans are afraid of their government, in France the government is afraid of the people … this is most poignant and reminds me of the line from the motion picture … “V” … people should not be afraid of their government, government should be afraid of the people …

I find I am awed that the Walton family in aggregate is the largest, biggest, grandest, greediest capitalists in America. And every day giving into our own “greed” we increase their wealth while at the same time decreasing our own. By our very actions we vote and take action against our own best interests. Like Forest Gump noted … stupid is as stupid does … and by God we are stupid.

POSTURED AS A "BOLD" PLAN - IN REALITY A "BRASH" MOVE

2008-10-11T10:20:00.000-07:00

Presented as a “bold” endeavor in reality it is a “brash” plan with potentially negative health effects for generations …

I find a bit of serendipity in these two seemingly divergent above notations. The article captioned … A BOLD PLAN … appears on the editorial page of the 9 Oct 08 issue of the Arizona Republic … while the invitation to the Growth & Water Supply conference I found in my PO Box today. The editorial lauds Tucson’s water conservation efforts which taken solely at face value is indeed noteworthy. The water conference is designed primarily as they indicate for … professionals in the legal, development, engineering, planning, supply or environmental community … I suspect I was extended an invitation by virtue of being in the environmental – water & wastewater - field for the past 33 years.

Here’s where serendipity comes into play. One of the featured and lauded presenters of this conference is none other than … Karen L Smith, PhD., currently Deputy Director of Arizona Dept of Environmental Quality. The same Karen L. Smith, who was Director of the Water Quality Control Division of ADEQ in 2005, who summarily and arbitrarily shut off and denied “open” full disclosure discussion on the revision to the rules and regulations affecting GREYWATER systems, among a host of other topics, all to get her rule approved by GRRC at their November 2005 meeting. Her efforts were successful and Arizona is today blessed with convoluted and bastardized rules and regulations governing the design, installation, O&M of all greywater systems which do not address public health short term or long term. But, hey, as the write-up in the “flyer” depicts …Karen L. Smith has experience serving as the Water Quality Director of ADEQ and working in water resources management for SRP, but today “serves & protects” you as Deputy Director of ADEQ. For me this is just one more example of that revolving door between governmental regulators and those they regulate.
Greywater properly implemented incorporating processes to honestly provide a – safe – greywater can be in extremely beneficial for all of Arizona. The rules and regulations implemented under the care, custody and control of Karen L. Smith do not honestly address either the short term or the long term pubic health consequences. For the record, Ms. Smith, I am most willing to discuss this with you at any open public forum. As you are aware, Ms. Smith, Dr. Charles Gerba on the faculty in the Department of Soil, Water at the UA has conducted studies which raise significant questions about the greywater program you chose to allow to be implemented on your watch.
Though I too would like to stand and laud the effort Tucson is making respecting – greywater – I do not see their plan as bold, but rather as “brash” and pre-emptive lacking honest public “buy-in” and without a full airing of all the facts and health implications if the Tucson program is undertaken utilizing the current ADEQ greywater rules and regulations promulgated under Ms. Smith’s watch.

As I have noted in previous discussion papers, if this is such a BOLD and innovative concept why not extend it – state-wide – holding and conducting instruction in every corner of our State showing folks how to design, install and maintain, oops, forgot, under Ms. Smith’s plan there is no long term O&M required, a greywater system.

Any why limit it to greywater, let’s honestly endorse and support all - “water harvesting” – processes…?

I do want to stand and honestly salute our neighbors in Tucson for having the “guts” to at least put the topic of – water harvesting – in its many forms, colors, shapes and sizes on the table for John Q Public to begin to comprehend its longer term implications.

"By means of water, we give life to everything.“ … Koran, 21:30 … I trust our collective action leads to solutions where man will have sufficient and safe water to enable us to give life to everything…

A bold plan
The Arizona Republic
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/articles/2008/10/09/20081009thur2-09.html

Water-harvesting law would benefit Tucson
Arizona Daily Star... George Larsen
http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/261485

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A FREE LUNCH

2008-10-10T09:22:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

Sunday – 9-21-08 – Az Republic – BOLD EFFORT TO CLEAN AIR – AT A COST …?

As I read this article it strikes me that perhaps “we” feel there should not be any price to pay to clean up the “mess” we permitted and contributed in creating in the polluting and contaminating of our air…?

The late economist, Milton Freedman, is reputedly credited with noting … “there is no such thing as a free lunch” … and this sentiment it seems to me certainly applies to cleaning up the air we breathe.

While “we” may not like it, this cost is but a part of that EXTERNALATY iceberg which for years revealed only a very small portion of its mass. Now this EXTERNALATY looms significant on our horizon. We are being invited to deal with the consequences of pollution of our atmosphere head-on or face a fate not unlike the Titanic.

We can choose to (a) do nothing and permit mankind as we understand and know it to be extinguished, (b) take bold action knowing full well these actions will cause displacement and inexorably alter the manner in which we conduct our lives, (c) continue to play the “blame” game under the illusion we are NOT making any choice. The reality is in this “game” even stealth is a choice and has consequences.

We need be aware this is but one of a number of icebergs we will face and which loom on our horizon.

Website address for Paul F. Miller’s blog …. http://energeticsynergy.blogspot.com

And let me be even a bit bolder, I am most willing to present and discuss any water issue before any audience in Arizona where open full disclosure and two way dialog is permitted.

IT'S TIME TO COME CLEAN - GOVERNOR

2008-10-09T19:54:00.001-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …
What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

Arizona Republic … 9 Oct 08 … by Matthew Benson … State contracts larger than $50,000 on hold… Faced with growing fears about the economy and a darkening fiscal picture for state government, Gov. Janet Napolitano vowed Wednesday to freeze all state contracts larger than $50,000 until they can be reviewed. …. The move immediately applies to all state agencies, and she has asked the state's public universities to do likewise. …. "Hopefully it will not be a roadblock but will be a way to ensure we are only spending what is mission-critical this year," Napolitano, a Democrat, told reporters. With its depressed housing market, Arizona has been particularly hard-hit by the national downturn in the economy. Legislative budget officials have said the state shortfall for this fiscal year, which ends June 30, could range between $550 million and $1 billion. That would come on top of a nearly $2 billion shortfall that legislators closed last spring. …. Napolitano has also asked school districts to find additional administrative savings that can be moved into classroom spending. …. The push is similar to one the governor made soon after taking office in 2003, although she acknowledged the state has recently seen "some slippage" in school-spending efficiency. … The renewed emphasis also may help inoculate K-12 education against significant spending cuts over the next year, when Napolitano and legislators will be looking for savings to manage the budget deficit.
As a businessman who has had contracts with the State of Arizona for amounts equal to and in some cases greater than $50,000, I rise to ask if this is to be the policy of our Governor, how does she expect her constituents will choose to react to this diabolical and draconian action on her part…? Perhaps I do not understand and her actions only apply to those situations where the contract or agreement is not yet signed…? The article is not specific as to what her actions apply.

One can only hope our Governor is not pursuing a policy of terminating signed agreements which will be met with an outcry heard around the globe. A choice to terminate a signed agreement sends the clear undeniable message that the State of Arizona can not be trusted. Is this really the message you want to send, Governor…?

Business did not make the projections upon which you chose to rely in promulgating your most recent illusionary budget. Business and the citizens of Arizona should not be hostage to your politically motivated action to CYA on a budget that you essentially fostered and championed thorough this last legislative session.

You made the mess, Governor, you need to come clean and honestly inform us as to what the real numbers are and how dire is our state’s financial picture under your leadership…?

CIVILITY ... thoughtful dialogue

2008-10-09T08:52:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …
What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

“Committed to getting past the narrow partisanship of contemporary politics and rebuilding a tradition of thoughtful dialogue and political civility.” … Mickey Edwards

As I listened on the radio to the alleged presidential debate on Tuesday evening I was forcibly struck by what appeared to me to be near utter contempt in the tone and tenor of these men asking to be considered as our – leader. The veil of civility was hanging by a mere thread as they skewered, sliced and diced into each other.

I suspect this played well in Arizona, where, thanks to the thoughtful action of our Governor and State Legislature we endorse with open arms the civility of those choosing to engage in “cage-fighting.”

I realize the term – debate – has been politicized and is not truly used in its precise context but rather euphemistically, to create the illusion that under the guise of debate politics as usual will be conducted.

I don’t know about you, but what resonated clearly, concisely and understandably is how polarized we are in America. Tragically we permit words and their meaning to be defined in the spur of the moment, by any party, to prove any point, and why…? Because we have for these past 30 year or more allowed others to do all the thinking for us. They define the game, make up the rules on the fly, without any oversight from us, divide us, separate us and define us all to dominate and control us.

It might be worth considering a position espoused by the National Civility Center … which notes the foundation of any community is the quality of its relationships and levels of trust between people and across its institutions. Building relationships and increasing levels of trust is the cornerstone to the community improvement process. In order to do this, communities must engage in civil behavior and dialogue.
Guy Burgess, Ph.D. and Heidi Burgess, Ph.D. …Co-Directors, Conflict Research Consortium, University of Colorado … wrote in 1997 … “The increasingly vocal campaign for civility in public discourse reflects an understandable and widespread frustration with the current tenor of political debate. There is a growing realization that our inability to deal with broad range of problems is largely attributable to the destructive ways in which the issues are being addressed. This raises a crucial and increasingly controversial question--what exactly do we mean by "civility"? … In short, any reasonable definition of civility must recognize that the many differing interests which divide our increasingly diverse society will produce an endless series of confrontations over difficult moral and distributional issues. Often these issues will have an irreducible win-lose character and, hence, not be amenable to consensus resolution. While continuing confrontation is inevitable, the enormous destructiveness which commonly accompanies these confrontations is not”.
While some long for the “good-old-days” which is truly but a mirage, the world in which we now live is, though many continue to choose not to believe, utterly interdependent. And to successfully survive in this new environment an honorable self promoted degree of civility is required, lest we return to the darker days of war and more war and still more war to the annihilation of the all of mankind.
It would seem that it would be to our selfish best interest to elect leaders at all levels from school boards, to county boards of commissioners/supervisors, governors, state legislators, federal congressmen and senators, sheriffs, marshals, and boards controlling your water and power, individuals with the capacity to honestly choose to engage in open discourse in an atmosphere of civility. For as pointed out in 1977, often these issues will have an irreducible win-lose character and, hence, not be amenable to consensus resolution. While continuing confrontation is inevitable, the enormous destructiveness which commonly accompanies these confrontations is not
This notion of …amenable to consensus resolution …is one that many of you are aware is near and dear to my heart, though it remains extremely problematical in the hallowed halls of governmental regulation and bureaucracy. In these environments the mantra remains, divide and conquer, separate, convolute and non-disclosure which can only lead to further polarization.
Civility is transforming creating an atmosphere in which the views, positions, observations, opinions and analysis of others will honorable be considered, valued and assessed. Civility is in today’s world counter intuitive as we embrace “speed” and actions taken and achieved expeditiously, though often later deemed capriciously. Civility requires we make and allow the – time – for everyone’s view to be heard before rushing headlong into decision. This time factor is a source of incalculable distress for many still clinging to the notion that time is an enemy. Time in our current contemporary illusion is seen as either friend or foe, for many, with no “gray” as either or, black or white. But is that true…?
Might discourse conducted under honoring terms of civility produce understanding to which the all of man can choose to “buy-into” leading to the probability of a longer period of unified thought and action. The haste of our contemporary decision making environment coupled with its lack of civility has not to this point produced results which are proving beneficial to the all of mankind.
The civility which money will purchase is rarely extended to those who have none. ..Charles Dickens

reflective of our midas creed and greed

2008-10-07T09:52:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

This article in the 9-19-08 issue of the Arizona Republic entitled … LAW OK’ING FIERCER ARIZ CAGE FIGHTS SPURS CLASH …

Welcome to Arizona’s version of Rome’s theater where the lions fed on the flesh of humans – blood sport – it was. Our Arizona version involves only humans beating and punching another human into submission or a stupor or even death.

I find myself asking what purpose “cage fighting” serves…? How did we in Arizona become so blood thirsty…? What redeeming quality does cage fight have…? Perhaps it is reflective of that small portion of our population which condones “rooster” fighting, another blood sport to entertain us…?

What leads one to choose to witness another human beaten, kicked, battered and bludgeoned into submission…?

To pay an admission fee to witness such savagery makes understandable the brutality “we” chose to inflict upon helpless individuals in Abu Graibh prison.

Though not directly a part of this cage fighting topic we should be cognizant of the recent tragic death of a young man fighting at an event deliberated staged on Indian reservation negating the laws of the state of Arizona and in this case rules governing how these fights were to be conducted. Might it be possible this money driven decision played a hand in the tragic death of this young combatant fighting in what was billed as a charity event…?

This is how Arizona chooses to depict the nobility of man…?

in stealth we watch

2008-10-07T09:50:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

Summit cyanide ban challenged …Bob Berwyn…Summit Daily News…Summit County, Colorado… excerpted … A local ban on cyanide mining would prevent mining companies from revisiting old mine sites and using a potentially risky open-pit method to try and extract gold from piles of tailings and waste rock….The Colorado Supreme Court on Tuesday took on the question of whether a Summit County ban on cyanide-based gold mining is constitutional, probing the boundary between state and county authority.

The article referenced notes action being considered by our neighbors to the Northeast in Colorado. Arizona mining is replete with copious amounts of toxic chemicals such as cyanide being used as part of leaching operations in the extraction of gold and copper.

ADEQ, the state agency formed and mandated to be our “watch-dog” - to serve and to protect us - has become instead that lap-dog which licks its master’s hand and sits idyllically at their feet.

Hourly our water – both surface and subsurface – is subject to receiving the residuals from the cauldron of chemicals mines use to extract and process their particular metal of profit.

As “we” choose not to rise and with clarity speak out and denounce this type of action can “we” honestly choose to call or paint the mines as wrong and bad…? Would not our silence be logically interpreted by the mines that we care not what they do or how their actions affect our health…? And the health of those yet unborn…?

It will not change and it will not be fixed until each of us chooses to honestly take full accountability and responsibility for all of our actions and yes, our inactions, too.

French picnic tax might be worth considering

2008-10-07T09:49:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …What does it look like when it’s fixed…?
France to create 'picnic tax' on pollution …excerpt…PARIS (AFP) — France's environment minister Monday announced plans for a "picnic tax" on throw-away plates, cups and cutlery, as part of a broad drive to slash pollution and energy use…."We are doing it," Jean-Louis Borloo told RTL radio, saying the levy would apply to items made of non-recyclable plastic or paper, and would represent about 90 eurocents per kilogram…."Rather than a tax, we prefer to call it a contribution on high waste-producing products," his ministry said, adding that the proceeds would be used to subsidies recyclable goods…The measure is the latest in a series of initiatives by France to lower its bill for imported energy and its emissions of greenhouse gases.
Yea, I know, because it’s not an American idea and especially because the French came up with it, it’s not valid. IT is fixed when we – Americans – get over our hubris. Sorry, the world does not revolve around us. And all great ideas do not initiate only in America. I believe some many centuries past that notion was put to rest as a wise mind determined this planet we all occupy revolves around the Sun. Or is that still in dispute for some Americans…?
Hey, it’s thinking a bit outside the box, something in America we have been educated not to do as for so long now have we drunk the corporate “kool-aid” to the point where we can only react like one of Pavlov’s dog’s in his experiments.

Is it true ... people can choose whether or not to fight

2008-10-06T09:27:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …
What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

My recent email entitled … WE "BAN" & MAKE ILLEGAL - COCK & DOG - FIGHTING THEN PROMOTE BARBAROUS HUMAN CAGE FIGHTING … produced several responses among them one from a gentleman whom I choose to call both a friend and most erudite. His comment was … People can choose whether or not to fight. Animals can not … and quite frankly I find this is entirely correct. In attempting to digest this I note I have an uneasiness which I am not able to completely eliminate.

My heart fully subscribes to the notion, my friend noted, that man CAN choose whether or not to fight, my head on the other hand screams that for more than 40 years now, Americans, at least, have chosen to voluntarily grant and empower others to make these types of decisions in our stead. How then can we expect today that a “young” American male will possess the background attitudes, beliefs, philosophy enabling him to accept accountability and responsibility for his actions…? The background and education we inspire in him is to … follow instructions to the letter and regurgitate in the classroom precisely and only what the instructor wants, no more, no less. Aspects appealing to the “heart” are in our contemporary society deemed primarily the providence of the female. Males engaging in such beliefs are most often labeled and branded as “sissies” or some far more vulgar term. Our appeal to the young American male is directly to express his manliness with vain ads taunting him to “join” and … “be all that he can be” … lest we subject ourselves to charges of sexism, we now extend this offer to the American female.

The inspiration we provide to the young Americans is to expose them to the atrocities and humiliation of man under depraved conditions like Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. This exposure, we in stealth mode endorse, formulates the underpinning of the belief, philosophy and attitudes which American youth are educated. It seems to me to beg the question. In a perfect world people can choose whether or not to fight and under what conditions. This implies that men and women have been exposed and taught how to “think” for themselves. Are we honestly saying we have provided that form of education to Americans in the last 30 years…?

I write this on Sunday – 6 October 08 – after perusing today’s issue of the Arizona Republic. The headlines and lead articles are entitled … “tapping emotions to sway your vote,” … “crime-sweep records raise suspicions of racial profiling” … page A23 – “drug evaluations raise queries” … page B1 – EJ Montini … “election limbo: Arpaio supporters set bar lower” … I leave it to each of you to determine whether or not you choose to read these references articles.

The common thread which emerges for me from these articles is their appeal to the more prurient and base emotions and talents man possesses. It is now common place for those offering “to serve & to protect” us to engage in political campaigning which taps primarily in a subliminal manner into our subconscious emotions no longer appealing and attempting to make a case which honorably and nobly appeals to both heart and head. Moreover, those we elect “to serve & to protect” us, we allow to engage in whatever form of “profiling” is necessary to keep the “bad-guys” off our streets making it safe for you and me, all the while we forget just like in Nazi Germany, today it’s them, tomorrow it could just as easily be you and me. Those university educators teaching our young Americans (see drug evaluations raise queries) are free to engage in activities which enrich them while they perform “research” for the “midas-corporate-elite” under the guise of “objectivity” which we know to be a sham.

With this type of education and background is it reasonable to suggest that, especially today, young Americans, possess the ability to address the many facets associated with engaging in “cage fighting” …? Our Governor and the 90 mental midgets masquerading as State Legislators and Senators endorse this form of enterprise, so why in the world would a young virile American male not choose to support and potentially be monetarily enriched by it...?

I find the words of my friend … People can choose whether or not to fight … to be valid and equally today sorely and painfully invalid in America and Arizona. We have deliberately chosen to educate so as to refute one’s ability to think and choose for him self. When we honorable choose to infuse in every American the skills to think for him self, then I can honorably support the notion that people can choose whether or not to fight, but not until then.

eneregy independence and safe water

2008-10-03T15:03:00.001-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …What does it look like when it’s fixed…?
Do uranium mines belong near Grand Canyon? …Mining companies stake claims on federal land adjoining the park, while opponents say drinking water will be at risk….By Mark Clayton| Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor/ August 19, 2008 edition …GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, ARIZ. …On a ragged outcrop just a short walk from a Grand Canyon overlook where millions of visitors annually come to gawk at one of the world’s most stunning vistas sits the old Orphan uranium mine. Soil radiation levels around it are 450 times higher than normal. It’s encircled by a protective fence. …A sign warns: “Remain behind fence – environmental evaluation in progress.” In the canyon hundreds of feet below, another sign by gurgling Horn Creek instructs thirsty hikers not to drink its radioactive water. While another group notes in the mighty Colorado River, the old Orphan uranium mine’s radioactive dribble is diluted to insignificance. But what if a dozen new uranium mines leached uranium radioisotopes into this water source…?
“IT” will be fixed when warning signs such as those noted in the above article are no longer required and we can with honest safely ingest the water from the mighty Colorado River.

Is it not ludicrous on the one hand to report water in the Colorado River is 450 times higher in radioactivity than normal, while on the other we continue to allow unrestricted mining exploration on this water body serving over 25 million American citizens…? And exactly what does … dilute to insignificance … honestly mean…?

We all know everything has a price and a cost and providing safe water is most assuredly one of them. Generations earlier, Sir Issac Newton noted that … "Every action has an equal and opposite reaction" … it would seem logical then to conclude that permitting unrestricted mining of uranium near a water body like the Colorado River invites contamination and pollution of that water body as accidents in mining are part and parcel to its activity coupled with the destructive nature of mining itself.

Confining our “energy” dreams to only those activities which we have been educated to believe are the only ones only promotes stagnation and limitation. John Kennedy as President invigorated a nation impelling them with a burning desire to … put a man on the moon and return him safely to earth … When he spoke those now immortal words we did not have the technology to achieve this feat. So, we collectively went out and created it, which is exactly what we can do respecting our energy dream. All it takes is our individual and collective willingness to think outside the box.

Obtaining energy independence and safe water in the Colorado River are not mutually exclusive goals. It is not a choice of one or the other, rather it is a both, and, paradigm, achievable when we make the honest intent to manifest it. We sent a man to the moon and returned him safely to earth and we can have energy independence and safe water simultaneously.

reward coporate energy producers punish personal alternative options

2008-10-03T15:01:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …What does it look like when it’s fixed…?
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IT will be fixed when we choose to honorable and ethically treat all forms of power generation equally.

Headlines like this one appearing in the Sunday – 9-7-08 – Arizona Republic serve to point out the hypocrisy of our current system … solar demand exceeds supply as manufacturers, installers see rush for panels before credits expire …

While our Arizona Corp Commission continues to permit all corporate power generators in our state to increase the fee for the power they choose to supply, by our choice we will punish anyone who dares choose a path getting themselves “off-the-grid.” Why…?

We have chosen to grant to all corporate power generators many forms of tax breaks and relief, while we choose not to provide those same credits for those seeking to install solar and wind power, why…? Does not revealing these choices manifest the duplicity inherent within our current power generation regulatory system..?

You don’t believe, do you, APS or SRP or TPE or any other corporate, private or municipal utility in our state pays 100% of all the cost associated with production of the power they sell to you and me…? We appear patently oblivious to the “externalities” which corporate power generators pass forward to you and me and those generations yet unborn which shall be paid in full.

Why do we choose to reward corporate greed while punishing the individual who chooses an “alternative” course of action…?

safe water can be our reality

2008-10-03T15:00:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

Investigation finds more toxic drinking water in Valley … KNXV-TV – reported by Joe Ducey…8-19-08 - Kristi Carpenter’s neighborhood is a picturesque area of East Mesa filled with cactus and bordered by mountains. It’s also hiding a secret about its water supply. Carpenter lives near 90th Place, just north of McDowell Road. Her area tested high for total trihalomethanes, or TTHMs. TTHMs form when organic material mixes with chlorine, which cities use to disinfect water supplies. The Environmental Protection Agency sets a limit for TTHMs of 80 parts per billion because of the potential dangers. Valley doctor Marianne Marchese said TTHMs are linked to various cancers, specifically bladder cancer. “It can lead to birth defects. There are various neurological and liver and kidney problems.” Marchese added that TTHMs can be ingested, absorbed or inhaled, and what isn't excreted is stored in your body fat. “TTHMs can stay in a person’s tissues for 20 to 30 years,” Marchese said, “And then at times it can slowly be released and get back into the blood stream.” At the east Mesa location, city records showed three years of consistently high averages of 116, 98 and 91 -- all more than the 80 EPA limit. Dr. Alan Martindale is the head of water quality in Mesa. “We are looking at a very long time period before there is a danger associated with this,” he said.

IT will be fixed when this type of information is NOT withheld from you and me and is immediately disclosed.

This information should NEVER be hidden from an unsuspecting public to whom any water purveyor is supplying water. This form of non-disclosure should never be tolerated in any form by any government or corporation. We allow it because that’s what we have been educated to believe is acceptable forms of disclosure from government, public officials, politicians, corporations and business. Well it’s not and we have every right to demand and expect absolutely full and open disclosure and not be willing to accept anything less.

This is but the tip of an iceberg of nondisclosure which government, public officials, politicians, corporations and business has and continues to perpetuate on us each and every day. In Arizona we are fed a steady daily diet that there is no current or long term water problem and that our water is SAFE. Moreover, that urban sprawl is the best solution to support the economic policy of unrestricted growth in our state.

Full open honest disclosure will not occur until we individually and collectively stand shoulder to shoulder and demand it and be unwilling to accept anything less.

dream no small dreams

2008-10-03T14:59:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

Dream no small dreams for they have no power to move the hearts of men … Goethe

Whenever I come across this statement I am reminded of the words spoken by JFK whose dream became an American mantra and we did send a man to the moon and safely return him to earth. JFK most assuredly did not walk on water and being a human was subject to the same proclivities as you and me. He was able to include you and me in his dream and in doing so stir our hearts and engage our mind in a meaningful venture.

Forty-seven years has passed since JFK in 1961 gave words to his dream which resonated within the American psyche. Today on the geopolitical scene is there anyone who possesses that same unique quality…? Or have we become so strident and polarized we are unable to see value in the dreams of others…?

Has the speed of dispensing information become so prolific and ubiquitous so as to overwhelm us…? Does the sheer volume of information seeking to resonate bombard us so as to leave us anesthetized and unable to make the time to sort through this proliferation…?

I would offer that yes, we are anesthetized. Anesthetized to dwell and linger in fear of the unknown. A fear perpetrated and promulgated to advance the perverse dream of an elite few at the expense of the many. For the past nearly eight years, America has cowered to an unrelenting fear of an “unknown” and undisclosed opponent termed – terrorism. The dream proselytized by our current leaders is to seek out and destroy – terrorism – without ever defining or disclosing in clear, concise and understandable terms who and what is terrorism…? Label it terrorism and immediately we like Pavlov’s dogs respond with fear.

Yota, that strange, small, but brilliant personality from George Lucas – Star Wars – was right … fear leads to anger, and anger to hate … though it’s a circle difficult to break, the question seems to me, is do we even choose to try…?

Who dares espouse a dream bold enough for us to embrace which unities, bonds us to seek achieving resolution to another meaningful unified venture…?

there is no such thing as a free lunch

2008-10-03T14:58:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

Sunday – 9-21-08 – Az Republic – BOLD EFFORT TO CLEAN AIR – AT A COST …?

As I read this article it strikes me that perhaps “we” feel there should not be any price to pay to clean up the “mess” we permitted and contributed in creating in the polluting and contaminating of our air…?

The late economist, Milton Freedman, is reputedly credited with noting … “there is no such thing as a free lunch” … and this sentiment it seems to me certainly applies to cleaning up the air we breathe.

While “we” may not like it, this cost is but a part of that EXTERNALATY iceberg which for years revealed only a very small portion of is mass. Now this EXTERNALATY appears significant on our horizon. We are being invited to deal with the consequences of pollution of our atmosphere head-on or face a fate like the Titanic.

We can choose to (a) do nothing and permit mankind as we understand and know it to be extinguished, (b) take bold action knowing full well these actions will cause displacement, inexorably alter the manner in which we conduct our lives, these choices are solely and individually ours to make.

We need be aware this is but one of a number of icebergs we will face and which loom on our immediate horizon.

GM history causes me to be a doubting thomas

2008-10-03T14:57:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

GM history causes me to be a “Doubting Thomas”…?

The Associated Press picture of Chevrolet – VOLT – one of the latest GM hybrid vehicles leaves me even further doubtful.
I am ever mindful of how GM chose to “snuff” the EV1 – electric car. I invite you to rent the DVD Who Killed the Electric Car? (2006)
After you view this DVD, let me know what, if anything, now allows you to believe that this leopard has changed its spots…?
This reminds me of that Chinese proverb … "Fool me once …Shame on you … Fool me twice …Shame on me."
I choose not to be fooled again, how about you…?

reflective of our midas greed

2008-10-03T14:55:00.000-07:00

mining in stealth we watch

2008-10-03T14:53:00.001-07:00

labels ... do they really benefit mankind

2008-10-03T14:51:00.002-07:00

MAYBE PICNIC TAX SOMETHING TO CONSIDER

2008-10-03T14:51:00.001-07:00

EPA must limit bulider pollution of water

2008-10-02T07:51:00.001-07:00

corporate profits always trump human health

2008-10-02T07:49:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

EPA BID TO EASE FARM-WASTE RULE FOUGHT …reports Associated Press, WOW, that is suppose to be a surprise…?

What part of corporate profit$ always$, always$ trump all aspects of human health, don’t you understand…?

And this applies not only to the giant AG producers, slaughter houses, growers, but in Arizona we extend this courtesy to land developers encouraging them to pillage and rape our fragile environment’s air and water resources as we obediently embrace our political leaders belief in unsustainable growth.

IT - is fixed when WE demand and accept nothing less than a seat at head of every negotiating table and are willing to defend for the benefit of mankind our environment and in doing so serve and protect ourselves.

sewage effluent is gold but not in your hands

2008-10-02T07:48:00.001-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

Published: 09.24.2008……ERIC SAGARA…Tucson Citizen …'Graywater' recycling units coming to new city homes. In a couple of years, new homes within city limits will come with at least part of the plumbing needed to use recycled "graywater" on the landscaping. The City Council unanimously approved an ordinance Tuesday night that requires builders to include the waste system needed to connect to a graywater irrigation system. Graywater includes water from bathroom sinks, laundry sinks, showers and tubs. Installing a waste system will cost about $500, according to the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association. The ordinance takes effect June 1, 2010. Supporters of the ordinance at Tuesday's public hearing included environmentalists, water conservationists and representatives of the local plumbers union. Two mechanical engineers were the only people to speak in opposition, voicing fears that the waste systems within the home would cause clogging and burden homebuyers with another expense. Stan Adams, a mechanical engineer who chairs the city's Mechanical Code Committee, said removing graywater from the home's waste system may cause problems with flushing solid waste from toilets, which will be separate from the graywater system. "The ordinance sounds very politically correct," he said. "I mean who doesn't want to save water?" But "I think there's more study that needs to be involved," Adams said. Jay Casey, training director at Arizona Pipe Trades, said there shouldn't be any clogging as long as the work is done right. "This idea that is being proposed is being used in several parts of the country," Casey said. "It shouldn't be a problem here in Tucson as long as it is done properly."

One could rise and salute the unilateral action on the part of Tucson to defy current ADEQ rules respecting the design, installation, use and O&M associated with any “greywater” system in Arizona. The current ADEQ rules and regulations respecting the design, installation, use and O&M of any “greywater” system are draconian and grossly inappropriate.

Current “greywater” use in Arizona is limited to primarily those independent and forward thinking individuals who are willing to defy and push the envelope on ADEQ vaunted Unified Permit Rules reputedly promulgated and enforced state-wide. And if you choose to believe that, I most certainly do have some ocean front property in Arizona to sell you…!

"It shouldn't be a problem here in Tucson as long as it is done properly." … This is the salient point and the Achilles heel of “greywater” use in Arizona. Our political and bureaucratic leaders, those we elected to serve & protect us are unwilling to stand before any of us and admit, they honestly do not want to see “greywater” usage implemented state-wide. Why…? I especially invite you to ask the leaders of all “metro” Phoenix cities and towns, those who sold those rights years ago as cooling water for Palo Verde Nuclear Power Generation plant some 45 miles west of Phoenix. Bottom line, you don’t own your sewage water those rights were transferred to others.

A noted professor at UA in Tucson, Charles Peter Gerba, Ph.D., has for years studied aspects of “greywater” concluding in recent remarks at a seminar in Tucson that a surprising amount of fecal matter, in particular, resides in our laundry water. For many this will not come as a surprise though it alters our current treatment technology employed in Arizona, if indeed, we are honestly choosing to protect both human health and our environment. And our current treatment technologies play directly into the comment … "It shouldn't be a problem here in Tucson as long as it is done properly." I believe it can be parenthetically noted we are not choosing to utilize greywater technology which “kills” the pathogens in much of the residual laundry water. The question then turns to what other pharmaceutical, chemical, pesticide, herbicide, fungicide, cosmetic, residuals remain untreated in the “greywater” we are currently choosing to rather whimsically dispose of…?

And guess what…? For-profit water purveyors have discovered and are continuing to discover there is “gold-in-sewage-effluent-liquid” and “we” – that’s the for-profit corporations – are NOT going to share it with the likes of you or you or you.

I invite you to consider perusing these: Blue Gold, by Maude Barlow, Living Water, by Olof Alexandersson, Life’s Matrix, by Phillip Ball, Your Body’s Many Cries for Water, by Dr. F. Batmanghelidj and Silent Spring, by Rachel Carson for starters.

Then I invite you to Google: Suez Lyonnaise des Eaux, Vivendi, RWE AG, Thames Water LLC, USFilter, Bechtel Group and I believe you will begin to discover the enormous and inordinate influence these for-profit corporations exert on the world’s water resource. On the lobbying front, another key battleground of political influence, just three groups — the National Association of Water Companies, United Water and American Water Works —traditionally have supported privatization measures.

So you really think Arizona government honestly endorses statewide “greywater” use…? Get over it, folks, “greywater” in the right hands can be turned into “gold” and it’s not in your hands…!

Council approves graywater regulations
Homes built after mid-2010 affected
Arizona Daily Star... Rob O'Dell
http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/259086

'Graywater' recycling units coming to new city homes
Tucson Citizen... Eric Sagara
http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/daily/all_headlines/97585

arizona and its blood sport economy

2008-10-02T07:45:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …What does it look like when it’s fixed…?
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One of the lead articles in Sunday’s – Arizona Republic – 9-28-08 is entitled … CAGE FIGHTS MAY PACK AN ECONOMIC PUNCH …

When “we” choose to see – cage fighting – as a pillar in our state’s economy, it makes the action of some of our soldiers guarding unarmed shackled prisoners in Iraq at Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo Bay in Cuba while indicative of distressing aberrant avaricious desires to pummel another human being into a bewildered catatonic state, understandable.

Americans are voyeurs who appear to thrive on drawing blood and humiliation of others of our species. In Arizona our Governor and the 90 mental pigmies we elect to our State Legislature to “serve & protect” us spend their time endeavoring to see how bloody they are able to make the “rules” governing this aberrant form of entertainment, while covering it with a thinnest blanket of civility.

Might it be time for us to consider whether these forms of entertainment have a carry-over effect into our daily lives…? And, might this carry-over effect have negative consequences on how we choose to view others holding views, opinions, and beliefs different than ours…?

The American answer to most any difference between men and/or countries holding a different view, belief or opinion is to immediately strike the alleged opponent. Hit them and as savagely and as brutality and as often as possible within the shortest amount of time. Defeating them is not sufficient we need to bludgeon them into submission.

I dare say, this notion of defeating and beating to submission we choose to carry-over into many of our so-called sport activities, i.e. football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, not to mention boxing or wrestling. We carry this defeating and beating, down to our children’s play ground level where “winning” is everything, there is no such thing as enjoying the game or being a good sport … as we ingrain our children to understand those notions are only for losers.

Tell me, what is the difference between the “blood” sports we use as forms of entertainment today and those used in ancient Rome…? Please do not tell me we don’t kill those who entertain us, for we surely do. And we can forget their passing as easily as we draw our next breath. We conjure up the belief they voluntarily chose to get involved.

In Arizona this form of entertainment passes the “smell” test of our Governor and our State Legislature as civil behavior…?

And guess, what you actually pay $$$ to watch the debacle… and we call that civil behavior…?

George Orwell summed it up quite succinctly …. " Serious sport has nothing to do with fair play. It is bound up with hatred, jealousy, boastfulness, disregard of all rules and sadistic pleasure in witnessing violence. In other words: it is war minus the shooting. "

ARIZONA PROACTIVE WATER POLICY

2008-10-01T10:27:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

ARIZONA FIGHTS SUIT OVER DENIAL OF WATER TRANSFER …. Arizona is trying to fend off a lawsuit in which a company is suing the state over its refusal to allow ground water to be piped to neighboring Nevada to support new development. The lawsuit pending in federal court in Las Vegas contends, among other things, that the denial interfered with interstate commerce and that Arizona officials violated a federal racketeering law by conspiring with project opponents and by purposely stringing out consideration of the application to "throw up numerous costly bureaucratic hurdles." The state's alleged intentional mishandling of Wind River Resources LLC's application left then-majority owner Erika Van Alstine financially insolvent, forcing her to sell a majority stake in the Arizona-based company, according to the lawsuit. Lawyers for the state Department of Water Resources have yet to respond to the lawsuit's charges, instead asking that the lawsuit be thrown out on jurisdiction and other legal grounds, including Wind River's failure to appeal administratively. If the case isn't dismissed, it should at least be transferred to federal court in Arizona, the state's lawyers contend. Wind River, whose lawsuit seeks unspecified damages, sought to pump water from the Muddy Creek aquifer in the Mormon Wells area north of Beaver Dam and transport it to the Virgin Valley Water District in nearby Mesquite, Nev. The March 15, 2005, application was the first submitted to the Department of Water Resources for a decision under a 1989 state law that set criteria for transporting water out of Arizona. The law was enacted seven years after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that groundwater is subject to the U.S. Constitution's protections for interstate commerce. Wind River's application called for exporting up to 14,000 acre-feet of water annually. An acre-foot of water is about 325,000 gallons, enough to supply two average families of four for a year. Many Beaver Dam and Littlefield residents opposed the application, expressing concerns that the project could leave their wells dry. Following the recommendation of an administrative law judge, state Water Resources Director Herb Guenther rejected Wind River's application on Nov. 28. In a Nov. 1 report that Guenther adopted with only a few changes, Judge Thomas Shedden recommended that Wind River's application be denied because the company failed to update key aspects, provided inaccurate information and did not submit hydrological studies on the pumping's probable impact on the Mormon Wells area. That left the department without enough information to decide whether Wind River had satisfied the Arizona law's requirements, including whether the exported water would be used for a "reasonable and beneficial" use in another state, Shedden said. Wind River contended it submitted all the necessary documentation to support its application and that its project would not harm existing water users in the lower Virgin River basin. Wind River also has argued that the state law requiring it to get Arizona's permission to export water was unconstitutional.

This report above is the first in a series of wild-west-skirmishes ushering in what will be a long arduous pejorative battle over water. This is but the very tip of an iceberg respecting how – water – in all of its many forms will be fought over. Water is the life-blood of any area in the West, and ownership or control of water in the West elicits a response one has power, authority and dominion. Arizona enters these battles a bit beleaguered as our water rights are subservient and “junior” to the rights enjoyed by – Nevada – California – New Mexico – Utah - Colorado our closest neighbors with “senior” rights as adjudicated under the Compact of the River. It strikes me that Arizona has absolutely no choice but to defend any action from any source which threatens to take in any form what Arizona chooses to believe is its water.

Not only is Nevada taking this shot at Arizona’s water, but our neighbor to the North – Utah – has made application to withdraw significant amounts of water from Lake Powell to provide water to support its unprecedented growth in St. George and Cedar City. Our friends in New Mexico are making plans to take more the water to which they are entitled from the Colorado River, while that 900# gorilla – California – appears to be a bit in a stealth mode at the moment.

Were all those states signature to the Compact of the River to actually withdraw all the water to which they are by contract entitled – no – water would reach Phoenix, or damn little, certainly not enough to support our current population let alone our appetite for future growth.

And this short discussion does not even remotely address what does the Compact of the River do about the legitimate claims of the sovereign nation/state of Mexico…?

Might it be time for Arizona to get honest and real about the water is actually has and develop proactive plans to conserve it for the benefit of the many…?

the dominos fall

2008-09-29T18:12:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

Today “we” find that once again “we” are about to be crushed as the dominos the consequence of our latest series of choices - fall.

In these moments when chaos and confusion are rampant “we” wish for our own St. George – Slayer of Dragons – on his white steed to honorably and steadfastly lead us from the terror of our making. In his stead “we” longingly beseech anyone, even pretenders, who will take up this mantle, whether legitimate or not, and mouth words designed to placate us in these moments of – fear – which they cleverly and deliberately induced.

The efficacy of this most recent debacle has been in the cauldron stewing for more than 30 years and though many have attempted to raise our awareness to the maelstrom it portends “we” choose to give our allegiance to those espousing “free-enterprise-capitalism-for-profit-corporate-interest-government-dominated-by-the-Midas-creed” of unprecedented individualism and greed. It is written in a book many choose on propitious moments to quote … “as ye sow, so shall ye reap” … quoting in the hope of proving a point or attaining a concession.

Pointing our finger, individually and/or collectively at others, blaming, shaming, screaming, shouting, stomping, orating will not – in the context of fear - permit us to discover and uncover the root or the source for these debacles we are encountering, if that is truly our intent…? It might be that what “we” really want in this moment in time is another “band-aide” to be placed over a festering and unhealed wound eating, still, at our core….?

For the past 30 plus years, we, especially in America, have bought into the belief that mankind’s highest and most noble good is served when “we” vigorously strive to attain “things” creating a distinctive demarcation between us and them. The pentacle of this belief manifested following the pain inflicted as the result of Sept. 11th, when our St. George, prohibits the playing of any ‘60’s era peace music on radio or other sources over air waves that “we” own, their solution instead was that we go forth and buy and purchase – stuff and things.

Like contented – sheep – Americans frolic with the “stuff and things” we have been educated to believe define the measure of mankind. Like – hogs – Americans wallow in the belief our leader speaks directly with God therefore America is entitled to unilaterally, and without justifiable cause invade a sovereign nation which did absolutely nothing illegal to us and bomb, kill, maim, destroy and reduce to mere ash. When in like kind, the leadership of the invaded nation and its neighbors declare their own jihad against America, we term them - terrorist.

Our compliancy over these last 30 plus years allows the few to take both overt and covert control of all aspects of our government – executive – legislative – judiciary – manipulating it, with the able assistance of “for-profit-corporations” into the divine essence of their choosing and to which we willing and obediently capitulate.
In these moments of chaos and confusion “we” run around like chickens with our heads cut off as “we” do not know how to think for ourselves so content have “we” become to having the few, the chosen to save us from this most recent debacle the result of our choices and decisions. There are a few individuals termed misguided by American corporate media who have dared to look, as did Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, noting how pathetic and how weasel like this wizard we so obediently follow truly is. Others have seen through the false “matrix” these wizard helpers choose to have us see as reality. While others have come to comprehend the wisdom in the words of “V” … “people should not fear their government, their government should fear the people” …

We are drawing close to the end of another presidential campaign and while my heart leans in favor of Mr. Obama, my head urges caution, and my “whisper voice” weeps as with the passing of each day the leadership for which I yearn and thought I saw in Mr. Obama remain unresolved. Unfortunately today there is absolutely - NO - fundamental difference in the execution of governing philosophy between the Democrats or the Republicans they are all beholding to the same master – “for-profit-corporate-interests.” “We” are not willing to call either candidate and hold the accountable or responsible for anything they say. And, why not … because that implies they have the right to hold you and me accountable and responsible and we will not permit that, will we…? George Orwell wrote … “Speaking the Truth in times of universal deceit is a revolutionary act.” To expect any politician to speak the truth in these perilous of times is asking of them to be a revolutionist.

You and I are not accountable or responsible, they are…? That “we” elected them and then chose to sit on the side lines and did nothing all the while watching as they played games with our liberties, freedom, equivocate our habeas corpus laws, illegitimately and capriciously label individuals or groups as malcontents or worse as the “T” word (terrorist) again without any provocation or proof.

In our stead, “we” permit the leaders we elect to utilize …" Political language - and with variations this is true of all political parties, from Conservatives to Anarchists - which is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind. " …George Orwell

And with over 30 years of “ostrich” like education, we willingly believe… and then we wonder why the dominos continue to fall – on us.

MINES DON’T AGREE …WOW …THAT’S A SURPRISE….?

2008-09-29T09:04:00.001-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

MINES DON’T AGREE …WOW …THAT’S A SURPRISE….?

Group urges valley fever, mining study…by Jeffrey Javier - Sept. 16, 2008 12:00 AM…excerpt…The Arizona Republic …Pleas from northwest Valley residents have narrowly persuaded the Maricopa County Mining District Recommendation Committee to pass a motion recommending a study of whether mining operations have contributed to valley- fever cases near the Agua Fria River bed. …All the mining-industry members of the panel voted against the recommendation, referring to the Arizona Department of Health Services' position that mining isn't associated with the respiratory illness.

IT will be fixed when all of us making a profit from whatever our endeavors are take full accountability and responsibility for all the “externalities” associated with our choices.

The mining operations, in this case the sand and gravel and concrete producers in the area are not evil. They are simply – greedy. That their lobbyists, attorneys, PR and front men would vote to exclude them as being liable or contributing to valley-fever is quite understandable. After all if the mines were liable or contributory to the cause or spread of valley-fever it could significantly reduce their master’s profit - $$$ - the paramount symbol of the Midas era in which we live.

what are they trying to hide and why….?

2008-09-29T09:03:00.001-07:00

The Arizona Republic 9/19/08 article entitled …. GENETICALLY ALTERED MEAT CLOSER TO YOUR TABLE … is one that could easily invite overtones of Chicken Little evoking the …sky is falling …

While my own belief runs contrary to that espoused in this article what is of greater concern to me is the degree to which government regulators appears to be leaning to protect the for-profit corporations at the expense of the public’s right to full disclosure. That any governmental agency would NOT seek to have any food product genetically altered to be so labeled is incomprehensible, disingenuous and shows a callous disregard for the public’s right to know.

This raises for me the question … what are they trying to hide and why….? If as alleged by some federal government food oversight agencies like FDA, EPA, USDA, and others there is NOTHING harmful in genetically altered food products, why then are they choosing to fall on the sword to keep such food from being labeled – GENETICALLY ALTERED …?

One should not fear what one can prove. So if these governmental agencies can prove the safety of these genetically altered food products there is no need to fear the public will rebuke or refuse to consume these products, is there…?

One submits to fear, haranguing, pleading, disinformation and propaganda, along with myth building on those occasions when the truth proves elusive or unattainable to support the favored position. One need look no further than the positions being postured by our current federal leaders respecting the debacle surrounding the Bush/Wall Street/Federal Reserve (private for-profit corporation)/Housing Mortgage fiasco to witness the ruse being perpetrated upon an unsuspecting public…. ?

While I may be personally opposed to consuming these genetically altered food products, I do not intend to deny others from knowingly choosing to consume these products. The operative word is – knowingly – which specifies that the public be given full unabridged disclosure on all aspects of the food they consume. There need be NO secrets about what is in the food mankind consumes.

we really are lost on the other side of the looking glass …

2008-09-29T09:01:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …What does it look like when it’s fixed…?
Elizabeth Cutright’s editorial in the Water Efficiency magazine – www.waterefficienty.net. - Sept/Oct 2008 issue – is a worthy read and I invite you to make the time to consider it.

The collage of actions taken by governmental regulators to enforce “water” rules and regulations adopted in various locales is I think, when you read her article indicative of the Mad Hatter run amok.

The actions to which she makes reference reflect overzealousness of the regulators, whereas in our State of Arizona, the overzealousness of our regulators reflects a joining at the hip of government regulators and the developers and their minions.

The zealousness in Arizona is NOT to conserve – water – but rather to USE all the water we have or to which we are entitled by act of commerce. Our leadership is not aligned to support honest state-wide education leading to a consensus based voluntary compliance to the honest conservation and protection of water.

Ms. Cutright does an admirable job of noting the absurd paradox in the rules, regulations, laws and ordinances we permit to be enacted governing the use to water none of which are clear, concise or understandable.

She ends with this … so when we find ourselves in a situation where a homeowner is harassed for conserving water well … then we really are lost on the other side of the looking glass …

The real tragedy and travesty could very well be that neither of them is aware or even cares…?

2008-09-29T08:59:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …What does it look like when it’s fixed…?
EPA Toxic Chemical Testing is Flawed and Kept Out of Election…Written by Amanda Peterka …Published on September 20th, 2008…The EPA’s system for deciding whether or not some chemicals we use on an everyday basis are toxic and can cause cancer is severely flawed, and the agency isn’t really doing anything about it. It’s gone buried under all the talk about the election and the environment - neither of the candidates making any fuss about these EPA procedures.
Yikes! This means that we could have been using dangerous chemicals with health risks for NINE years, and we wouldn’t know it. This fact alone sets those alarm bells ringing, but the report goes on, narrowing down its findings into a few key points.
1. Too much emphasis on backlogs…A dedication to backlogged chemicals means those 540 chemicals aren’t kept up to date, and that new chemicals take a long time to merely get into the process, much less get processed.
2. Assessments take too long to complete…The average chemical takes EIGHT years to be assessed. Basically, allow a whopping six years for a chemical to go through the EPA system, and another two for findings to be reviewed by outside parties. Which would be OK if the assessments were actually completed at that time, but…
3. Assessments become outdated before they are even completed…Because the process takes so long, by the time a chemical nears finish, the whole process may have to start all over again! Take the chemical naphthalene - the EPA has been examining this chemical for more than six years for a possible connection to cancer, but in 2006, it went back to the drawing board because the assessment became outdated. And this is a common chemical found in jet fuel, moth balls, dyes and insecticides.
4. Third-party changes to the assessments aren’t disclosed…The report cites transparency, or lack thereof, as another flaw within the system. After an assessment is completed, the findings are sent out to be reviewed, but those comments are then kept closed.
5. Decisions take into account political motives…It used to be that science drove the whole operation. Now it’s a combination of science and political policy - which is a little scary considering it’s the science part that can affect our health, not the political part….And how do politics play a role in all this? According to an investigative report by CBS, it’s the White House that’s built up the review process that takes years to complete. Agencies from the Energy Department to the Defense Department are allowed into the process, and the Office of Management and Budget is cited directly in the report as trying to hush up the names of toxic chemicals.
With something this important to the everyday health of Americans, it seems this should enter the election arena, and definitely at a higher priority than the only difference between a pit bull and a hockey mom.
IT is fixed when …. “something this important to the everyday health of Americans, it seems this should enter the election arena, and definitely at a higher priority than the only difference between a pit bull and a hockey mom” …
Neither candidate campaigning to serve and protect us as the next President of the United States of America is choosing to make us aware of the potentially diabolical long term health implications in current EPA policy.
The real tragedy and travesty could very well be that neither of them is aware or even cares…?

governor your actions dishonor us

2008-09-29T08:58:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …What does it look like when it’s fixed…?
State spat becomes environmental debate …By Howard Fischer, Capitol Media Services …Saturday, September 20, 2008…PHOENIX – excerpted … A spat between two state officials over use of a $1 million penalty against a polluter has erupted into a full-blown debate over global warming and whether Arizona should impose new - and potentially expensive -- greenhouse gas emission limits. …Gary Pierce, a member of the Arizona Corporation Commission, said the Department of Environmental Quality is pursuing an agenda that ultimately would force Arizona companies to cut carbon dioxide emissions. Pierce said the move, being done at the behest of Gov. Janet Napolitano, could ruin the state's economy on the basis of an unproven theory. …But DEQ Director Steve Owens said global warming is a fact, calling it a "no brainer' that reducing carbon dioxide emissions will help prevent further warming.
Napolitano's office is refusing to release details, with gubernatorial press aide Jeanine L'Ecuyer saying all they have is a draft even though Owens is co-chair of WCI. Even the "stakeholders' who the governor said were being consulted, including affected industries, said no information has been shared with them.
Ed Fox, who is (currently) in charge of environmental affairs for Arizona Public Service, (and a former Director of ADEQ) said he can't say yet how much his company's power-generating costs might go up. He said the governor's office, while inviting input from affected industries and environmental groups, has not been forthcoming with drafts and details…..There also is the question of whether Napolitano can impose limits on her own….
Governor Napolitano your actions around this topic are most deceptive and show a definite lack of any transparency. You are being most dishonest and we have the right to ask – why…? What are you choosing to hide and why…?
Respectfully Governor, I have been a stakeholder in other ADEQ actions where information was deliberately withheld though the resultant document was ultimately presented to the public as a consensus endeavor.

As the titular head of the OBAMA for President 2008 in Arizona, I shutter to think your actions in this regard mirror the transparency he advocates. Arizona expected better from you and is dishonored by your current choice of actions.

the message of these five insipid men to you is be afraid be very afraid

2008-09-29T08:56:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

Unfortunately based solely on the childish “dance” these five insipid gentlemen are performing I conclude:

 Don’t look at us, we don’t have a clue of what the hell is going on
 We do know what’s going on, but we’re not going to tell you the truth
 We don’t really care what happens to you, we’re going to take care of me, myself, and I, Oh, yea, my true friends, which you unfortunately are not.
 You can trust us, look at how magnificently we have lead you these past eight years
 Don’t look behind the curtain, because we don’t have a clue who is actually staging this show
 This Wall Street crisis happened solely because of terrorism
 What don’t you understand, we tell you what to believe, this is a red alert

IT - is fixed when we no longer give these utterances any more credibility than we do to the words and action of any child…….. There is nothing to fear, save what we choose to believe is to be feared … our future is in the most capable hands possible, our own.

they fiddle while Rome burns

2008-09-29T08:55:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

Looking at these highlighted articles I find the childish posturing of our Governor and the 90 mental dwarfs comprising our State Legislature offensive. To quote a phrase … “fiddling while Rome burns” … these elected leaders posture to see who calls who first, what the hell kind of game are “we” paying you to play solely at our expense…?

On the other hand, we seem most willing to now take to task, Bush, Paulson, Bernanke, McCain and Obama for their reputed part in the most recent Wall Street bailout fiasco, but unwilling to hold our own Governor and those we elected to “serve & protect” us from their meager and childish gamesmanship with our most recent budget. In our ever watchful eyes we permitted them to play the age old shell game of hide the truth and we will pretend not to see…? Silently we sat as our Governor and our State Legislature “cooked” the books before our ever eyes and we said – NOTHING. We raised NOT our voices we did not seek to hold them accountable NO we did NOTHING. And guess what, we got NOTHING.

So rather than do the work to which we elected them – to serve and protect – us, they will clown around until after the election in November and then they will meet. In the meantime Rome continues to burn.

Let’s be honest, “we” have the government we want and they are performing exactly in the manner we find acceptable. If not, we have the power to change it. In this instance the only thing stopping us is FEAR.

IT – is fixed when we hold all those we elect accountable and responsible from the get-go.

Let's get to work
The Arizona Republic
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/articles/2008/09/25/20080925thur1-25.html

Our Opinion: Arizona's budget deficit grows, and there's no consensus in sight:
Tucson Citizen
http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/daily/all_headlines/97644

New laws take effect; some big, some small
Arizona Daily Star
http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/259204.php

Governor, lawmakers to meet for budget talks after election
The Arizona Republic... Mary Jo Pitzl
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/2008/09/25/20080925B1-update0925.html

Napolitano looks to Legislature for budget help — later
Tribune, Arizona Daily Sun and Arizona Daily Star... Howard Fischer, Capitol Media Services
http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/259277

Governor, lawmakers to meet on budget crunch in November
Tucson Citizen... Associated Press
http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/daily/all_headlines/97643

AWPCA

2008-09-24T09:51:00.000-07:00

EDITOR …. AWPCA NEWSLETTER…. I want to give you the opportunity to reply before I forwarded this along with Mr. Bale’s article to my several thousand email list ………. Respectfully,

Greetings:

I write in response to an article submitted by Jack Bale, of WilsonBale Consulting, LLC which appears in the September 2008 issue, on page 50/51, entitled … On-Site Wastewater Treatment in Arizona. Before I begin I sincerely invite everyone to make the time to read Mr. Bale’s article and digest its implications. It is well worth your time. I have attached Mr. Bale’s article in a “pdf” format, see above.

I have known Mr. Bale for a number of years beginning when he was an active part of ADEQ management when they were still on Central Ave. And more recently when he was an active part of the formation of what was to evolve into AzOWRA.

As for my own bona-fides, I have been an active “player” in the Arizona On-site Industry for more than 30 years beginning in the early 1970’s. I have been part of the public “stakeholder” constituency at the rule development forums whenever these forums have been open to the public. I was co-chairman of the citizens Ad-Hoc group which met unpaid for approx. 2 years prior to ADEQ implementing its Unified Permit Rule in Jan. 2000..

Before writing this I made email contact with Mr. Bale, who noted to me his writing was submitted to AWPCA about two years ago. Reviewing the membership of AWPCA your membership, from my perspective, has a built in bias as it is comprised largely of those associated with “big-pipe” solutions and major municipalities and their utility personnel. It would not be surprising to find that most likely unknown to many in your organization, the tone and tenor of the rules and regulations governing the design, installation, O&M and other aspects of all residential onsite wastewater treatment and effluent disposal systems in Arizona has “morphed” appreciably and do not reflect the tidy package presented to the public by ADEQ or delegated county environmental dept personnel. Given my “anti-big-pipe” bias I want to thank AWPCA for publishing Mr. Bale’s article.

I write not to “mock” all – big pipe – solutions but rather to offer they have not in all circumstances been honestly nor fairly presented to the voters and the public. For example both Bullhead City and Lake Havasu are still today – 2008 – up to their eye-balls in alligators wrestling with the aftermath of disinformation by ADEQ personnel and “big-pipe” consulting engineers and contractors. I invite anyone to make the time to drive to either community and talk to the man in the street the one who has to pay the bill – the same people who will pay the bill for the Bush/Wall Street/Federal Reserve//Housing Mortgage debacle reputed as a WAG (wild ass guess) to be currently more than $700,000,000 dollars.

The real tragedy of the rules initially promulgated in 2000, is either by design or by fatal error far too many of those aspects affecting the design, construction and O&M of any residential onsite wastewater treatment and effluent disposal system was specified in rule. Once in rule, this language is treated by government as sacrosanct – though the regulators are by slight of hand permitted to interpret any rule specification in whatever manner they feel they need in that moment to force compliance as they solely deem appropriate. That same ability and latitude is not afforded to the designer, contractor, homeowner or John Q Public, who is mandated by law and rule to submit to the arbitrary and often capricious directives of these few self-anointed governmental regulators and/or their contract minions.

As Mr. Bale notes today in 2008, there are over 500,000 individual on-site wastewater treatment and effluent disposal systems, more affectionately known as – SEPTIC SYSTEM – and as Mr. Bale also notes an unknown, but significant, percentage of these 500,000 septic systems are well beyond the 20 year life expectancy initially intended for these types of systems. I can attest to a number of systems which I personally installed in the early 1970’s which are still in operation today and most of them, I suspect, have never had any formal O&M attention. That septic systems, or for that matter any system, with 20 years of age, operated without any formal O&M, could be the source of some form of water pollution is understandable, is it not…?

For me at this point the discussion gets cloudy and muddy as “politics” enter and define the conversation and direct the outcome. During the time ADEQ was promulgating its 2000 rule package a group of unpaid citizens – stakeholders – met for about 2 years prior attempting to develop clear, concise and understandable cradle to the grave guidelines for all residential septic systems. We, or more accurately, I did not understand the politics and was quite cleverly maneuvered to walk off the cliff not realizing it until hitting bottom. The work product of these folks was swept aside once ADEQ received word from the 9th floor of the State Capitol from then Gov Jane Hull that GRRC was prepared to vote in favor of their rule as they behind closed doors promulgated. ADEQ can no doubt note they followed relevant public disclosure protocol in the formation of their 2000 Unified Permit Rule, aware of how to manipulate them so as to produce the document they wanted without final public oversight. And ADEQ was able to follow this same format when they revised their rule in Nov 2005, gaining GRRC approval to implement a grossly flawed program.

I have always wondered why it is that – “we” – that’s you and me – are so afraid of actually making any owner of a septic system accountable and responsible for its care, custody, use and control….? The answer it appears to me to be that were “we” to choose to hold an owner of a septic system accountable and responsible, then logically those operating all municipal and quasi-municipal wastewater systems would also be accountable and responsible and organizations like AWPCA would not tolerate that…? As it stands all municipal and quasi-municipal wastewater treatment operators are able to “pass-the-buck” and “point-the-finger” of accountability and responsibility to others and that is and remains sacrosanct.

Moreover the playing field overseen by “lady justice” is deliberate skewed as the membership of organizations like AWPCA have their heavy hand on that balance beam whereby funds are always available to support and fund “big-pipe” solutions, while little or no funding is made available to support residential on-site industry needs.

Until “we” – John Q Public – choose to see through the smoke and mirrors and the shell game being deliberately perpetrated nothing will change and the “big-pipe” will remain as the regulators solution of choice for any water quality pollution and contamination issues Arizona encounters.

In a world environment in which many learned and scholarly individuals are advocating directing our attention towards those endeavors which honestly promote - “green” – Arizona stands firmly entrenched along a path adding only to the Midas creed and greed the economic mantra of our state’s leadership unrestrained and unsustainable growth.

On-site residential wastewater treatment and effluent disposal in Arizona has been set up to deliberately fail and “we” – that’s you and me – are the only ones who can do anything to change it. Current government rules and policies regulating on-site residential wastewater treatment and effluent disposal in Arizona are deliberately designed not to hold anyone accountable or responsible. Current reality is – if one has the tenacity, they can design, install and operate any form of on-site wastewater treatment and effluent disposal system (septic system) they choose (i.e. translates into cheapest with no accountability tail) and then we wonder why each day new reports surface detailing the most recently disclosed incidence of water contamination and pollution in Arizona…?

As Sir Issac Newton noted so long ago … “for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction” …

Yes, taking positive and corrective action will most definitely result in frustration, anger, displacement, in the end if that be the route we choose, our water will honestly be – safe – but the choice is one each of us is required to make.

And this will not occur until – “we” – devise clear, concise and understandable rules honorably promulgated in an atmosphere of consensus buy-in which is a process current governmental rule-making provisions clearly deny.

It is your water and if you want to control it, you have to make that decision and commit to a plan to achieve it. Understand this is not a path for the faint of heart.

Respectfully submitted,

perchlorate ... drink it ... it's safe ...?

2008-09-24T09:45:00.000-07:00

The article entitled … EPA: Toxic fuel in water is not a public threat appears in the 9-23-08 issue of the Az Republic … whereas the article below appears in the 9-33-08 issue of the Washington Post … both explore the tentacles associated with PERCHLORATE a cacogenic ingredient which EPA under George W Bush, in particular, declares is not a public health threat.

I want to take this opportunity to encourage and invite everyone to read this document as it may prove to be an eye opener for you – my input follows this document - …. EPA UNLIKELY TO LIMIT PERCHLORATE IN TAP WATER … By Juliet Eilperin…Washington Post Staff Writer …Monday, September 22, 2008… excerpted …. The Environmental Protection Agency, under pressure from the White House and the Pentagon, is poised to rule as early as today that it will not set a drinking-water safety standard for perchlorate, a component of rocket fuel that has been linked to thyroid problems in pregnant women, newborns and young children across the nation.
According to a near-final document obtained by The Washington Post, the EPA's "preliminary regulatory determination" -- which was extensively edited by White House officials -- marks the final step in a six-year-old battle between career EPA scientists who advocate regulating the chemical and White House and Pentagon officials who oppose it. The document estimates that up to 16.6 million Americans are exposed to perchlorate at a level many scientists consider unsafe; independent researchers, using federal and state data, put the number at 20 million to 40 million.

Some perchlorate occurs naturally, but most perchlorate contamination in U.S. drinking water stems from improper disposal by rocket test sites, military bases and chemical plants. A nationwide cleanup could cost hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars, and several defense contractors have threatened to sue the Defense Department to help pay for it if one is required.

The new EPA proposal -- which assumes the maximum allowable perchlorate contamination level is 15 times what the EPA had suggested in 2002 -- was heavily edited by officials of the White House Office of Management and Budget. They eliminated key passages and asked the EPA to use a new computer modeling approach to calculate the chemical's risks.
Under a process the OMB initiated in 2004, federal agencies with an interest in chemicals such as perchlorate, such as the Defense Department, have opportunities to weigh in on the EPA's regulatory decisions before they become final: The Government Accountability Office reported this spring that the Pentagon had pressured the EPA for several years not to regulate perchlorate.
"They have distorted the science to such an extent that they can justify not regulating" the chemical, said Robert Zoeller, a University of Massachusetts professor who specializes in thyroid hormone and brain development and has a copy of the EPA proposal. "Infants and children will continue to be damaged, and that damage is significant."

A reference to those studies in the EPA's proposal was deleted by OMB officials. The document states that establishing a drinking-water standard for perchlorate "would not present a 'meaningful opportunity for health risk reduction for persons served by public water systems,' " but it also reveals that many Americans will be exposed to the compound at levels higher than recommended if nothing is done to remove it. Perchlorate impedes the functioning of the thyroid gland, which produces hormones that foster mental and physical development and control metabolism. The notice indicates that the agency plans to finalize its decision by Dec. 1.
The EPA's assistant administrator for water, Benjamin H. Grumbles, said in a statement yesterday, "Science, not the politics of fear in an election year, will drive our final decision."

"Until then, final numbers and strategies are mere speculation," Grumbles added. "We know perchlorate in drinking water presents some degree of risk and we're committed to working with states and scientists to ensure public health is protected and meaningful opportunities for reducing risk are fully considered."
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, chaired by Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), has endorsed legislation requiring the EPA to set a standard for the chemical and to monitor perchlorate in tap water. Yesterday, Boxer lambasted the agency for refusing to establish a federal exposure standard.
"Perchlorate has been a serious, persistent and widespread problem which threatens the health of our families, especially our children," Boxer said. "For the Bush EPA to walk away from this problem and shrug off this danger is, in my view, unforgivable and immoral."

Federal, state and independent scientists have differed over the years as to what represents an acceptable dose of perchlorate in drinking water, though all have set the bar higher than the non-mandatory level in the EPA's new proposal. In January 2002, the EPA issued a draft risk assessment finding that 1 part per billion should be considered safe; in March 2006, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection set a maximum contaminant level of 2 ppb; last year, California adopted a standard of 6 ppb.
A National Academy of Sciences panel prepared a risk analysis in 2005 that, according to the EPA's traditional models, would produce a protective standard of 1 to 6 ppb. The academy's study came under attack because two of the committee's members had financial ties to defense contractors that face legal liability because of perchlorate disposal.

In the EPA's proposed rule, the administration assumes that perchlorate contamination of 15 ppb is safe. But its regulatory document states that "between 16,000 and 28,000 pregnant women" and 900,000 to 2 million Americans could be exposed to higher levels.
The EPA document also finds that bottle-fed infants would be exposed to more than five times the level the National Academy of Sciences deemed safe -- 700 nanograms per kilogram of body weight per day -- if parents mix formula with drinking water containing perchlorate levels of 15 ppb.

OMB officials said during the drafting process that there was "no need" for detailed data to flesh out a table suggesting that infants would be exposed to perchlorate levels above the academy's recommendation.
To determine safe levels of exposure, the administration opted not to use the academy's "reference dose," a formula that includes a tenfold safety factor to protect children and vulnerable populations, and instead used a computer model developed by the Chemical Industry Institute of Toxicology. EPA officials initially inserted language in the document calling this a "novel approach," but the OMB deleted that language.

Federal officials have yet to determine the extent of perchlorate contamination nationwide, but it is known to be widespread. The GAO, which produced a 2005 report calling for a better federal tracking system for perchlorate, found that limited EPA data show the chemical compound has polluted the soil, groundwater and drinking water in 35 states and the District and has contaminated 153 public water systems in 26 states.
So how does perchlorate play out in Arizona…? Well under the leadership of Governor Napolitano and her ADEQ Director, Steve Owens, we’re going to study this some more in the meantime taking NO action.

Perchlorate has been discovered in drinking wells north of the Az Canal on Tatum while these two have huddled, yet Arizona is NOT prepared to establish a perchlorate quality standard for potable (drinking) water…?

That perchlorate levels exceeding 480 ppb are found in Lake Mead, one of the principal water storage reservoirs for the potable (drinking) water serving metro Phoenix and Tucson and still Arizona under this team sworn to serve and to protect us, they are NOT prepared to establish a perchlorate quality standard for potable (drinking) water…?

As both Napolitano and Owens are attorneys, perhaps they are waiting for the Arizona Supreme Court to make some determination which they can then hide behind…? Or maybe they require a more overt form of proof on the cacogenic qualities of perchlorate, like carcasses of dead, dying, disease, disabled men, women and children…?
It is unconscionably for Arizona’s Governor and her Director of Environmental Quality do nothing on the one hand, while proclaiming to the world at large our water is - safe - and we have all the water we need. The two of you, indeed have learned well the mantra about lying… “If you tell a lie long enough, loud enough and often enough, the people will believe it” … Adolph Hitler

EPA must limit bulders pollution of water

2008-09-24T09:44:00.000-07:00

corporate profits always, always trump human health

2008-09-24T09:43:00.000-07:00

EPA BID TO EASE FARM-WASTE RULE FOUGHT …reports Associated Press, WOW, that is suppose to be a surprise…?

What part of corporate profit$ always$, always$ trump all aspects of human health, don’t you understand…?

And this applies not only to the giant AG producers, slaughter houses, growers, but in Arizona we extend this courtesy to land developers encouraging them to pillage and rape our fragile environment’s air and water resources as we obediently embrace our political leaders belief in unsustainable growth.

IT - is fixed when WE demand and accept nothing less than a seat at head of every negotiating table and are willing to defend for the benefit of mankind our environment and in doing so serve and protect ourselves.

our water footprint

2008-09-15T10:35:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

Environmental News Network … http://www.enn.com/ecosystems/article/37997 ...Water Footprints Make A Splash …If the full water requirements of a morning roast are calculated - farm irrigation, bean transportation, and the serving of the coffee - one cup requires 140 liters of water. This notion of a product's "water footprint" is gaining traction. Defined as the total volume of freshwater required to produce a nation's goods and services, the tool tracks domestic water demand and the impact of consumption on water resources across the globe. As world water availability begins to decline as the result of population growth, overconsumption, and climate change, more water advocates are encouraging governments and consumers to internalize the true cost of water through an account of their water footprint.
What IT would look like, for me, when it’s fixed … is individually we would be aware of our “water-footprint” honestly endeavoring to remember our impact upon all others occupying our planet. At the moment this seems like a very tall order and a notion outside the probability of many, if not most Americans.

Depending upon where one lives in the US, it really does not take much effort to be aware of the fragile nature of water in many communities around our nation, including those along mighty rivers or lakes. Our population increases coupled with our desire for new “stuff” contribute to increase demands upon our water resources. In idle moments many of us are aware, though we possess the innate ability to summarily disregard our own impact upon our collective dwindling water resource. How long we can continue to live this fairy tale is an unknown, though most assuredly a day of reckoning is dawning.

Economists have an interesting term for denoting the true cost of anything – EXTERNALITIES – which incorporates all the costs associated with everything beginning with its birth and creation ending with its final demise. Consider for a moment the externalities associated with cigarettes. Land cost, fertilizer, pesticides, herbicides, fuel, seed, harvesting, storage, transportation, processing into cigarettes, paper, electricity, manpower, more fuel and transportation for distribution, vending machines, cabinets to display these goods, sanitation personnel to clean up after we toss the cigarette butts on the floor or out the window, those needed to fight the fire unintentionally created by errant smoldering cigarette butts. The doctors and medical personnel, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals required to treat folks for cancer and other debilitating health conditions the result of smoking. The educational institution created to educate folks not to smoke or to stop smoking, ad-infinitum. The reality is “we” choose to pay only a fraction of the real cost of any of the “stuff” we purchase, use, consume and discard.

There is a cost to create clean, pristine, safe water for ingestion by all living things. That cost includes the time to create honest awareness. And if one subscribes to the notion championed by Mother Teresa awareness is attained as follows … do not wait for leaders, do it alone, one person at a time …

buying a pig in a poke

2008-09-15T10:31:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

Scientists question comparing nuclear waste storage costs … Senate Yucca Mountain foes seek figures … Sep. 12, 2008 … Las Vegas Review-Journal…by Steve Tetreault Stephens …WASHINGTON …EXCERPTED… Government analysts are undertaking a study to compare the costs of building a nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain against the costs of leaving the waste at power plants, where it is now stored. One thing that is not known is how those economics stack up against Yucca Mountain, which the Department of Energy estimated earlier this summer could cost $96.2 billion to build and operate. Kevin Crowley, the board's executive director, told the analysts. "It reminds me of the discussion that has been going on the last couple of days involving cosmetics and certain farm animals," Crowley said in a reference to debate in the presidential campaign over the phrase "lipstick on a pig."

You “gota” love politics, don’t you…? The aspirant’s words provide us with so many ways to interject their words out of context into any discussion. The … lipstick on a pig…remark is now part of the dialog on the Yucca Mt. Nuclear Storage facility to be built some 90 miles north of Las Vegas, Nevada.

I must admit I find the pig reference to be quite applicable when discussing the long term applicability of this proposed nuclear storage facility. I would invite us to look at this discussion as one would discussions about a “white-elephant” or “buying-a-pig-in-a-poke”…?

This topic invites the use of the idiom made famous by Mark Twain … figures don’t lie, but liars, figure … and you know what, he was correct. As a way for anyone of us to verify for ourselves the salient truth behind his words, simply ask your self when was the last time or the time when any government funded project was not over budget and extremely more costly than originally projected. And secondly, how much over budget, twice, four times, or ever greater…? So, let’s be generous and say the projected current $97 billion dollar price tag for Yucca Mt. Nuclear storage is only 300% over budget. Now “your” initial financial burden is approx. $300 Billion dollars and this does not include the unknown long term expenses associated with the maintenance of this facility. And we have not even begun to discuss any – safety – aspects applicable to a project of this nature.

Overlaying the Yucca Mt Nuclear Storage Facility discussion is a plethora of conflicting data, cost estimates, scientific opinions, think tank studies, legal opinions, financial analysis, political considerations, transportation studies, population extrapolations, weather data, geologic studies, water migration patterns and much more. It is remarkable, I think to note that in his autobiography Mark Twain succinctly encapsulated this dilemma when he wrote…”figures often beguile me, particularly when I have the arranging of them myself; in which case the remark attributed to Disraeli would often apply with justice and force: “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics.”

I am assuredly NOT expert in the storage of any form of nuclear waste of any nature. I am capable, though, of asking questions, expecting and demanding clear, concise and understandable answers and so should you. The usual and customary “double-talk-governmentese-gobble-de-gook” will not pass muster. Here is but a few of the litany of questions I have respecting this proposed Nuclear Waste Storage Facility:
 The area chosen for this Nuclear Waste Storage Facility has since I was a kid been home base for the testing of atomic/nuclear bombs. Since the early 1940’s many thousands of bombs, above and below ground, have been detonated creating what on the surface and underground resembles – Swiss cheese. In this area, we are choosing to build an underground Nuclear Waste Storage Facility even though no one can provide us assurance leaks or other accidents which happen there will not migrate into the potable (drinking) water supply serving more than 25 million American citizens…?

 It is reported that many of our current “interim” nuclear and weapon storage facilities have been allowed to deteriorate to the point where the contents in many of them can no longer be safely removed, nor in same cases the doors even opened. I refer you to the internet suggesting you Google nuclear and weapon storage facilities, Dugway, Utah, Toole, Utah, Hawthorne, Nevada, Hanover, Washington, etc. Our track record on oversight of these types of facilities is abysmal leaving those living in proximity to them – at extreme risk – and often totally and deliberately unaware.

 It is reported to transport spend nuclear waste now stored in multiple locations throughout our county the current US interstate highway and rail train tracks will be utilized. Against the insufferable backdrop of fear promulgated to support a war against – terrorism – of an unknown and unnamed foe, utilizing such modes of transport only increases the probability of some terrorist act with potentially horrific consequences. Reports have surfaced that the actual trucks and rail cars would be indistinguishable from normal traffic as one consideration to lessen the potential for violent acts. Hello, though I am not a scientist or nuclear expert, it really doesn’t take many brains to watch and scan passing freight with a Geiger counter or any number of far more sophisticated devices to determine the probability there is something out of the ordinary aboard. Moreover, and again I am not a nuclear expert, it would seem quite probably the actual vehicles and rail cars transporting this spent nuclear material would need to have a potentially different physical characteristic, weight, etc. than the more conventional transport giving those in the know something to look for.

 What preparations, if any, are being made when an accident of consequence occurs at this Nuclear Waste Storage Facility…? Please note I intentionally did not say IF, but when an accident occurs…? Trusting that FEMA will step to the plate, as they did so well in the wake of Katrina, or hoping the American Red Cross will be there is a source of little value when one is exposed to the potentially devastating consequences of nuclear waste in the drinking water your water purveyor is providing to you. Moreover, accidents can and will happen – in route – in the middle of Chicago while a train is switching or maneuvering. On a truck as it passes over the Golden Gate bridge. On a truck passing along Interstate 15 through LV in route to this new Nuclear Waste Storage Facility.

Since America has been educated and drank the “kool-aid” provided we are no longer able to think outside the box. That other nations around our globe have resolutions for spend nuclear waste different from that proposed by giant corporate engineering/construction conglomerates, pontificated by their highly paid and skilled lobbyists and RP shill$, who stand to greedily profit at the public trough funding this Nuclear Waste Storage Facility, why do we summarily reject these other options out of hand…? The questions I pose have implications stretching across our nation touching every village and hamlet and they are but a few of the host of questions to which we should be demanding full open complete unabridged answers.

Bottom line, it’s not just our money, it’s our life, they’re playing Russian roulette with.

our dragon slayer is paid for my other means

2008-09-15T10:30:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

Our dragon-slayer is paid for by other means …

As I toyed with the first letter of the last name of each of the four individuals prancing about the nation each hopefully creating a positive myth and mirage about them to solicit us to elect their team to the highest office of leadership for our nation I discovered with the assistance of the internet the following:
Acronym… Definition
 PBOM…Paid by other means
 PBOM…Priced Bill of Material
 PBOM…Preliminary Bill of Materials
 PBOM…Performance Budgeting Operations Manual

I must confess I chuckled a bit at how plausible these acronyms are to these candidates. On second thought they are plausible and applicable to most politicians running for office. The one acronym which jumped out as demonstrably applicable to anyone competing for the office of president today is … paid by other means … Do “we” really choose to believe that to fund the war chest needed to campaign almost daily for over a year that deals and promises are not made which the victor is obligated to repay.

We appear to have the need to initially place our mythical “dragon-slayer” on a pedestal, forgetting they, like us, have feet of clay. Then in stealth mode we delight as they are summarily knocked from that prodigiously high realm upon which we chose to place them.

For Presidential election 2008 we are genuinely blessed to have candidates whose peccadilloes cover the water front offering more than sufficient tantalizing fodder for our nightly enjoyment we passively accept as bona-fide news. Couple their alleged peccadilloes with their individual diversity and a plethora of options open for our voyeur enjoyment. We have the “race” issue which can be played both overtly as well as covertly, then there’s the sex issue, male, female, abortion, no abortion, reproductive rights, who is the better more sincere patriot, who is the better advocate for guns, who is for gun-control, who can promise us the greatest health and environmental benefits without there being the need for a substantive change in the way we live, who is a “pork-barrel-advocate,” who is the more noble “greener” environmentalist, who is the best ______ and you fill in the blank…?

Against this backdrop and barrage of 24/7 “noise” bombardment upon what do we rely for guidance to determine what, is the truth…? For the last nearly 8 years, we have been skillfully lead down a path of fear. The prevailing American peccadillo is “you” tell us what to do as, individually; we are incapable of thinking or acting in our own accord.

It strikes me the “boys-in-the-back-rooms” contemplate how to extract the most minute advantage from the most scintillating disclosure of the day and make sure it’s lead story on today’s 6 PM National TV news. Just make damn sure it is damaging to them, our enemy - the other camp. And remember we only have 30 seconds to get the mullet’s (that’s you and me) attention so make sure there’s color, sound effects, drama and all that. Don’t be concerned about facts we can CYA that later, just make sure we punch them in the gut hard and fast.
The name of this game is getting us to bob and wave every day and every time any candidate shows his face, but especially getting us to bob and weave when the enemy’s face appears anywhere. Get us sufficiently shell shocked about what “they” (the enemy) allegedly will do, so that you and I immediately see red, get angry and find fault with them. Can’t trust them you know, they lie about everything. Now my man is as pure and clean as a new borne babe and you can believe that.

The 2008 Presidential contest can be likened to Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, discovering when she took the chance and risked looking behind the curtain, the wizard is nothing more than a rather pathetic little man whose voice and mannerisms are enhanced artificially projecting him to be far, far greater and menacing than he truly is. In the moment the wizards of Presidential PR are holding us all hostages to their slight of hand. We wait to see if a Dorothy arrives on the scene with guts enough to pull the curtain back and expose the underbelly of this travesty.

Then might the question truly be … do “we” honestly want to see the truth about our candidate of choice…? Or are “we” quite content to allow the PR wizards to manipulate words, circumstances, situations, to present the best “face” they can for their man as we, through our education obediently profess we are not aware…?

mining - watchdog - in stealth we watch

2008-09-11T10:42:00.000-07:00

the fault dear brutus is not in our stars but in ourselves

2008-09-11T10:40:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …What does it look like when it’s fixed…?
State files lawsuit against Far West…September 10, 2008 - 7:20PM…BY JOYCE LOBECK, Yuma Sun…excerpted…A major environmental lawsuit has been filed against Far West Water and Sewer Co. and H and S Developers, seeking penalties for numerous alleged water and air quality violations dating back to the early 1990s that could amount to a judgment of millions of dollars. The lawsuit was filed by Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and the state's attorney general, ADEQ Director Steve Owens announced during a news conference Wednesday in Yuma. "These were very serious violations that put the community potentially at risk," Owens said. "There were repeated and long-standing violations of wastewater, drinking water and air quality standards.” The violations were multiple and occurred repeatedly over many years, he said. They range from not having required permits and exceeding discharge limits from wastewater treatment plants, to failure to sample and report contaminant levels in drinking water. The air quality violations are related to complaints by area residents of a septic odor. Owens said Far West currently is in compliance except for a lack of aquifer protection permits for some of the company's seven wastewater treatment plants. Fortunately, Owens said, there were no reports of health issues as a result of the violations and gave assurances that Foothills residents today are not at risk. "I'm confident the drinking water is safe based on the inspections we've performed." he said. "There's no reason to think the drinking water wasn't safe. We just didn't have any reports."…Joyce Lobeck can be reached at jlobeck@yumasun.com or 539-6853.
Let’s see 18 years after the fact and now ADEQ Director Steve Owens takes action…! But not to worry, his department assures the folks being served by this alleged water purveyor violator the water they are being sold and ingest is – SAFE – though there are NO records or reports…? Say, what… trust me I’m from the government, I’m here to protect you…? WOW, Steve that’s an awful lot you’re asking. Your water is - safe - because Director Steve Owens says it is, not because there are any verifiable third party reports or inspections.

I feel I must apologize to you, Director Owens as I certainly did not realize you possessed such clairvoyant ability so as not to need any outside assurance before pronouncing any source of water – safe…?

I know not whether to laugh up my sleeve or cry in my beer as I find your words, Director Owens, most disturbing. Are you honestly asking the citizens of Arizona to believe that 18 years can pass before your department sees fit to even begin to ask questions and take a stand on issues so vital to our health…? Is this how your department exercises its mission statement … to serve and to protect …?

Equally when I look into that mirror, I see that “we,” and that most assuredly includes, moi, chose to passively submit and go along, mainly to get along, not to ruffle any feathers. We allowed your agency to play that game of inviting the public to the table when water is a topic only have enjoined those “back-room-folks” where the decision is made out of sight.

Though I would like to make you Director Owens solely wrong and bad, that is not the truth as “we” did not rise to speak, to demand our voice be heard, we chose to continue to elect those who support unrestricted growth without honorable and holistic attention to our state’s environment.

I trust Shakespeare will forgive me, but it appears to me, Director Owens … The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves … Julius Caesar…

drinking water for 41 million Americans contaminated

2008-09-10T13:25:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

Drinking Water of 41 Million Americans Contaminated with Pharmaceuticals
Environmental News Network... Organic Consumers Association …http://www.enn.com/pollution/article/38022 …An investigation by the Associated Press (AP) has revealed that the drinking water of at least 41 million people in the United States is contaminated with pharmaceutical drugs…EXCERPTED …It has long been known that drugs are not wholly absorbed or broken down by the human body. Significant amounts of any medication taken eventually pass out of the body, primarily through the urine. …"People think that if they take a medication, their body absorbs it and it disappears, but of course that's not the case," EPA scientist Christian Daughton said. …While sewage is treated before being released back into the environment, and water from reservoirs or rivers is also treated before being funneled back into the drinking water supply, these treatments are not able to remove all traces of medications. And so far, the EPA has not regulated the presence of pharmaceuticals in drinking water, meaning that there are no laws in existence today that protect consumers from this increasingly dangerous chemical contaminant of the water supply….Medications for animals also contaminating the water supply…Drugs given to animals are also entering the water supply. One study found that 10 percent of the steroids given to cattle pass directly through their bodies, while another study found that steroid concentrations in the water downstream of a Nebraska feedlot were four times as high as the water upstream. Male fish downstream of the feedlot were found to have depressed levels of testosterone and smaller than normal heads, most likely due to the pharmaceutical contamination in their water…."It brings a question to people's minds that if the fish were affected ... might there be a potential problem for humans?" … While the concentration of drugs in drinking water tends to be low, some medications, such as hormones, are able to operate potently even at concentrations of one part per billion. To make matters worse, there is evidence that the chlorine commonly used to treat drinking water may make some pharmaceutical chemicals more toxic. Thus, the typical claim that "pharmaceuticals are only present in very low concentrations, and therefore could not be dangerous" holds no water (pardon the pun). Not only are some chemicals potentiated (made more toxic) by other chemicals in the water, but to date, there have been absolutely no studies looking at the increased danger posed by combinations of pharmaceuticals now being found.

For me “IT” will be fixed when headlines like this no longer appear anywhere in the world and when without question we feel absolutely safe to drink any water presented to us for our consumption. And, moreover when the water we use on all forms of agriculture is equally as safe.

I have come to ask, what is the purpose for these types of “hyper” headlines…? Is it easy to make up it is merely to cause fear…? Or is there another more benign purpose in mind…? I propose the formal education we receive about water goes like this. Water is a chemical formula consisting of H2O, the end. In our formal education we are taught that water is inexhaustible can be used again and again without any consideration of what we choose to expose it to. And finally our science says, trust us, you can drink it, don’t be concerned about the smell or that odd taste, it’s good for you, we’ve done double blind studies, you have nothing to fear.

Pioneers like Rachel Carson in Silent Spring, and the French scientist, Jacques Benveniste, who dared say … water has memory … took positions about our environment, especially water that caused them to become pariah summarily denounced by the politically correct medical and scientific community world wide of their time. Interesting how things are correlated as Sir Issac Newton noted, for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction and it applies equally to all we say and all we do. In America, we believe firmly entrenched in the infallibility of science while every day all around our globe folks, like you and me, shred this belief to shreds. Intentionally activated energy is moving mountain, healing the sick, clearing the mind, finding ways to clean our air and our water, while many of us choose to remain fixed and locked on to the formal education we received. And, you are free to remain, believing as you choose. There are other paths and directions in which you might look…?

All paths leading to awareness requires each of us to take accountability and responsibility for what we choose to accept as the truth. The underlying premise of the … Clean Water Act … was noble, though man’s greed has unquestioningly corrupted its lofty intent. The economist’s concept of “externalities” most assuredly rears its head when we ponder the implications polluted/contaminated water has on all forms of life, especially mankind.

Without question we accept the bottled water in that designer/decorator plastic bottle is not only safe but healthy and beneficial to you, all the while not aware it often begins its life from the same facet from which you drew water this morning to wash your face. This water, according to this article appears to be laden with microscopic pieces of “stuff” which is not really healthy for us. So, what can we do, (a) nothing, but that’s a choice, (b) scream, cuss, yell, complain and condemn, and that’s a choice too, (c) begin to ask those providing water to you, to explain completely in clear, concise and understandable terms how are they preparing the water they provide to you. And, begin to own that when we take accountability and responsibility for our water, it will be safe. Find that incredible, don’t you…? But that’s what IT looks like to me when it’s fixed.

trust us your water is safe

2008-09-10T12:55:00.001-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

More fencing, but no cleanup…Federal officials tell Hopi villagers that the $38 million price tag to remove uranium waste threatening local springs and wells is too steep to win congressional approval. …By CYNDY COLE …Sun Staff Reporter …Sunday, September 07, 2008 …EXCERPTED … VILLAGE OF UPPER MOENKOPI -- Hopi residents and tribal leaders demanded on Wednesday that federal agencies clean up radioactive waste threatening the water supply for at least one Hopi village. But federal agents attending an informational meeting here on the water contamination committed only to more planning and fencing off the area, but not the cleanup sought by the tribe, citing the expense of up to $38 million. Tribal employees and a hydrogeologist working for the tribe said uranium waste left in an unlined dump outside Tuba City threatened the shallow, spring-fed drinking water system for about 1,000 residents in the nearby village of Lower Moencopi. "There is an imminent and substantial threat to human health and the environment," said Nat Nutongla, director of the Hopi Tribe's water office, on Wednesday night. "... We can't just continue to look at more studies, more passing the buck, because that is what created this problem to begin with." … The water is currently deemed safe to drink by the EPA. "There is an immediate need to alleviate the potential threat to water sources from that landfill," said Carl Warren, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's manager for this project. The tribe was justified in being upset and distrustful of the federal government, Warren said, recounting a story.
"There have been nine-plus years where nothing has been done," he said. The plan is to somehow close the dump, which is on the Navajo-Hopi border, by 2012.

For more than 9 years now EPA has done NOTHING to prevent or clean up the radioactive waste threatening the water supply for one Hopi village. On the other hand for nearly 8 years now your ADEQ has done NOTHING to take a pro-active position respecting the safety of the water you ingest here in “metro” Phoenix.

In both instances EPA and ADEQ want to apply some cursory “band-aide” while a cancer festers beneath the surface, just out of your sight.

In both cases the EPA and ADEQ are lead by individuals who came into office promising to “serve & protect” but we never sought to ask whom…? Obviously it is not you or me, but rather corporate interests who have so generously funded the political campaigns of George W. Bush and Janet Napolitano.

The fact is it is highly unlikely either will be in office in 2012, it’s your life they’re playing Russian roulette with today, but apparently you don’t mind…?

guilty we throw away 96 billion

2008-09-10T12:53:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

Headline – 9 Sept 08 – Arizona Republic … 2 arrested in theft of copper wire … Police: Pair aimed to sell scrap for food …

IT is fixed when Americans no longer throw away more than NINETY- SIX BILLION (96,000,000,000) pounds of edible food every year… !

Are “we” truly unable to see and feel the dichotomy and hypocrisy when assessing these two quite diverse statements about what we view as ethical, justified and honorable…?

Theft of anything is not acceptable, however, when “we” deliberately allow the elite and the select to tilt the economic and financial playing field for their own greed over the need of the many, is there not also a theft being perpetrated…?

When “we” permit us to promise delivery of an adequate and fair education to all on the one hand, while on the other denying funds to correct basic needs like proper sewage, is that not also – theft…?

When “we” permit the elite and select few to feed at the financial trough “we” underwrite (Fannie May and Freddie Mac most recently) is that not also – theft…?

When “we” allow giant corporations to reap financial rewards through our extension of generous tax benefits while deliberately closing the door on anyone choosing to “get-off-the-grid” is that not a form of theft…?

When “we” knowingly and continuous allow governmental agencies to camouflage and pull the wool over our eyes respecting the safety of the water we ingest is that not a form of theft…?

In a book flaunted by both preacher and daemon it is written… let he who is without sin cast the first stone … be my guest as I most assuredly don’t qualify…perhaps you do…?

proactive water policies, conservation, say what

2008-09-10T12:51:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …What does it look like when it’s fixed…?
. ARIZONA FIGHTS SUIT OVER DENIAL OF WATER TRANSFER …. Arizona is trying to fend off a lawsuit in which a company is suing the state over its refusal to allow ground water to be piped to neighboring Nevada to support new development. The lawsuit pending in federal court in Las Vegas contends, among other things, that the denial interfered with interstate commerce and that Arizona officials violated a federal racketeering law by conspiring with project opponents and by purposely stringing out consideration of the application to "throw up numerous costly bureaucratic hurdles." The state's alleged intentional mishandling of Wind River Resources LLC's application left then-majority owner Erika Van Alstine financially insolvent, forcing her to sell a majority stake in the Arizona-based company, according to the lawsuit. Lawyers for the state Department of Water Resources have yet to respond to the lawsuit's charges, instead asking that the lawsuit be thrown out on jurisdiction and other legal grounds, including Wind River's failure to appeal administratively. If the case isn't dismissed, it should at least be transferred to federal court in Arizona, the state's lawyers contend. Wind River, whose lawsuit seeks unspecified damages, sought to pump water from the Muddy Creek aquifer in the Mormon Wells area north of Beaver Dam and transport it to the Virgin Valley Water District in nearby Mesquite, Nev. The March 15, 2005, application was the first submitted to the Department of Water Resources for a decision under a 1989 state law that set criteria for transporting water out of Arizona. The law was enacted seven years after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that groundwater is subject to the U.S. Constitution's protections for interstate commerce. Wind River's application called for exporting up to 14,000 acre-feet of water annually. An acre-foot of water is about 325,000 gallons, enough to supply two average families of four for a year. Many Beaver Dam and Littlefield residents opposed the application, expressing concerns that the project could leave their wells dry. Following the recommendation of an administrative law judge, state Water Resources Director Herb Guenther rejected Wind River's application on Nov. 28. In a Nov. 1 report that Guenther adopted with only a few changes, Judge Thomas Shedden recommended that Wind River's application be denied because the company failed to update key aspects, provided inaccurate information and did not submit hydrological studies on the pumping's probable impact on the Mormon Wells area. That left the department without enough information to decide whether Wind River had satisfied the Arizona law's requirements, including whether the exported water would be used for a "reasonable and beneficial" use in another state, Shedden said. Wind River contended it submitted all the necessary documentation to support its application and that its project would not harm existing water users in the lower Virgin River basin. Wind River also has argued that the state law requiring it to get Arizona's permission to export water was unconstitutional.

This report above is the first in a series of wild-west-skirmishes ushering in what will be a long arduous pejorative battle over water. This is but the very tip of an iceberg respecting how – water – in all of its many forms will be fought over. Water is the life-blood of any area in the West, and ownership or control of water in the West elicits a response one has power, authority and dominion. Arizona enters these battles a bit beleaguered as our water rights are subservient and “junior” to the rights enjoyed by – Nevada – California – New Mexico – Utah - Colorado our closest neighbors with “senior” rights as adjudicated under the Compact of the River. It strikes me that Arizona has absolutely no choice but to defend any action from any source which threatens to take in any form what Arizona chooses to believe is its water.

Not only is Nevada taking this shot at Arizona’s water, but our neighbor to the North – Utah – has made application to withdraw significant amounts of water from Lake Powell to provide water to support its unprecedented growth in St. George and Cedar City. Our friends in New Mexico are making plans to take more the water to which they are entitled from the Colorado River, while that 900# gorilla – California – appears to be a bit in a stealth mode at the moment.

Were all those states signature to the Compact of the River to actually withdraw all the water to which they are by contract entitled – no – water would reach Phoenix, or damn little, certainly not enough to support our current population let alone our appetite for future growth.

And this short discussion does not even remotely address what does the Compact of the River do about the legitimate claims of the sovereign nation/state of Mexico…?

Might it be time for Arizona to get honest and real about the water is actually has and develop proactive plans to conserve it for the benefit of the many…?

beginning to ask some pertinent questions

2008-09-10T12:49:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

About Sewers, Septics and Water Pollution…Prescott News... EXCERPTED… Lauren Millette … http://prescottenews.com/news/current-news/about-sewers-septics-and-water-pollution.html ... First, I invite everyone to make the time to view Ms. Millette’s article available on line at the site noted.
Secondly, The question still remains as to who will pay for sewering unsewered Prescott areas. There are 610 units on the outskirts of Prescott on septic tanks and 1,822 water meters in the city not linked to sewers. Although Prescott City Councils have dodged this issue for decades, water pollution complaints have percolated it to the top of main stream conversation at city hall and in north Prescott homes. City staff and members of the Prescott Mayor's Advisory Committee on Unsewered Areas met twice this summer since the topic packed council chambers and spurred hours of public outcry at several council sessions when Prescott Mayor Jack Wilson presented the concept that residents in these unsewered north Prescott neighborhoods foot the bill.
Although city staff initially associated the spillage with leaking septic units, residents on septic complained to council their septic tanks are maintained regularly and they should not have to fork out money for a city sewer line when they believe the sewage is coming from old, corroding sewer pipes the city has needed to replace for decades.
What about enforcing health code violations? Arizona Department of Environmental Quality officials relegated responsibility over environmental concerns to the county for this region even in areas annexed into various cities and towns. City staff reports they contacted ADEQ regarding the leaking sewage and were told the issue needs to be addressed by the county health department until the point where the pollution it is out of control and complaints are filed with ADEQ that no steps are being taken toward mitigation.
I want to rise and salute the folks in Prescott who are at least choosing to begin to ask some of those pertinent questions which government regulators and bureaucrats have for years summarily hidden from public view.

The process to design, install, utilize and maintain (O&M) any residential onsite wastewater treatment and effluent disposal system (SEPTIC SYSTEM) is one deliberately fraught with misinformation, misdirection and outright deception. And let me be even a bit bolder, I am willing to present my case before any audience in Arizona.

We have deliberately made the design, installation, utilization and O&M of all SEPTIC SYSTEMS merely a function of promoting and sustaining growth at the expense of water quality. Not, true, you say…? In the approx 18 months prior to the implementation of the initial ADEQ Unified Permit Rule approved by GRRC for Jan 2001, a number of citizens, regulators, engineers, contractors, homeowners voluntarily met to promulgate a rule which we endeavored to be clear, concise and understandable. Being novices, we were out “politic” by ADEQ and its minions and were trumped at GRRC by the then Governor of Arizona – Jane Hull. The Unified Permit Rule fostered by ADEQ, implemented in Jan 2001, sold out to the interests of the developers, the mines, the municipalities, the utilities choosing to summarily turn its back on overt protection of all forms of your water. Harsh and untrue, please ask ADEQ to come to the table prepared to honestly answer all your questions, without the need to play hide and seek with you…? Their game is you seek answers and ADEQ hides all the evidence and the truth from you.

But the bottom lines is “we” and most assuredly includes moi, are unwilling to HOLD the owner and user of any SEPTIC SYSTEM accountable and responsible. The HOMEOWNER is in Arizona the sacred cow, the untouchable.

This harkens to the legacy truth of Sir Issac Newton … for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction … as it pertains to SEPTIC SYSTEMS is there is no such thing as a free-lunch. We have steadfastly absolutely refused to hold the HOMEOWNER accountable and/or responsible for the care, custody and control of the SEPTIC SYSTEM he utilizes. And then with timidity we ask why our water is being polluted…?

We allowed ADEQ to implement a program which could have set the initial bar in establishing accountability and responsibility of HOMEOWNERS for the current operating state of the SEPTIC SYSTEM on their property, the mandatory RESALE SEPTIC INSPECTION & CERTIFICATION PROCESS, only to see them bastardize the process by making sure to legally holding no one in the process accountable save the buyer – caveat emptor.

Enter today a new economic factor challenging cities, towns, municipalities, etc to control all forms of water including and especially wastewater. Today’s wastewater is tomorrow’s potable water for you and yours, make no mistake about it. There is $$$ for those who can control and have dominion over how wastewater is collected, treated and utilized in the future. One need only take a cursory look on the internet and Google topics like, water privatization, Bechtel, Suez, Veolia Environment and RWE for starters, to get a glimpse of the extent these and other multinational corporations are moving to take control and dominion over all forms of water.

Here is a most telling fact … Arizona Department of Environmental Quality officials relegated responsibility over environmental concerns to the county for this region even in areas annexed into various cities and towns. City staff reports they contacted ADEQ regarding the leaking sewage and were told the issue needs to be addressed by the county health department until the point where the pollution it is out of control and complaints are filed with ADEQ that no steps are being taken toward mitigation. I invite you to ask Lake Havasu City, Bullhead City what ADEQ’s solution to this condition was for them…? Answer … the big pipe … yup, sewer it and built reputed state of the art sewage treatment facilities and you pick up the tab. Oh, yea, these same politicians are not unwilling to sell your tax paid facility to a private firm like Suez or enter into a “sweetheart” deal at the get-go and have them build the facility granting to them total care, custody and control over all aspects of operating the systems – including – what they charge you.

Hey it’s your water, your health, your life, so perhaps you want to have more than a passive voice in how others make decisions over all aspects of your water.

are we bought and paid for too

2008-09-09T12:48:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

McCain chooses Palin . . . Whether intended or not the McCain camp’s decision to choose Sarah Palin, the current Republican Governor of Alaska as the choice for the VP spot on the Republican Presidential ticket has produced a hail storm of discussion. This topic dominates national and local talk radio, TV news, newspaper headlines, internet discussion groups, weekly supermarket tabloids and coffee shop conversation.

What I find utterly fascinating is the speed at which reputed “valid” information was made available to the public, especially via the internet. No sooner had her name been mentioned and the internet was alive with “documentation” of all sorts, sizes, colors, descriptions about Ms. Palin. The barrage of so-called information was literally overwhelming, so much so, as to prevent anyone from standing back and taking a breath and questioning the validity of the information.

What “peaks” and tantalizes our interest is those reputed juicy tidbits about her personal life, her sex life, her personal drama/trauma stuff. The “stuff” our more popular TV shows portray week after week, keeping the audience on the edge of their seat to see what new provocatively stimulating “stuff” will be revealed in the next episode. Americans are voyeurs who choose to live vicariously through the lives of others.

This is for me a most interesting dichotomy as Americans yearn for the next revealing episode on the one hand while secretly maintaining a Puritan perspective about the human body, sex, nudity and human reproduction on the other. Enter on the American political scene a young woman, of reproductive age, not unattractive, with enough “baggage” for which motion picture executives salivate over, and presto the seeds exist to engage America in a prolonged love affair with her alleged proclivities.

Not a minute goes by that some new piece of “evidence” does not appear on the Internet about Ms. Palin as the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. These range from photos showing her cradling a rifle with a scope on it in a bathing suit around a swimming pool. What inference are you to conjure up as you look at this photo…? And there are the ones of her daughter holding a child, but whose we are asked…? Might it be…? And she lied about that “bridge to nowhere,” say what, are you really asking me to believe that McCain, Biden or Obama have not done similarly…? This is politics folks, they can’t tell you and me the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, because if they did, we really would not vote for any of them.

American politics is getting you and me to believe the myth, to see truth in the mirage our candidate of choice presents, while on the other hand we are asked to look past the myth and mirage the enemy camp presents and see their ugly truth disclosed. Running for the office of President of the United States of America has been reduced to creating the greatest stage production of all time orchestrated to culminate at precisely the right moment in time reaching a heightened crescendo we willing take with us to the poll when we vote. We’re bought and paid for too.

america's royals

2008-09-09T12:46:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

This is Washington DC belt-way reality so brilliantly depicted in Grin & Bear cartoon…in the Sunday – 9-7-08 – Arizona Republic.

The real tragedy is we just laugh about it accepting this nonsense. Why do we so obediently acquiesce and feel inclined to accept as reality these statements from those we elected to “serve & protect” us…? Living in a cocoon environment within the “belt-way” separate and apart from those who elected them to actually serve and protect and part of an unaccountable elite of some 535 individuals holding sway over a nation of some 300 million one could see “reality” differently.

Though unintended these are America’s – “royals” – to which we hold to different standard of honesty and ethics, often in stark contrast to that to which we hold family, friends and those with whom we work. Why…?

IT is fixed when we hold everyone, including I/you/me/us to the same standard.

another bail-out but not for you

2008-09-09T12:45:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

When the “press” does not see the need to turn its headlights on shenanigans like the Fannie and Freddie debacle it will be fixed.

This will not occur until we choose to hold those we elect to serve and to protect us fully accountable and responsible.

This implies that we take full accountability and responsibility for all of our own actions too. Blindly pointing and wagging our finger at the outrageous action “they” take is not a step towards honest personal accountability.

There will be another huge financial “bail-out” which you and I will pay for in spite of any claim any politician or candidate make. The current financial system of our nation is designed to benefit the corporation and those comprising the financial elite of our nation, fewer than 3% of the 300 million populating our nation.

There is not a week that passes into history which does not reveal another rip and tare in the economic fabric of our country. On the sidelines we stand seemingly immobilized unable or unwilling to take any action. We are not at all unlike the emaciated starving children with protruding eyes meekly standing awaiting a handout from “them.”

Looking to any form of “government” to do for us what we are unwilling to do for ourselves is foolish and will only meet with inevitable disaster. Government is a reflection of our collective will and for the past many years it has been our will to be complacent, lackadaisical and progressively more mentally and emotionally lazy.

It will change when we choose a different path individually and collectively but not until then. And all the rhetoric in the world from the mouths of any politician will not bring about the required change. They can, if they choose, provide the catalyst and the inspiration for change, but only by our individual and collective action will it manifest.

2008-09-09T12:19:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

FUNDS FALL SHORT FOR SCHOOL REPAIRS … headline in 9-8-08, issue of Arizona Republic … so what does this say about our honesty and commitment to educating our children…?

I ask you, Governor Janet Napolitano, how can you expect our school aged youngsters to trust your word…? You made bold and proud statements to our State Legislature, to our state’s teachers, to our state’s student that YOU were their champion. YOU promised to “serve & protect” them. Is this the example of the noble manner in which you are choosing to honor your word…?

You ask to be looked upon as the inspirational leader of our State, the one to whom our school aged youngsters revere and hold in a place of honor. And when the going gets tough, you choose to “gut” them as a fisherman would the mullet he uses for bait. You and your advisors should have a better handle on the economy of our state than it appears you actually have…?

You chose to be that knight on the white horse championing the education of our youth no one forced that task upon you. You saw an opportunity to stake out a legacy position and took it. There it is, Governor, along with the obligation to live up to your commitments. Attempting to pass the buck to the 90 mental midgets, acting in behalf of special interests, masquerading in their capacity as members of our State Legislature doesn’t cut it you wear the mantle as champion.

When “we” – that’s you and me – choose to judge the future acts of these now school aged youngsters, let us remember that “we” did not live up to our collective commitment to them. When their actions and words brand us and cut us to the core emotionally, let us remember that shoe was on our foot and we too, in kind cut them to the core – you can't trust us…?

There is as Sir Issac Newton so eloquently pointed out many, many centuries past … for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction …

IT is fixed when the words we speak match the actions we take.

BUSH CAN BLOCK MAD-COW TESTING

2008-09-04T10:50:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

The Associated Press reports … BUSH CAN BLOCK MAD-COW TESTING…

This is one of those occasions when I truly need your assistance. Please explain to me who benefits when President George W. Bush can summarily block a privately owned business from providing more testing than is required by any regulatory rule or law and at that business’s own expense…? Our federal governmental agencies are not negatively impacted in any way nor are they required to contribute any funds to support this business’s testing activity…? Why then would President George W. Bush logically block and prohibit a private business from engaging in any activity which does not negatively impact our national defense, our environment, our air or our water…? Why indeed…?

The article suggests the rationale is that other meat packing companies will have to conduct the reputed costly testing for … mad-cow disease …? No they do not, it’s simply a matter of choice on the part of every meat packing company. Or is this merely the tip of an iceberg industry does not want to see the light of day…? What is the meat packing industry trying to hide…?

Were in implications not so horrific, this is a total laugher, our President intercedes to prevent a privately owned business from attempting to provide a “better” and safer product to consumers. Is this what the vaunted American free-enterprise system has come to…?

What “IT” looks like when fixed for me is, a President of the United States would never choose to intercede into any action where health of his citizens was being given honest consideration, NO, he would take every legitimate means to support such endeavors.

exploiting the ocean for Arizona water

2008-09-04T10:48:00.000-07:00

The Arizona Republic headlines note…ARIZONA MULLS NEW WATER SOURCE: OCEAN … As we ponder exploiting the oceans as one of the primary sources of potable (drinking) water in Arizona’s future, might we consider the long term implications this action will have on our single source ecosystem…? I invite us to consider and make part of our discovery process how we honorable deal with the increased salinity issue such desalination will have on the ecosystem of the ocean from which we choose to extract this water. I invite us to multiply Arizona’s pending action by a factor of 10 or 100 or 100 or more times as cities far closer to the worlds oceans rush head long towards a similar solution. I invite us to consider the horrific energy cost on worldwide scale desalination will have and from where do we anticipate obtaining this needed energy – fossil fuel…?

We love numbers and it is noted the world’s oceans contain approx. 97% of all the water available on our planet. These same oceans provide home to teeming millions upon millions of life forms all designed to live within a specific salinity range. Our increase desalination efforts will only serve to inexorably exacerbate already declining ocean life forms. That all “life forms” share one inexorably intertwined ecosystem somehow does not resonate with the degree of prominence that it should. Sir Isaac Newton noted long ago … that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction … and I do not believe mankind can long endure by thumbing our nose at Mother Nature’s consistent warnings, can you…?

It may be that desalination can be a factor in providing a portion of the potable (drinking) water that mankind world wide requires today and will require tomorrow, but only if we choose to address this in an honorable and holistic manner. Choosing to run rough shod over Mother Nature will only end in utter disaster for mankind.

When “IT’S” fixed we will have honorably taken into consideration the holistic implications of Sir Issac Newton’s … that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction …

just because we can, should we

2008-09-04T10:44:00.000-07:00

“IT” is fixed when the question becomes …. Just because we can, should we…?

In the photo above appearing in the Thursday 9-5-08 -issue of the Arizona Republic – Tiger Wood is reported to be reviewing his most recent and most ambitious commercial venture. Along with his Dubai investors, Tiger Wood is developing a 1.1 billion dollar golf course in Dubai. This venture will require copious amounts of water to grow and maintain over 5 million square feet of grass along with the growing and maintenance of over 30,000 full-grown imported trees.

Fresh potable water resources in Dubai are limited the majority of potable (drinking and crop growing) water is processed through desalinization of the ocean’s water. I am not aware there are any water experts who refute that as a result of desalinization the water returned to either the ocean or land has a significantly higher saline content and it deleterious to most all life forms.

Might there be something just a bit out of balance here…? I am fully cognizant it is not possible to legislate or demand or force anyone to take, foster or adhere to any specific moral or ethical path. I have difficulty integrating how on the one hand we – Americans – prop up folks like – Tiger Wood – as champions, heroes who win under medically challenging circumstance, while on the other hand, we can summarily watch as his commercial action degrade our sole source single ecosphere all for the sake of personal glory and a few measly dollars. Are these really the actions a hero takes…? Are not heroes the one who stand tall in the face of adversity, like Gary Cooper in High Noon…? Heroes are not in it, just for the buck, are they…? Tiger Wood, because of his public persona is an easy target, but he is not the only target. Is not each of us equally accountable and responsible for contributing to this imbalance…?

Our local newspapers report our “leaders” want to tie Arizona’s future to desalinization of the ocean’s water from the area around Rocky Point, Mexico. A - “WAG” – that’s an economically scientific term for “wild ass guess” was tossed out at $250 billion dollars as the cost for this project. What we should all know by now is that any figure that government provides is totally fictitious as the true and ultimate cost is normally from 2 to 10 times greater.

Desalinization requires enormous amounts of energy. Where is this energy to come from for the Tiger Wood’s Dubai golf course project and for the desalinization project envisioned by Arizona’s leaders….? Greater reliance on fossil fuel…?

If folks seeking public exposure as benefactors of our environment truly want to champion projects which can have universal application, let them put their “charitable-tax-free-funds” into sponsoring totally “out-of-the-box-thinking” about solar, wind, wave, algae conversion, etc, as well as applying this thinking to cleaning up our water and our air…?

Surely there are folks around our globe, many of them from indigenous aboriginal cultures who posses as Alberto Villoldo, Ph.D. - a psychologist and medical anthropologist, notes … “Knowledge is wisdom. Information is knowing that water is H2O. Knowledge is being able to make it rain.” Knowledge we express through our beliefs in our economic, political, social, and educational systems. Even our medical practices are, by their very nature, hostile, masculine, and aggressive. These paradigms hold that we can rape, loot, and pillage as we wish, we can spoil the earth and postpone the price of clean-up to future generations. Tiger Wood’s Dubai golf course is merely emblematic of this contemporary American paradigm. Tiger Wood is not to be judged as bad or wrong, he is merely reacting within the confines of our American capitalistic greed based economic model. Do not we, though we see ourselves as farther down that ladder, equally climbing and adhering to that same greed based economic model…?

Getting one’s head and heart outside our contemporary economic model is extremely difficult. We can get there in the moment only to fall quickly back into alignment with the politically correct thinking of the day. Don’t beat yourself up, when you become aware of where you are in the moment you have an opportunity to make a choice. Every action and move you make is by choice. Most of us have been operation on “auto-pilot” for so long we do not know how to grip the steering wheel with our own hands. That’s the first step. Only when I/you/me/us shall accept and assume sole responsibility for all of our actions are we truly and honestly free.

That’s what IT looks like when it’s fixed for me. What’s your position, I’d really like to know and learn and be open to discussing it with you…?

Respectfully,

when the student is ready the teacher appears

2008-08-30T14:51:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …What does it look like when it’s fixed…?

http://energeticsynergy.blogspot.com/

. When the student is ready, the teachers appear, I am ready…

Actions the universe take are quite often – bold – maybe even in your face. So interesting is it that when in that instant universe knows – ah, ha – that mask you wear is utterly destroyed torn asunder and naked, raw, exposed completely vulnerable you stand. In that same instant universe grants you when the truth from your heart words do flow a level of understanding accessible to all. Some may in fear, turn their head, some may even scoff, but they heard and those words, your words, do resonate reaching that “whisper voice” in them.

On this planet we call home – Earth – ET is truly calling home, to us, to you to me. But most of us are afraid to even pick up the phone. Most of us do not know what honoring is as in our life no one really honored us by asking us … what will it look like when it’s fixed...? The operative words being what will it look like to you, when it’s fixed…? Most of us, don’t even know where to begin. We’ve been accustomed to believing we do not have a voice, or what we say has no value, but that’s simply not true. Often when we rise to speak it’s from an angry place inside contributing to elevating the “rush” some feel when they’ve operating exercising domination and control. We rise often with equal anger, screw you, I’ll show them, they can't push me around. I won’t take it anymore, so there…? We choose in that moment to give credence to the mantra of …fighting fire with fire…need more be said…?

What will it look like when it’s fixed… and “it” can be anything any aspect of your life or mine or theirs or how you and I choose to treat each other or our environment. “It” can be the education we choose to provide and to whom and for how long. “It” can be the health care we choose to extend to the all of mankind, yea, even those we incarcerate, leave homeless on the street, those caught in the aftermath of the wars we perpetuate. “It” can be evaluating the choices we make to incarcerate in the first place, many, most in the USA for doing what, smoking or putting something freely into our body, say what…? Might the question we need ask first, is do we even have the right to control extend dominion over what man and men do with their lives. I did not say I need choose to follow that same path. I asked only what right do we have to exercise dominion or control over anyone, you or me, or them…? Yea, I hear it now, this invitation encourages only chaos, so there, and someone needs to stipulate how we all must act and even think…?

Might it truly be the chaos we actually fear resides and begins in us, you and me…? We don’t even know how or when or to whom we can turn to ask for help. Help, what’s that…? To utter such words is a sign of weakness or disease, so isolated, desolated quickly you become, labeled, branded, a mutant, a scourge on society. And all because we did not know how or when or to whom we can honestly turn to seek help, is that the message we really want to send…?

Experts note an iceberg floating on the sea reveals about 1/6 of its actual size. Beneath the sea 5/6 remains hidden from our sight. How much is actually revealed in the education we choose to provide to our children and the young, not even factoring the adult population…? How truly attentive are we, to honestly making sure that … Johnny can really, read, and subject him not to the travesty of social promotion from grade to grade…? And while we are considering his ability to read, how important have we chosen to make his ability to express, know and learn about all the emotional aspects of which he is comprised…? I believe I can with some degree of authority note, men in America know only to compress. Yea, even the computers we invent have a button suggesting we “compress” this file or that. Yup, we men are damn good at that – compress – constrict, condense, squash, apply pressure and reduce. That’s precisely how most of us have been trained in the John Wayne School of emotional revelation. What the hell is wrong with you, real men don’t cry, they don’t show any emotion, save anger or rage…? A few brave men many rise to ask how and why we got into Vietnam or Iraq, but most rather than risk being emotionally emasculated simply nod their head up and down, we’ve got a job to do, save them from communism or save their oil for us. The reality is that’s all we know … dominate … kick their ass … kill … that’s the extent of our emotional range of social interaction, acceptable or not. So what you most often see revealed is but 1/6 of who we really are and, when, not if, we explode, look out.

Were I asked to deliver this to a live audience, at this point I would be inclined to ask, by a show of hands how many men can identify with Darth Vader… ? I know at one time I really, really could. When Star Wars was first shown at the theater, and Darth Vader made his first appearance I quickly fled. Too revealing it was for me. In that moment I knew I was even more impenetrable than was he. My armor I had perfected over time and from many battles added even more. From behind what I thought was safety, you could not reach me, touch me, I need not listen, or hear anything you say, not even … I love you … it meant nothing only words no meaning did it have. How tragic and how sad the shallowness of the life most men lead.

I want to believe that men are choosing to voluntarily change and from a place of confidence express what they feel, openly and honorably in an atmosphere of mutual respect and even love. Giving into reading the corporate owned newspapers, watching CNN (Constantly Negative News) or Fox TV, what is seen serves only to re-enforce those attributes so long taught in the John Wayne School. It takes real courage on the part of men to tune this “stuff” out replacing it with thoughts and deeds which many of us were taught label us as “sissies” or even worse. Interesting as we all truly are aware that when we really want change, there is a price to pay. We willingly do it for the team, take one for the crew, even in a moment act silly in a play, especially if the reward is extra money, filthy lucre, and $tuff and thing$, making us more important than someone else, mere replications of domination and control.

Men, especially those of us now in our 60’s or a bit more, are extensions of old John Wayne movies, the hero always gets the girl, triumphs over all, settles all debts, and takes no shit from anyone. And one can make the case this is certainly not all wrong or bad. No, it’s not, but if that’s all you know, how then do we treat our wife, our kids, our employees, and those new foreigners who moved in down the street, the gardener who cuts our lawn, the pool boy or the UPS man…? Most likely we don’t even see or acknowledge them, we can not see, we do not hear nor listen. They can not offer to us nor reflect back to us the degree of importance we seek from outside our self. Not seeing nor hearing, they become absolutely meaningless and from a place of need for instant gratification we revert to attributes of our “throw-away” society and quickly discard them too.

So the question remains unanswered, what will it look like for you, when it’s fixed…? The operative word to delineate is what – “IT” – is.

energy independence and safe water

2008-08-30T14:50:00.000-07:00

Perspective for your consideration …What does it look like when it’s fixed…?
Do uranium mines belong near Grand Canyon? …Mining companies stake claims on federal land adjoining the park, while opponents say drinking water will be at risk….By Mark Clayton Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor/ August 19, 2008 editionReporter Mark Clayton …GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, ARIZ. …On a ragged outcrop just a short walk from a Grand Canyon overlook where millions of visitors annually come to gawk at one of the world’s most stunning vistas sits the old Orphan uranium mine. Soil radiation levels around it are 450 times higher than normal. It’s encircled by a protective fence. …A sign warns: “Remain behind fence – environmental evaluation in progress.” In the canyon hundreds of feet below, another sign by gurgling Horn Creek instructs thirsty hikers not to drink its radioactive water. While another group notes in the mighty Colorado River, the old Orphan uranium mine’s radioactive dribble is diluted to insignificance. But what if a dozen new uranium mines leached uranium radioisotopes into this water source…?
“IT” will be fixed when warning signs such as those noted in the above article are no longer required and we can with honest safely ingest the water from the mighty Colorado River. Is it not ludicrous on the one hand to report water in the Colorado River is 450 times higher in radioactivity than normal, while on the other we continue to allow unrestricted mining exploration on this water body serving over 25 million American citizens…? And exactly what does … diluted to insignificance … honestly mean…?

We all know everything has a price and a cost and providing safe water is most assuredly one of them. Generations earlier, Sir Issac Newton noted that … "Every action has an equal and opposite reaction" … it would seem logical then to conclude that permitting unrestricted mining of uranium near a water body like the Colorado River invites contamination and pollution of that water body as accidents in mining are part and parcel to its activity coupled with the destructive nature of mining itself.

Confining our “energy” dreams to only those activities which we have been educated to believe are the only ones only promotes stagnation and limitation. John Kennedy as President invigorated a nation impelling them with a burning desire to … put a man on the moon and return him safely to earth … When he spoke those now immortal words we did not have the technology to achieve this feat. So, we collectively went out and created it, which is exactly what we can do respecting our energy dream. All it takes is our individual and collective willingness to think outside the box.

Obtaining energy independence and safe water in the Colorado River are not mutually exclusive goals. It is not a choice of one or the other, rather it is a both, and, paradigm, achievable when we make the honest intent to manifest it. We sent a man to the moon and returned him safely to earth and we can have energy independence and safe water simultaneously.

That’s what IT looks like when it’s fixed for me, what say you …?