Topical Juice

We already know that carbon emissions from coal-generated power is a major contributor to global warming. And the most recent occurances of mine cave-ins in Utah and China are neither new nor rare instances. Coal mining is a dangerous occupation, but generally speaking we only hear about how dangerous it is when a mine collapses, trapping and often killing the miners who were underground when a collapse occurs.

People work at these dangerous jobs because we humans, in every developed nation around the globe, have a nearly insatiable need for energy. To light our homes at night, run our air conditioners (in a hot climate) or heat our homes (in a cold climate), to power our computers, microwaves, toaster ovens, etc., etc., etc..

But we have alternatives - wind power, hydro-electric (water), bio fuels, solar power. We simply need to start telling our Utility companies, and our elected representatives, that we want better funding into using these alternative energy sources. Instead of spending millions of dollars to rescue trapped miners, let’s shut down the coal mines and put that money into installing more Wind Turbines, and better tax credits for homeowners who install solar panels.

Of course we all need to do our part to reduce our own energy consumption as well - there’s great information everywhere these days about changing out your old lightbulbs for new energy efficient CFL bulbs, fixing your leaky faucets, turning down the hot water heater, and many more suggestions - check out PowerScoreCard.org and DoSomething.org.

While you’re at it, you might consider a Hamster Powered Paper Shredder. Maybe if we can find a way to put more Hamsters to work, we can eliminate coal mining altogether. I know what you’re thinking - “all those miners would have to find other jobs!”. Yep, you’re right. Safer jobs hopefully.

The last three nights I have been held captive by CNN - enthralled with the special 3-part series presented by Christianne Amanpour, titled “God’s Warriors“, which reported on the extreme fundamentalist movements within each of the three major religions of the world - Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. Specifically the report focused on how each of these movements were politicizing their message and influencing governments. It was a well balanced, unbiased, and unvarnished look at how the world, our interactions, and possibly our futures are being shaped by the beliefs and convictions of these groups. Brava, Christianne!

I would urge anyone who missed it to take advantage of CNN’s planned rebroadcast this weekend, over both Saturday and Sunday nights, beginning at 9pm ET. Six hours in total, so they are going to split it into two 3-hour segments instead of the 3 2-hour segments just shown, but it is well worth the investment of your time and attention.

It is imperative the everyone - regardless of your religious affiliation, or even if you have none - be informed on what is going on in our world, because ignorance breeds complacency, and complacency will be the downfall of individuals who value their rights and their freedom. Religion should not be politicized and governments should not be controlled by religion. Governments should represent all people, of all faiths, not just those who espouse extreme beliefs. We cannot allow ourselves to turn a blind eye and deaf ear to those who seek to subvert the very civil liberties this country was founded upon and impose their own will instead.

Pay attention - be informed.