January 2009 Four Corners Free Press
Environmental plundering exacerbates economic woes
_______________________________________
Listening to the current parade of "experts" discussing our economic crisis I’m struck with how consistently they admit to being surprised: “we didn’t see this coming” is a favorite refrain. Then they go on to assure us that a rebound is only a couple seasons away.
Why didn’t or couldn’t they see this coming? Why is a rebound inevitable? More importantly, rebound to what? The same standard of living and dreams that have carried this nation since World War II?
The talking heads consistently focus on the “financial crisis,” as though finances were all there are to our economy and its functioning. Why don’t they discuss the state of our Earth’s ill health, or question some of the basic assumptions that have driven Wall Street, our economy, and our politics these past decades?
One item worth re-examining is the businessman’s canon of “fiduciary responsibility” run amok. Fiduciary responsibility roughly means that in handling someone else’s money or business: “the utmost degree of good faith, honesty, integrity, loyalty and undivided service of the beneficiaries interest" is demanded.
On the face of it a good thing. But in the hands of single minded corporate giants it takes on an ugly twist. Corporate fiduciary responsibility mandates the maximum profit, no matter what the real world fallout. All responsibilities and liabilities to the outside world are rejected whenever possible. "Profits Über Alles" succeeds for the individual corporation but, it’s to the detriment of all others. There’s no future in it, as the current financial upheaval is showing us.
Then, there’s the impression that it’s OK for business, and the rest of us, to continue ignoring what we’re doing to our Earth. Don't forget, the Great Depression was triggered by a combination of financial and manmade environmental breakdowns. But back then, our population was still small and our footprint upon the land wasn’t as extensive. The same was true of the world at large. This meant that vast areas of unblemished resources both above and below ground existed, just waiting to be plucked.
Look at our planet today - humanity has encircled it and closed in on itself. Resources are consumed with reckless ravenous intensity. There is no more new frontier on this planet, and vast swaths of land and water have been severely plundered and damaged. Yet, the business/media world still acts as though Earth remains the cornucopia it once was.
Obviously the lesson of the sun is lost on our movers & shapers: The larger the sun, the faster it burns itself up. We exist on this planet because our sun is of modest size, therefore consuming its fuel at a moderate rate. Our economic, political brain trust never thinks beyond burning the flame as hot as possible.
A century of corporate contempt toward our environment has left us a battered and prematurely aged Earth. The environment that so many continue to dismiss is actually the life support system that all of humanity depends upon, our biosphere. Why doesn’t the media report on that in realistic detail?
Society is at a crossroads. Insatiable consumption - “having the most toys,” “bigger is better” - have held paramount sway in our collective imaginations. If we cling to that conviction the days ahead will be harsh indeed, because Earth simply cannot support it any longer. Any sort of semi healthy future for our kids and their kids depends on our ability to understand and adopt a sustainability mindset.
The first step should be getting to know the magnificent Earth you’re part of. It would also help to realize it is not us with our God. It’s God with its Earth and all its creatures. Earth is the only planet we know off that has nurtured life into this fantastic interdependent panorama and humanity is but one self-centered speck in God’s reality. The entire thing ~ some call it Gaia ~ is God’s child. When will we start nurturing it with intelligence, respect, perhaps even affection?
BBC, recently produced an excellent five part series titled “THE EARTH: A BIOGRAPHY... the story of our world.” It is a non-political examination of our planet, it’s development and its many interwoven interdependencies. Check it out, you will be impressed.
Only by removing our focus from outdated dogmas and refocusing on the here & now, our Earth and how to nurture it, rather than plundering it, can we hope for brighter days in the future.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Please No Village at Wolf Creek
The following is a letter to the Durango Telegraph, hoping to stir up some people to do a little letter writing.
It's regarding turning Red McCombs development threat into a watershed preserve. printed 12-18-8
For detailed information visit http://www.friendsofwolfcreek.org/, they are the real hero's who have done epic battle to stave off development of that wonderful resource.
For the record: I am unaffiliated with friendsofwolfcreek, or any other resource I may link to in this blog ;-).
===============================================================
Dear Editor,
Let me share a few reasons why Red McCombs should abandon his dream of a Village at Wolf Creek and return his ill-gotten parcel of Alberta Park to the Rio Grande National Forest. Thereby leaving a legacy proclaiming: here was a man who learned to appreciate the deeper value of his land, a man who had the insight to see its down to earth necessity for future generations ~ along with the generosity to secure that biological treasure that is Alberta Park for those future generations.
> Alberta Park is at 10,000 elevation, it receives some of this country’s biggest snowfalls, it is 200 miles from the nearest large population centers, and thousands from the shrinking money capable of buying into such speculative ventures.
> Economic winds have shifted. Current events are proving that the Reaganomics Faith, upon which the Village at Wolf Creek was conceived, is actually an illusion that hides cruel balloon payment liabilities. The Village, in any form, is simply not viable in the coming economic upheaval.
> Climatic winds are shifting. Water storage and supply issues are going to take on greater urgency in a drier Southwest.
> Alberta Park currently functions as a key component in a vast nearly pristine watershed. A component that serves vital biological, life sustaining functions. Such as holding and filtering water used in countless ways by millions of down stream Rio Grande River stakeholders. It is also a linchpin to wildlife migration. Given the habitat loss this past half century, any remaining parcels we can spare need to be protected - we can’t rebuild them.
> Alberta Park: its hydrologic, biologic and wildlife resource’s are worthy of being seen as National Security Items. (For more background on the value of wetlands visit: www.waterinfo.org/ )
Today, Red McCombs is back to the starting gate with his VWC development plans. Currently, they remain silent about future strategies - it can be assumed there are discussions about how realistic going ahead is. That means the table is open to suggestions.
Regarding Leavell-McCombs Joint Venture, consider this. These people, rather brochures, assure us they can build a viable village, at ten thousand feet, under some of the nations greatest snowfall, along with all the tremendous infrastructure a running town needs. Yet, try finding them in the Yellow Pages, Texas, Colorado, nothing. Look up the Better Business Bureau, nothing. They can be found on the web, but their website is way out of date {with no contact address!}. LMJV seems to be a virtual company. Nothing wrong in that. But, do you want to trust a virtual company to build and maintain your town?
If you agree the VWC makes no sense, and if it matters to you. Now is one of those rare moments when some grassroots action could actually make a big difference. Quick, before new commitments are made! Write the man himself. A polite, reasoned, plea, or argument explaining why he should create the Billy Red McCombs Watershed Preserve. ) Since LMJV is elusive here are some addresses that trace to Mr. McCombs himself:
McCombs Enterprises
755 E Mulberry Ave #100
San Antonio, TX 78212
210-821-6523
Red McCombs Media
6207 Sheridan Avenue, Suite 200
Austin, Texas 78723
http://www.redmccombsmedia.com/us/contact-us
Clear Channel
200 East Basse Road
San Antonio, TX 78209
lisacdollinger@clearchannel.com
Imagine if Mr. McCombs received lots of letters lobbying him to establish a wetland - biological preserve - bet it would have an impact. Send a copy to each address. A stitch in time may save nine ;-)
It's regarding turning Red McCombs development threat into a watershed preserve. printed 12-18-8
For detailed information visit http://www.friendsofwolfcreek.org/, they are the real hero's who have done epic battle to stave off development of that wonderful resource.
For the record: I am unaffiliated with friendsofwolfcreek, or any other resource I may link to in this blog ;-).
===============================================================
Dear Editor,
Let me share a few reasons why Red McCombs should abandon his dream of a Village at Wolf Creek and return his ill-gotten parcel of Alberta Park to the Rio Grande National Forest. Thereby leaving a legacy proclaiming: here was a man who learned to appreciate the deeper value of his land, a man who had the insight to see its down to earth necessity for future generations ~ along with the generosity to secure that biological treasure that is Alberta Park for those future generations.
> Alberta Park is at 10,000 elevation, it receives some of this country’s biggest snowfalls, it is 200 miles from the nearest large population centers, and thousands from the shrinking money capable of buying into such speculative ventures.
> Economic winds have shifted. Current events are proving that the Reaganomics Faith, upon which the Village at Wolf Creek was conceived, is actually an illusion that hides cruel balloon payment liabilities. The Village, in any form, is simply not viable in the coming economic upheaval.
> Climatic winds are shifting. Water storage and supply issues are going to take on greater urgency in a drier Southwest.
> Alberta Park currently functions as a key component in a vast nearly pristine watershed. A component that serves vital biological, life sustaining functions. Such as holding and filtering water used in countless ways by millions of down stream Rio Grande River stakeholders. It is also a linchpin to wildlife migration. Given the habitat loss this past half century, any remaining parcels we can spare need to be protected - we can’t rebuild them.
> Alberta Park: its hydrologic, biologic and wildlife resource’s are worthy of being seen as National Security Items. (For more background on the value of wetlands visit: www.waterinfo.org/ )
Today, Red McCombs is back to the starting gate with his VWC development plans. Currently, they remain silent about future strategies - it can be assumed there are discussions about how realistic going ahead is. That means the table is open to suggestions.
Regarding Leavell-McCombs Joint Venture, consider this. These people, rather brochures, assure us they can build a viable village, at ten thousand feet, under some of the nations greatest snowfall, along with all the tremendous infrastructure a running town needs. Yet, try finding them in the Yellow Pages, Texas, Colorado, nothing. Look up the Better Business Bureau, nothing. They can be found on the web, but their website is way out of date {with no contact address!}. LMJV seems to be a virtual company. Nothing wrong in that. But, do you want to trust a virtual company to build and maintain your town?
If you agree the VWC makes no sense, and if it matters to you. Now is one of those rare moments when some grassroots action could actually make a big difference. Quick, before new commitments are made! Write the man himself. A polite, reasoned, plea, or argument explaining why he should create the Billy Red McCombs Watershed Preserve. ) Since LMJV is elusive here are some addresses that trace to Mr. McCombs himself:
McCombs Enterprises
755 E Mulberry Ave #100
San Antonio, TX 78212
210-821-6523
Red McCombs Media
6207 Sheridan Avenue, Suite 200
Austin, Texas 78723
http://www.redmccombsmedia.com/us/contact-us
Clear Channel
200 East Basse Road
San Antonio, TX 78209
lisacdollinger@clearchannel.com
Imagine if Mr. McCombs received lots of letters lobbying him to establish a wetland - biological preserve - bet it would have an impact. Send a copy to each address. A stitch in time may save nine ;-)
letter to "Red" McCombs Enterprises regarding VWC
The following is a letter I've sent to the various Red McCombs addresses I was able to ferret out.
(For more on the Village at Wolf Creek scheme see early October in this blog.)
.......................................................................................................................
I'm trying to get a letter through to Leavell-McCombs Joint Venture which seems impossible. Now I'm hoping to reach Mr. Billy Red McCombs through you.
Please pass this letter on to him.
===================================================
Dear Mr. McCombs,
Please consider the following reasons for abandoning the Village at Wolf Creek, these are but a few:
> Alberta Park is at 10,000 elevation, receives some of this country’s biggest snowfalls, is 200 miles from the nearest large population centers, and thousands from the shrinking money capable of buying into such speculative ventures.
> Economic winds have shifted. Current events are proving that the Reaganomics Faith, upon which the Village at Wolf Creek was conceived, is actually an illusion that hides cruel balloon payment liabilities. The Village, in any form, is simply not viable in the coming economic upheaval.
> Climatic winds are shifting. Water storage and supply issues are going to take on greater urgency in a drier Southwest.
> Alberta Park currently functions as a key component in a vast nearly pristine watershed. A component that serves vital biological, life sustaining functions. Such as holding and filtering water used in countless ways by millions of down stream Rio Grande River stakeholders. It is also a linchpin to wildlife migration. Given the habitat loss this past half century, any remaining parcels we can spare need to be protected, we can’t rebuild them.
> That land and it’s hydrologic resource is worthy of being seen as a National Security Item. ( For more background on the importance of clean watersheds & rivers visit: www.waterinfo.org/ )
> Deeding that parcel back to the Rio Grande National Forest as the Billy Red McCombs Watershed Preserve would proclaim your legacy as a man who had the insight to appreciate the true value of his land and the patriotism to care for the down to earth needs of future generations. It would make you a hero in these parts.
Your thoughtful consideration would be appreciated.
Sincerely,
(For more on the Village at Wolf Creek scheme see early October in this blog.)
.......................................................................................................................
I'm trying to get a letter through to Leavell-McCombs Joint Venture which seems impossible. Now I'm hoping to reach Mr. Billy Red McCombs through you.
Please pass this letter on to him.
===================================================
Dear Mr. McCombs,
Please consider the following reasons for abandoning the Village at Wolf Creek, these are but a few:
> Alberta Park is at 10,000 elevation, receives some of this country’s biggest snowfalls, is 200 miles from the nearest large population centers, and thousands from the shrinking money capable of buying into such speculative ventures.
> Economic winds have shifted. Current events are proving that the Reaganomics Faith, upon which the Village at Wolf Creek was conceived, is actually an illusion that hides cruel balloon payment liabilities. The Village, in any form, is simply not viable in the coming economic upheaval.
> Climatic winds are shifting. Water storage and supply issues are going to take on greater urgency in a drier Southwest.
> Alberta Park currently functions as a key component in a vast nearly pristine watershed. A component that serves vital biological, life sustaining functions. Such as holding and filtering water used in countless ways by millions of down stream Rio Grande River stakeholders. It is also a linchpin to wildlife migration. Given the habitat loss this past half century, any remaining parcels we can spare need to be protected, we can’t rebuild them.
> That land and it’s hydrologic resource is worthy of being seen as a National Security Item. ( For more background on the importance of clean watersheds & rivers visit: www.waterinfo.org/ )
> Deeding that parcel back to the Rio Grande National Forest as the Billy Red McCombs Watershed Preserve would proclaim your legacy as a man who had the insight to appreciate the true value of his land and the patriotism to care for the down to earth needs of future generations. It would make you a hero in these parts.
Your thoughtful consideration would be appreciated.
Sincerely,
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