Positive thinking
With Mr. Boehner’s resignation and the impending changes in the House of Representative’s organization, I think it is time for the arch conservatives (i.e., Freedom Circle) to let the American people know what they are for! Over time we have been given a pretty good idea what they are against, but almost nothing about what they are for.
I presume they reflect the consensus opinions of Americans about not permitting people to die for lack of food, shelter, and medical care. I know they are against increasing national revenue, reducing spending, reducing the national debt, and maintaining the level of American life. Hard to argue. Even harder to reconcile. I just would like to have their positive desires explained in a rational and objective manner. Seems to me it would also provide a better basis for the “debates” than we have had so far.
Guff Worth, Lakeport
Helping out
Recently, I visited the Yuba Community College District campus in Clear Lake (CLC); I was so moved by the work of the faculty and staff in the wake do the recent fires, especially the devastating Valley Fire, I am compelled to share their stories. All of the dedicated individuals that I met with told me they are thankful and proud to be able to serve one another and our students but, they were also emotionally worn from supporting so many students who had lost so much — in many cases all their worldly possessions.
The students I saw were truly thankful for a friendly face and an empathetic ear. The CLC Child Care Services provided some stability for children whose lives were turned “upside down.” Aromas, the student-run restaurant which is part of the culinary program, served meals to evacuees and our staff cheerfully distributed donated relief supplies. The campus served as a much-needed and much appreciated, oasis of calm and support during the crisis.
District-wide, our faculty and staff have gone “above and beyond” to provide relief solutions for both staff and students that were affected. Woodland Community College and Yuba College have organized the collection and transportation of supplies; the Associated Students of Woodland Community College (ASWCC) traveled to CLC to distribute toys collected for children; the YCCD Foundation Clear Lake Campus Relief Fund has raised over $3,000.
In addition to serving and securing our “YCCD family,” we have been supporting the greater Lake County community by distributing aid and reaching out to others who have been impacted by the fires. The CLC Counseling Department offered a series of support workshops that were available to all students, staff and community members. Furthermore, we have been in discussions with the Lake County Office of Education to offer CLC classroom space for schools so that they can reopen.
All told, almost 2,000 structures were destroyed, making this one of California’s worst fires but, in rural communities like ours, we band together and help one another. I can’t express how truly appreciative and grateful I am for everyone who has pulled together to help support our college and community.
Dr. Douglas B. Houston, Chancellor, Yuba Community College District
Climate Change and Exxon
Exxon was an early leader in the study of global warming. Exxon felt that doing good science would give them a creditable position at the policy table, and they knew policy change would be inevitable.
So, they did good, peer-reviewed research (source: insideclimatenews.org). Documents show that Exxon was clearly aware of climate change driven by fossil fuel emission.
In the ‘70s Exxon began a study to study the ocean and see where the carbon dioxide going. Exxon linked with Scripts and Columbia University. Exxon dropped the tanker project in 78 and 79, but continued research, mainly through modeling.
In the 1990s things changed. Actually, beginning in 1989, a group was formed called “Global Climate Coalition.” The GCC was led by oil and gas, but had coal and auto manufacturers as well. They were not “deniers.” In a primer from one of Exxon’s scientists, Exxon reps were told not to deny, but rather focus on the uncertainty of the science and the modelling and create doubt. They also funded institutions that manufactured doubt.
So, in the 1980s, Exxon was saying there was scientific consensus and 15 years later saying there was not.
So, Exxon “knows.” However, Senator James Imhofe (Republican, Oklahoma), believes differently and has written a book denying climate change, called “Hoax.” So, considering the evidence, “hoax” is evidently a hoax.
So, I looked up the campaign contributions given to Senator Imhofe. His number one contributor was the oil and gas industry, with $458,500.
“He who pays the piper calls the tune.”
Nelson Strasser, Lakeport
