Climate Lynx

Ever heard of Sigmund Ford, witness for the defense? Ever heard of the trial, “American People vs the Sedan.” The mock trial took place in Michigan, March 11 th , 1970 just before our first Earth Day. The charges against the automobile were, “Murder of the American Public, crossing state lines to pollute, inciting traffic jams, creating physical and psychological dependence, and discriminating against the poor.” Just one month before the first Earth Day this mock trial was a turning point of world environmental consciousness. I remember those times. I graduated from high school in 1969 and was off to the Air Force Academy a month later. The Mississippi River I swam in at home as a kid was condemned as unfit for swimming. When my class of cadets went to March Air Force Base in Los Angeles, I never saw the sun because the smog was so thick. A week later I was still coughing. Unregulated chemical companies were coming out with more and more powerful pest, herb, and fungal “cides”. The...

Unless we have a heart of stone, it is impossible not to feel empathy (the ability to share another’s thoughts, worries, and feelings) for those on the front lines as the virus challenges the capacity of our healthcare system and the endurance of our caregivers. The degree with which we can empathize with others is one element that defines us. As a society it may be the most important element binding us together into a civilized society. I am in the Boomer generation. Our generation will have the most casualties from this pandemic. We also know many of the young generation will show no symptoms and because of this they may be virus carriers who infect us. I am going to give you a quote from one of many young party animals along the Florida Beaches. Make a note about your feelings as you read this. "If I get corona, I get corona. At the end of the day, I'm not going to let it stop me from partying. I've been waiting, we've been waiting for Miami spring break for...

With the Coronavirus stalking us it is hard to develop focus on anything else. I am 68 and catch knew-moan-ee-ya just thinking about it. If I was forced to spell it correctly, I would have double pneumonia before I could get it on paper. So, given my planned golden years may be abbreviated, I have been looking for ways to contribute. As I write this, our neck of the woods has no known COVID-19 cases. Given this blessing, it was a natural choice for the Red Cross to do a blood drive here. They are challenged to keep their blood supply above critical levels during normal times and they know they may have to cease operations soon. As an O-Pos universal donor, and someone who may not need my blood much longer, I donated. As a historical reflection, I remember blood drives in Minneapolis when I was young. Then the Red Cross paid for blood. Men with serious drinking problems would line up to give, donate, and then take the money to buy more booze. I wonder what the blood screening proc...