B e t r a y T h e A g e

Markey/Waxman Report

I was reading somewhere, that one of the challenges we face is that the consequences of a changing climate are not always felt locally. That the consequences of unleashing ancient hydrocarbons buried for millions of years do not necessarily hit the average person over the head in order to get more action on these issues. It is well documented that the naysayers, though unbacked by science and reason, hold a disproportionate control over the media who timidly have been unwilling to present climate change as the biggest challenge ever to face humanity. Here in Vermont, we have little in the way of energy resources and are dependent mostly on importing our energy. James Hanson, the NASA scientist who blew the whistle years ago is not sleeping very well these days as he wonders if we have reached the tipping point where nothing we do may mitigate the disaster that we are experiencing in the natural world and for what is in store for us. All things local make more sense when it comes t...

Mitt will take us to place that is difficult to comprehend..

Stepped out of human turmoil for awhile today, a purging of sorts. Hiked with old friend Lillian, Jean-Marie, and new friends visiting from Massachusetts. Three of the new friends were Biologists. I assumed that they suffered more than most in regards to understanding the degradation of the natural world. Quite to the contrary, they talked about the heroism all around us....I was told that they were also more aware of the great efforts to improve things, to bring about solutions.........We all need a good dose of that.. While hiking a trail traversing valley's and peaks in Lil s neck of the woods, we came upon a man alone on the trail viewing the vistas.....came to be he is a musician and plays Irish music with a number of different groups. We talked of a great many things both Irish and music. How striking to find a kindred soul who admires Kevin Crawford of Lunasa as much as I do. I leave with an invite to play trailing in the breeze....... Lastly, a young couple repelling ...

I am coming to face to face with homelessness daily. In Vermont there appears to be no Section 8 Vouchers available, and organizations that process Section 8 Grants are not even taking names for waiting lists. Meanwhile I hear about a family with 5 kids staying in a motel and tonight is going to be the last night. No one knows where they will be tomorrow. We could you a good dose of widespread outrage right about now.

Rutland Farmer's Food Center is a farmer's market like no other. It is probably the best Farmer's Market in Vermont and has grown to become a vibrant and important organization in this central western city. Take a moment to watch the video and you will most likely be inspired by the character that makes up many of the residents of Rutland. A movie "The Blood of This Town" most exemplifies this spirit based on the annual blood drive in Rutland and its off the charts success.