My Trail of Tears

For those who are not familiar with the travesty known as the Trail of Tears, spend a few moments educating yourself here.

From my perspective, what is happening in this country today, and specifically as it relates to the Marcellus Shale frenzy, is not far removed from events of ~170 years ago. Our federal, state and local governments are doing what they want to do and ignoring the will of the people who will be most affected by their decisions. We are being quietly but forcibly shepherded along a path that will lead to the unparalleled exploitation and degradation of our land and our waters, not only in our lifetime, but for countless generations to follow. And we are not doing enough to stop it.

As most who visit regularly know, I stepped away from my normal posting frequency this week. I needed to reflect upon where I was...and where I thought I needed to be.

I am now refreshed and refocused.

My planned walk on 8/21/10 from my beloved Susquehanna - one of the most ancient rivers on earth -  to Gas Stock in Lehman is my own personal and spiritual Trail of Tears...sorta in reverse, for instead of being driven away from all that I cherish, I truly envision this as a change in direction toward a new beginning.

Beginning at sunrise on 8/21, if only for a few blocks or a few miles, please consider joining us.

Marcellus Summit Protest Planned - 10/1/2010

    

This one's going to be big...and it's about time.

Kudos to the groups putting this together.

I will be there.

                         

Stepping Away: 18,500 Strides to Gas Stock

As best I can reckon using my TI Abacus-II and average stride length, it will take about 18,500 paces to get from the Susquehanna River @ Nesbitt Park to Gas Stock 2010 on Saturday, 8/21.

Ultimately, I've committed to doing this because I want to and I can. I see Gas Stock as a great opportunity to get everyone together at the same place and time and hopefully...hopefully, everyone will set their egos aside and work together to help send a very powerful message to anyone and everyone who needs to hear it. If I can help raise awareness and a few extra dollars to offset the costs of the concert, I feel I'm doing my part.

For those that visit often, you've probably noticed I've mentioned this "ego" thing several times. I am not alone in recognizing that we've got a whole bunch of folks out there who, in one way or another, are all working toward the same goals. However, they are unable or unwilling to see beyond generating and reading their own press clippings to accept the fact that in numbers...there is strength. Several of these groups are having some internal squabbles which are causing good people to walk away. Others simply are oblivious to the nature of what they are dealing with, including the uselessness of most of our elected officials.

I am going to show my support for Gas Stock, and express my opposition the the natural gas industry's exploitation of the Marcellus Shale formation in the Susquehanna watershed, by walking from the river's shoreline in the Wyoming Valley to the Luzerne County Fairgrounds. I will be very, very visible and very, very vocal along the way. I hope you'll join and/or support me.

The Marcellus Shale Coalition just hired ex-PA Governor and ex-Homeland Security Chief Tom Ridge as an advisor, folks Welcome to the big leagues. 

If everyone pitches in...GAS STOCK can be huge.

Get involved today.