General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsThree Daze
And while the pope owns 51% of general motors
the stock exchange is the only thing hes qualified to quote us.
-- George Harrison; Awaiting on You All
What a difference a day can make.
Two days ago, I spent some time going door-to-door in the most polluted community in Delaware County, in upstate New York, handing out the health survey that is part of our epidemiological study there. The majority of people were polite and interested; two voiced concerns that I was attacking one industry, but agreed to participate; and one person was unwilling to consider taking part in it.
(That individual reminded me of a story that the Hurricane told me years ago: a man was going door to door, taking a survey on what people considered to be a bigger problem -- ignorance or apathy? One man said, I dont know, and I dont care!, before slamming the door shut.)
I was tired when I got home, and being rather pathetic in my old age, fell on the ice in my driveway. Mind you, I boxed hundreds of fights, and sparred thousands of rounds, and never was knocked out cold before. First time for everything.
I spent much of yesterday celebrating feeling mighty sorry for myself, only to be interrupted by an associate. But to explain the significance of this, we must briefly head to Ohio.
In Ohio, a gas company has been pressuring a friend of my associate, to sign a lease that would allow the company to destroy their property to make money for some executives who dont live in Ohio. The landowner made clear the company reps were not welcome there, and so they left in a huff. But rather than kicking the dust off their feet as they left, as prescribed by the Good Book, they instead dropped a document on the ground. (The moral of the story is, of course, do not leave in a huff.)
The document is marked SECRET, as it outlines five pages of talking points, ranging from how to avoid the truth, to how to distort the truth, to how to outright lie to the public about the dangers of fracking. Now, I have that formerly secret document.
Gracious!
Today, I have decided to attend a town board meeting in a community in yet another upstate county, where an effort to prevent hydrofracking is being met with intense pressure by the gas industry. Although I really do not feel up to doing much more than snoring, I cannot ignore the requests from that areas grass roots leadership that I go.
Some local news media will be there, too. And as I have been asked to speak, Ive spent a bit of time studying the five-page formerly secret document that Ill be bringing with me, to distribute to both the board and the media.
With patience, as Rubin likes to say, even the smallest animal can climb the highest mountain.
Peace,
H2O Man
immoderate
(20,885 posts)What are the chances we will see it on DU?
--imm
H2O Man
(73,308 posts)I either figure out how to link a pdf file to DU, or have one of my children do it for me! Ha!
I also want to figure out how to post a link to it to face book. Hell to old and computer-illiterate.
me b zola
(19,053 posts)...but did you go to the doctor for a quick check up? Hope all is well with you
H2O Man
(73,308 posts)the very definition of "SCORE!" A thing of beauty -- despite its ugliness.
I got ready to go to get medical attention yesterday morning .....which, as you & other DU friends know is very rare for this old bag of bones. I know that I have a concusion, as some of the symptoms I used to look for with the boxers I trained & managed are here. But I think if I did go, any doctor worth a hill of beans would, at very least, recommend that I not do anything for a few days. And I don't have time for that at this moment.
Thanks!
me b zola
(19,053 posts)A few days rest might reinvigorate your efforts!
logosoco
(3,208 posts)Looks like it fell into the right hands!
Hope you aren't too sore after your fall~
H2O Man
(73,308 posts)best to make it public on the widespread basis that they identified as undesireable!
annabanana
(52,791 posts)How wonderful that this document has fallen into such fruitful hands!
H2O Man
(73,308 posts)believe in "coincidence," I believe that its falling into my hands presents me with a very serious obligation. And I take that responsibility to heart!
Gotta call a few editors & newsrooms!
steve2470
(37,456 posts)H2O Man
(73,308 posts)I don't have a google account, but will ask one of my children if they do.
Much appreciated!
steve2470
(37,456 posts)steve2470
(37,456 posts)Last edited Wed Jan 23, 2013, 06:01 PM - Edit history (1)
https://accounts.google.com/NewAccount?continue=http%3A%2F%2Fdrive.google.com%2F%23&followup=http%3A%2F%2Fdrive.google.com%2F&service=wise<mpl=driveH2O Man
(73,308 posts)I just spoke to the editor of Otsego County's biggest newspaper, Oneonta's The Daily Star. I will be meeting with the editorial staff this evening, before the nearby town board meeting.
myrna minx
(22,772 posts)a quick recovery from your fall.
steve2470
(37,456 posts)hootinholler
(26,449 posts)If you can't find hosting space for the doc, you can email it to me and I'll host it for you on my domain.
Hey man do I have to tell you to protect your head? Are your boys gonna make you wear headgear every winter now?
H2O Man
(73,308 posts)My younger son felt so bad, that he bought us tickets to the fight card that will be carried live on ESPN's Friday Night Fights tomorrow.
hootinholler
(26,449 posts)No need for the self-abuse to get tickets
Enjoy the card!
CrazyOrangeCat
(6,112 posts)Dang, you're really the walking wounded so far this year! Sorry you got hurt.
Is there anything that we can do to help your cause this week? Phone calls, emails and such?
We admire your will-power. Hope you can rest soon.
H2O Man
(73,308 posts)a project that I'll be asking for that type of help on within the next week. Thanks for asking!
scarletwoman
(31,893 posts)H2O Man
(73,308 posts)The sad part is that, while I refuse to use one in public, I was using one of my walking sticks in my driveway. Over the past 12 years, I've gathered quite a nice collection of canes & walking sticks. First time I've dropped while using one.
Paulie
(8,462 posts)lunatica
(53,410 posts)Remember that if you take care of yourself first you can take care of everyone else second. Have you had a doctor take a look at your concussion? Especially after many years of having your head knocked around.
H2O Man
(73,308 posts)I met with the editor of the newspaper; he is faxing copies of the document to other newspapers in various states in the northeast, among other things.
The public meeting was outstanding. It was among the absolute finest examples of the power of grass roots democracy that I have witnessed in many decades. More later.
My daughter has a JV basketball game this afternoon. Thus, the old man is driving her to school this morning. It's a routine we have, in which we focus on the mental aspects of sports competition. It might sound like "small stuff," but it is the highlight of my meager existence. (grin) Both of my daughters have been assisting me on the epidemiology. Nothing like scholar-athlete young activists.
bigtree
(85,915 posts). . . a challenge between the mental and the physical. Yes, for your daughters; but, for you and your inability to defy gravity, as well. Lol, have your daughters work out some sort of epidemiology on keeping you from denting the ground.
Seriously, though, good work. Very encouraging to see activism in action and so well-received.
It's funny, Brother Bigtree -- when I boxed, I had the most amazing footwork. To paraphrase The Greatest, the onliest man with better footwork was Muhammad Ali. Where the heck did it go?