The EPA made law by President Nixon. I was 18 in 1970. I remember having to give kudos to a man I didn’t care for. Today’s GOP would impeach such a POTUS for putting the EPA in place. Go figure!
The EPA made law by President Nixon. I was 18 in 1970. I remember having to give kudos to a man I didn’t care for. Today’s GOP would impeach such a POTUS for putting the EPA in place. Go figure!
All the protest marches against the war in Vietnam and him!! I thought we had moved passed all that went with the 60s. Seems much worse now. It IS worse now!!
It is far worse now BUT you, we, can really individually take one small effective step to change “the bad guys” to “good guys”: a group of Harvard students are working hard to register high school seniors and college students to vote in 2,700 schools only in “competitive” congressional districts (not wasting our time and effort); please stop for a few minutes today, reflect on what WE must do in a cost effective manner, go on www.turnup.us/ and make a generous contribution. They will register them now and turn them out in 24 all nonpartisan!! Thank you but please do it today? For the future of your loved ones? Again-- www.turnup.us/
Yes the Civics Center is doing great work, and also Civic Influencers, on the ground in the recent Wisconsin election….considering Cleta Mitchell’s speech last weekend at a GOP donor retreat lamenting the ease of campus voting and how they must stop it, it’s clear this is one crucial battle line.
Thank you, Ira. www.turnup.us/ is doing amazing work, as is the Civics Center with their non-partisan, non-profit Cap, Gown & Ballot campaign. It is highly organized and efficient and I am proud to volunteer with them.
I'm old enough to remember roadsides littered with trash thrown from passing cars, including cigarettes still burning and beer cans and bottles. Not sure who legislated it, but thankfully that cleanup campaign succeeded. Also, I participated in Earth Day annual cleanup of the Merced River Canyon, the entry to Yosemite NP. Steep and bushy, it was also frequently littered with passing cars' detritus. After a few hot hours my patch was done. As I climbed up to the road, proud of the clean section, a lady in a parked car was changing her baby's diaper. Then she drove off, leaving the dirty diaper on the roadside. Sheesh!
Alongside many of the trails I hike there is no trash. Even beside the trails along the AZ-Mexico border, some admirable hikers have picked up clothes left behind as immigrants change before hitting populated areas. Cans and bottles are scooped up from campfires. I know because I know who removes the trash and comes down with garbage sacks full of debris. But dirty diapers???
Sadly the trails and roadsides are still littered with the debris of self-absorbed people. Especially during the lockdowns of 2020, when millions "got outside" because they couldn't gather inside. Joshua Tree National Park is still trying to recover from the damage caused by the influx of ignorant visitors.
When I visited India and saw the trash and garbage on their roads and in their cities and villages, I was horrified. My guide provided a memorable perspective: people in India generally took no responsibility for public spaces. They simply did not see public spaces as belonging to them. While all the nefarious actions of corporate trash creators is true, I think back to the sixties and am convinced that we had the same perspective about public spaces. The weeping Indian commercial broke through our National blindness and the shaming was effective in increasing our sense of personal responsibility for our own trash. It wasn’t 100% effective in permanently eliminating trash or our public responsibility for other pollution. But I remember the impact that one commercial had - and it was profound.
That was the first election I voted in. McGovern was the obvious choice. There is something very eerie about my memories of Nixon. It was the same feeling. I remember saying to friends and family: "How could you vote for Nixon - he's a sleazebag. He IS a crook!" But they chose to ignore his brutality and bought his BS.
Partly, I think the demonization of the Democrats (thinking they were sub human) had begun and was becoming normalized. And partly there was the carryover effect of the party of a relatively benevolent war hero called Ike.
But upon reflection...the GQP was beginning to change from a party with at least the veneer of respect for the rule of law - into a league of haters. The party of my parents and patriotism was beginning to rot from within. Some of you may remember that the GOP liked to say it had a "big tent". Now the tent is filled with bible twisting deplorables - with preachers preaching hate for others. Filled with frightened white people who are terrified of diversity. Filled with AR-15s.
These people are my extended family, my neighbors, my community members, coworkers, and acquaintances. They have been fed lies to fester their uncomfortable fear that the world is changing and they will be powerless. I pity them, but also work for a future that they will be a welcome, accountable, constructive part of.
The rise of the Moral Majority began sometime after Nixon. That was when I started moving as far away from the republican party as possible. Start mixing religion and politics and I was done. Dangerous mix.
My bumper sticker read “Don’t blame me, I’m from Massachusetts.” (The only state to go for McGovern.) In any case I’m grateful for Nixon’s part in forming the EPA.
I may still have one of those in my basement. I know I did a year ago. My father LOVED to hate Nixon.
Nixon also tried to establish a population policy. He had a commission on population. Alas, the Catholic Church informed him that if he persisted, they would see to it that he wouldn't be re-elected.
Nixon was truly a complex and difficult personality, with good and bad. If I thought I had it in my to write a tragedy of a play, I'd write one about him.
Also, “my vote cancels your vote.” Here we are again. Common sense vs lies. Pesticides on crops getting stronger because—who knew—weeds and insects become immune. It’s a huge nasty business that makes big money for Koch and others. Start in your own yard. Leave the dandelions. Let the birds eat your ticks. Baby birds’ diet is ONLY insects. Give them a chance.
My first time voting as a 24-year-old in 1968 was for Richard Nixon. (Politically naive it was name recognition only - who was this Hubert Humphrey guy anyhow). I never voted for a Republican since and the fact that Nixon did something good sort of vindicates my ignorance of his overall corruption,
I was talking with a 17 yr old visiting our house. I asked him if he knew about Heather. He replied “my mom reads her every day”! I asked him if he’d ticked the register to vote box on his VT drivers license and he said “I think so”. It’s worth checking.
I couldn’t vote against Nixon in 1968 because I didn’t turn 21 until March 1969. Was so mad, I’ve never missed an election since. McGovern was also my first vote for President.
One good thing that Nixon did, but I never voted for him or any other R president. Now we have Rs trying to undo all this work. Last night NBC news had a story on the extreme melting of glaciers and also one on lab made meat. We have garden organically for many years, but people around us do love to spray. Once I found a hedge in front full of dead bumblebees. Also we only buy plants from reputable nurseries. When I walked in the neighborhood, I had a place I passed which I called Mr. Chemical, the smell was always so strong. The irony is that the house was finally sold and now the yard sports weeds. We use horticultural vinegar on some weeds, but one must be persistent. And we hand pull a lot. Usually the yard is full of bees...but now we need some warm temps and sun.
Getting some this week, I hope. I haven't used weed killers since my mother-in-law died from non-Hodgkins lymphoma (directly attributed to using Round-up for years). I pull a lot of weeds. I don't use chemicals in the garden. I am finally able to plant bee friendly plants since fencing our previously open back yard and rerouting the deer freeway through our urban forest.
What? You have a 12-foot-high fence, Ally? Deer are known to rather easily jump a six-foot-high one. Good yours don't, and kudos to you for not using chemicals. I use no pesticides or herbicides, and my garden is certified by the National Wildlife Federation and by Georgia Audubon as a wildlife sanctuary. There are thousands of such certified habitats in Georgia (and elsewhere) as more and more people are becoming aware of the importance of native plants, trees and wildflowers to sustain a healthy ecosystem, plus sources of water and shelter for birds and insects and other critters.
Mix up my own weed killer of vinegar, table salt and a little dish soap (to help adherence) Works quickly, but you do need to apply more frequently. But hey, I'm retired, got plenty of time on my hands
My mother died of non-Hodgkins lymphoma about 10 years after my parents put in a large vegetable garden. Dad swore by Roundup.
She was only 70.
In her honor we have avoided pesticides and herbicides in our own gardens. I’m also gradually bringing in native plants to replace ornamentals. We have lots of bees visit our suburban lot!
There's a pronged long handled tool that has a foot lever for pushing it into the ground and pulling up weeds, roots and all. I mention this because it is so efficient and easy to use, it is almost enjoyable! There's also a small blow torch for scorching weeds, but I've never used that!
Massachusetts was the only state to go for McGovern, and the local bumper sticker during Watergate was "Don't Blame Me, I'm from Massachusetts." My favorite one, though, said "Impeach With Honor", a play on Nixon's phrase for how we should get out of Vietnam. When I was a young history teacher, one of my colleagues and I smugly patted ourselves on the back saying that, by working in our field, we could "make sure Nixon gets place in history he deserves." So, "in my age of maturity," I do appreciate that Heather has included the Nixon administration's statement on the intended course and reasoning for their proposed environmental activism. One clearly good thing that Nixon deserves credit for "in his place in history."
The lesson we should learn is to realize everyone has virtues but sometimes it’s hard to find ... somehow we must learn that if we are ever to realize a measure of peace ☮️. I was only 19 but also a very young mother of a beautiful baby girl. We see the world differently when we have a child as the world’s future takes on new meaning. That daughter has a sister and between the 2 have 4 children - all bright, strong humans that in my eyes see the world through meaningful lens. World Day has so much importance. We can never give up looking for “The Good In Us” (Mary L Trump) because we are “In This Together” (Joyce Vance). Happy Earth Day 🌎
R I was on the Nixon White House Enemies List and worked for McGovern in 1972. A friend of mine in the White House chided me. I said that the choice was between a crook and a fool. At least there was a chance that the fool, with good character, would learn to serve our country.
I was living in Greenwich Ct. In 1972 I was a political outcast. By 1974 it appeared that none of my friends had voted for Nixon. How quickly one forgets. I left my McGovern sticker on my car for years.
I was 17. I remember it all vividly. I'd forgotten that Nixon had done some good in his time. (I guess being the first President to go to China since Mao came to power was a positive, too.)
Yuhh. And Katherine, I was in launching B52's out of Thailand "to kill the yellow man" (Springsteen 1984'). That did'nt woik. Now they want to destroy the "Gov'mt".
Today's Greedy Old Pricks would have had Tricky Dick ASSASSINATED. They're so scared sh-tless of change. That & the Evangelical / Trumpvangelicals believe that after the " Second Coming ", we'll have a new heaven & new Earth so we can let THIS Earth become a ball of toxic mud.
Suzanne - I really think that they believe that it's OKAY to " drill, baby, drill ! ", tear down the trees ( Put up a parking lot ! ) gunk up the oceans & generally let the Earth get trashed because, Hey ! Jesus will fix everything. & yet, according to the scriptures, we're supposed to be responsible " stewards " of the Earth.
See the comment that I just posted about the mid - 1980's " War of the Worlds " series. It went into one of the reasons why " Martians " were going to resume their original invasion attempt, because we're so IRRESPONSIBLE about taking care of the Earth.
The wealthy elite think their money is going to save them. It won't of course. McMansions in the path of tornadoes also get torn apart. And if your are rich in Ft. Lauderdale, for example, you just experienced 2 feet of rain in six hours. One of my ex-students who has money has concluded that there is no longer any safe place to live. To her credit, she is vegetarian and doesn't spend lots of money on material goods.
Actually, while several people translated bits of the bible into English, it was William Tyndale who is credited with the first translation of the bible into English although he actually only finished translating the New Testament. His reward was to be burned at the stake. John Wycliffe is credited to have "inspired" the first translation of the entire bible into English; meaning he didn't do all the work himself but had an important enough name that he didn't suffer Tyndale's fate...until after he died! He was actually dug up and burned at the stake!
It is important to remember that all these translations are translations from translations since no original complete texts exist.
ALSO - have you seen or heard of the series " War of the Worlds ", based on the movie ? One of the main themes was that the " Martians " believed that they were justified in paving the way for another invasion because of the manner that we treat the Earth. 1 episode had a human / alien hybrid ( played by John Colicos ) who voiced those same sentiments, although since he was used to being half - human, he didn't want to see Earth invaded either.
I suspect that tricky Dick's thoughtful and sensible legislative response to the massive protests surrounding Rachel Carson and the subsequent Earth Day also provided the seeds and growth of organizing the powers within and behind the capitalists (think the Kochs, the oil barons, the tobacco fortunes, the chemical & drug companies and later the gun manufacturers, etc) and all those who saw a HUGE threat to their capacity to make ever more money, no matter the cost to the environment or to individual health. Who amongst us ever thought capitalists would be responsible about the damage their operations inflicted on the water, the air and the land?!! So when Nixon actually got some legislation passed to respond to these massive outpourings of concern and anger the capitalists felt they had to go underground and increase their lobbying efforts to buy all the legislators they could.
Yo Daniel of Appleton... and over the cliff (default) we shall go... Get ready for "the Crusades". The "moat" around Mar-A-laygo won't be deep enough, it'll become a Chinese resort. Putin will trade the Black Sea for South Lake Tahoe. Orban and DeSandis will be right at home in Disny World. And "the price of gas"? What gas?
Wow, you’re so right. If these same folks actually READ the Bible they beat, wonder if they’d ban it? (I’m pro-Bible, BTW; a book full of symbolism, life lessons, and ultimately unconditional divine LOVE right here and now. “New heaven and new earth” is a change of perspective that can never to be obtained without Love) Destroying our environment for money...sounds like the Antichrist to me.
They rely on what some Evangelical pastor says. IIRC, after the church was established, laity weren't allowed to read the Bible although the stained glass windows depicted Biblical scenes as well as saints, angels, etc. I should double check this, it couldn't hurt. & I think that Auguste Rodin did some Biblical scenes. I was at a Rodin exhibit roughly 25 - 30 years ago.
Daniel, first time I seen Trumpvangelicals. I like that. I grew up in an Evangelical world but left that behind long ago because of my belief in science. I used the word Evilagelicals but many just think it is a misspelling. To use a biblical term they are evildoers.
The Reverend Harold Camping out in Nowheres Corners, Nowheritania, keeps predicting the Rapture every few years. He did it gain a few years ago. I kept looking out the window just in case & saw ZIP, zed, nada, zilcharoonie. All I saw was a crummy flying saucer ! 🛸👽 I got the alien's autograph, though - Zarg the Unfathomable. I told him that I'd put it with the others, LOL.
Just like the more BS crazy ones who kill people or are OK with killing gays, abortion doctors, others, because they think that God would be alright with it.
I was just 15 on the first Earth Day and, very much against my parent’s wishes, attended an Earth Day rally at the U of MN. The campus was a hot mess (Vietnam protests) but the rally was both peaceful and inspiring - so much so that I’ve spent the last 53 years working to protect the planet. What a gift!
Yesterday, my grand niece Sophie toured the U of NE at Lincoln campus. She is interested in their Fisheries and Wildlife program. Her goal? Protect wildlife worldwide. Great auntie is thrilled- and will support her every step of the way. But she has a much bigger job these days to help institute policies that will protect, sustain and preserve...
Nixon, for all his terrible flaws, understood that protecting air and water quality was imperative. McCarthy and the Republicans attempt to hold the world’s economy hostage unless their demands are met to raise the debt ceiling is terrorism. Time to pick up and throw out the trash this Earth Day 🌎
I was 14, on the cusp of political consciousness while leafing through the Whole Earth Catalog; going to my first anti-war protests (proudly following the lead of my older brothers, with the approval of our parents), smoking my first joint. I was unambiguous about Nixon, and it would take decades to admit that he did a good thing regarding the EPA. Can you believe it's been 53 years?
After teaching in California from 1968-72, I started International flying with Pan Am. We had to spray the inside of the aircraft with DDT after flights coming and going to our destinations. Some of us started to spray the bottles into the bathrooms so we wouldn’t have to breathe it, Slowly the world started listening to Rachael Carson. Slowly the airline started to realize we were being poisoned . We never ended smoking on board.
If anyone should be memorialized even more than she has been( very few young people know her name), Rachael Carson should stand along side our greatest heroes.
What I hope for on this Earth Day is that we , we human species, actually go forward in saving our beautiful Earth. Our blather clouds our vision. We talk a good story.... and we keep producing plastic, we keep pouring chemicals into our Water, our Air, and our soil.
I was 4 years old when my Father showed me some dirt and said,”whatever you put into this earth you will drink one day”!
We are so brilliant at times..... are we brilliant enough to actually mean it! That we must care for ourselves by caring for our Earth first and foremost.
“HAPPY EARTH DAY or happy ignorance??? You choose.
I'm on a bit late today, but upon reading many comments, I thought I would hook onto the top comment in the hopes that others will find this recommendation:
Please consider reading a book "Junkyard Planet, Travels in the Billion Dollar Trash Trade" by Adam Minter.
I have to say, I found this book incredibly distressing. The author grew up in a family that ran a "junk yard" and gives a lot of information about what happens to the items we recycle, even traveling to China to see where the US recycled items end up and what happens to them. MIND BOGGLING!
Yes, I recycle, reuse and repurpose, and yes, we all need to do our part and our small efforts add up. After reading this book, I've come to believe that the onus for reducing waste is on our manufacturers. If anyone else has read this book, please feel free to comment. All others who have interest in recycling, please do search out this book!
I also would like to mention that frequent commenter, Sandy Lewis, has recently linked both an article and a short film about his organic beef farm and his concerns about the microbiome. Well worth the read/watch!!
Apologies to evelyn spiess for jumping in here on her comment thread.
I’m the same age and the Cuyahoga River caught fire when I was growing up in Cleveland. Now we see the Republican Party bowing eagerly to their corporate masters to overturn environmental regulations. Perhaps now that I live in Minnesota I need to worry about the Mississippi River?
Yep. I was in my senior year at Penn State and had so much resentment for Nixon. The man was his own worst enemy. But he knew how to get government and private enterprise to work for the common good. Reagan on the other hand?
I attended the first Earth Day as a student at Miami University and read Silent Spring and Aldo Leopold’s works. Like many whose comments I just read, I also gave kudos to a President I did not trust or care for. The lesson for me? Until recent times poor Presidents and political leaders had shining moments.
Reagan tried to shut down the EPA. He didn't but environmental protection lost a lot of momentum when the entire Republican Party (along with some Democrats) climbed into the pocket of plutocrats.
The EPA made law by President Nixon. I was 18 in 1970. I remember having to give kudos to a man I didn’t care for. Today’s GOP would impeach such a POTUS for putting the EPA in place. Go figure!
You and I are the same age, Evelyn, and I remember that time well. Worked on the McGovern campaign to unseat him. Go figure indeed!
Peace ... please.
All the protest marches against the war in Vietnam and him!! I thought we had moved passed all that went with the 60s. Seems much worse now. It IS worse now!!
It is far worse now BUT you, we, can really individually take one small effective step to change “the bad guys” to “good guys”: a group of Harvard students are working hard to register high school seniors and college students to vote in 2,700 schools only in “competitive” congressional districts (not wasting our time and effort); please stop for a few minutes today, reflect on what WE must do in a cost effective manner, go on www.turnup.us/ and make a generous contribution. They will register them now and turn them out in 24 all nonpartisan!! Thank you but please do it today? For the future of your loved ones? Again-- www.turnup.us/
Yes the Civics Center is doing great work, and also Civic Influencers, on the ground in the recent Wisconsin election….considering Cleta Mitchell’s speech last weekend at a GOP donor retreat lamenting the ease of campus voting and how they must stop it, it’s clear this is one crucial battle line.
Thank you, Ira. www.turnup.us/ is doing amazing work, as is the Civics Center with their non-partisan, non-profit Cap, Gown & Ballot campaign. It is highly organized and efficient and I am proud to volunteer with them.
Here's the aforementioned Civics Center URL for convenience:
https://www.thecivicscenter.org/
Just signed up for monthly donation
Such good efficient work they are doing
Thank you, Ira!
Thank you for posting and passing it on!
they will be our rescue; still idealistic, still energetic for causes; have serious skin in the game...
Thank you for the information. Donated. So proud of these young student activists. They give me hope for the future.
I'm old enough to remember roadsides littered with trash thrown from passing cars, including cigarettes still burning and beer cans and bottles. Not sure who legislated it, but thankfully that cleanup campaign succeeded. Also, I participated in Earth Day annual cleanup of the Merced River Canyon, the entry to Yosemite NP. Steep and bushy, it was also frequently littered with passing cars' detritus. After a few hot hours my patch was done. As I climbed up to the road, proud of the clean section, a lady in a parked car was changing her baby's diaper. Then she drove off, leaving the dirty diaper on the roadside. Sheesh!
Alongside many of the trails I hike there is no trash. Even beside the trails along the AZ-Mexico border, some admirable hikers have picked up clothes left behind as immigrants change before hitting populated areas. Cans and bottles are scooped up from campfires. I know because I know who removes the trash and comes down with garbage sacks full of debris. But dirty diapers???
Sadly the trails and roadsides are still littered with the debris of self-absorbed people. Especially during the lockdowns of 2020, when millions "got outside" because they couldn't gather inside. Joshua Tree National Park is still trying to recover from the damage caused by the influx of ignorant visitors.
When I visited India and saw the trash and garbage on their roads and in their cities and villages, I was horrified. My guide provided a memorable perspective: people in India generally took no responsibility for public spaces. They simply did not see public spaces as belonging to them. While all the nefarious actions of corporate trash creators is true, I think back to the sixties and am convinced that we had the same perspective about public spaces. The weeping Indian commercial broke through our National blindness and the shaming was effective in increasing our sense of personal responsibility for our own trash. It wasn’t 100% effective in permanently eliminating trash or our public responsibility for other pollution. But I remember the impact that one commercial had - and it was profound.
Almost a syllogism: Guns don't kill people,
People kill people.
People with guns kill people.
Thank you for this. I wrote a comment a few minutes ago. I hope they will post it. Annie Olson. annieolson1943@yahoo.com
Oh, Damn.
That was the first election I voted in. McGovern was the obvious choice. There is something very eerie about my memories of Nixon. It was the same feeling. I remember saying to friends and family: "How could you vote for Nixon - he's a sleazebag. He IS a crook!" But they chose to ignore his brutality and bought his BS.
Partly, I think the demonization of the Democrats (thinking they were sub human) had begun and was becoming normalized. And partly there was the carryover effect of the party of a relatively benevolent war hero called Ike.
But upon reflection...the GQP was beginning to change from a party with at least the veneer of respect for the rule of law - into a league of haters. The party of my parents and patriotism was beginning to rot from within. Some of you may remember that the GOP liked to say it had a "big tent". Now the tent is filled with bible twisting deplorables - with preachers preaching hate for others. Filled with frightened white people who are terrified of diversity. Filled with AR-15s.
These people are my extended family, my neighbors, my community members, coworkers, and acquaintances. They have been fed lies to fester their uncomfortable fear that the world is changing and they will be powerless. I pity them, but also work for a future that they will be a welcome, accountable, constructive part of.
It since Eisenhower a Republican president I could vote for.
The rise of the Moral Majority began sometime after Nixon. That was when I started moving as far away from the republican party as possible. Start mixing religion and politics and I was done. Dangerous mix.
So true. Republicans accused JFK of serving the Pope over America. Now they want a fascist "Christian" state that lords over every aspect of life.
One of my favorite organizations to support is Americans United for Separation of Church and State.
Good one. Thanks for the suggestion.
Exactly, Bill. I agree.
I was 37 but I campaigned for McGovern too. Remember the buttons we wore in 1973. 'Don't Blame Me I voted for McGovern?
My bumper sticker read “Don’t blame me, I’m from Massachusetts.” (The only state to go for McGovern.) In any case I’m grateful for Nixon’s part in forming the EPA.
My McGovern bumper sticker on my pickup truck was scraped off by some ignorant redneck in Mississippi who probably voted for George Wallace.
I may still have one of those in my basement. I know I did a year ago. My father LOVED to hate Nixon.
Nixon also tried to establish a population policy. He had a commission on population. Alas, the Catholic Church informed him that if he persisted, they would see to it that he wouldn't be re-elected.
Nixon was truly a complex and difficult personality, with good and bad. If I thought I had it in my to write a tragedy of a play, I'd write one about him.
OMG, I remember that.
Also, “my vote cancels your vote.” Here we are again. Common sense vs lies. Pesticides on crops getting stronger because—who knew—weeds and insects become immune. It’s a huge nasty business that makes big money for Koch and others. Start in your own yard. Leave the dandelions. Let the birds eat your ticks. Baby birds’ diet is ONLY insects. Give them a chance.
Is anyone thinking about what agricultural run-off did to frogs?
I cast my first vote for McGovern as a 20-year-old in 1972. I'm still proud of that!
My first time voting as a 24-year-old in 1968 was for Richard Nixon. (Politically naive it was name recognition only - who was this Hubert Humphrey guy anyhow). I never voted for a Republican since and the fact that Nixon did something good sort of vindicates my ignorance of his overall corruption,
Gimme Jimmy! was my first vote. Still happy about that.
Goll-ee. It sounds like we are all brothers and sisters from another mother. Any college students out there? Let’s hear from you. 😍
I was talking with a 17 yr old visiting our house. I asked him if he knew about Heather. He replied “my mom reads her every day”! I asked him if he’d ticked the register to vote box on his VT drivers license and he said “I think so”. It’s worth checking.
Me too, but I registered so that I could vote Against Nixon, and he resigned a few years late on my birthday. YAY!
A birthday to remember!
Yep, I joyfully celebrate his resignation every year!
Me too! My first time to vote!
I couldn’t vote against Nixon in 1968 because I didn’t turn 21 until March 1969. Was so mad, I’ve never missed an election since. McGovern was also my first vote for President.
I turned 21 in November 1971, Jan 1 1972 was when voting age was lowered to 18. I, too, cast my first presidential vote for McGovern.
One good thing that Nixon did, but I never voted for him or any other R president. Now we have Rs trying to undo all this work. Last night NBC news had a story on the extreme melting of glaciers and also one on lab made meat. We have garden organically for many years, but people around us do love to spray. Once I found a hedge in front full of dead bumblebees. Also we only buy plants from reputable nurseries. When I walked in the neighborhood, I had a place I passed which I called Mr. Chemical, the smell was always so strong. The irony is that the house was finally sold and now the yard sports weeds. We use horticultural vinegar on some weeds, but one must be persistent. And we hand pull a lot. Usually the yard is full of bees...but now we need some warm temps and sun.
Getting some this week, I hope. I haven't used weed killers since my mother-in-law died from non-Hodgkins lymphoma (directly attributed to using Round-up for years). I pull a lot of weeds. I don't use chemicals in the garden. I am finally able to plant bee friendly plants since fencing our previously open back yard and rerouting the deer freeway through our urban forest.
What? You have a 12-foot-high fence, Ally? Deer are known to rather easily jump a six-foot-high one. Good yours don't, and kudos to you for not using chemicals. I use no pesticides or herbicides, and my garden is certified by the National Wildlife Federation and by Georgia Audubon as a wildlife sanctuary. There are thousands of such certified habitats in Georgia (and elsewhere) as more and more people are becoming aware of the importance of native plants, trees and wildflowers to sustain a healthy ecosystem, plus sources of water and shelter for birds and insects and other critters.
Nope. 6' (regulation) with rainbow spinners and prayer flags 2' above the top to discourage jumpers. It has worked for the two years we've had it.
I haven't used chemicals since the 60's but do use vinegar to kill blackberries and dandelions as I have neighbors that don't care for their property.
Mix up my own weed killer of vinegar, table salt and a little dish soap (to help adherence) Works quickly, but you do need to apply more frequently. But hey, I'm retired, got plenty of time on my hands
My mother died of non-Hodgkins lymphoma about 10 years after my parents put in a large vegetable garden. Dad swore by Roundup.
She was only 70.
In her honor we have avoided pesticides and herbicides in our own gardens. I’m also gradually bringing in native plants to replace ornamentals. We have lots of bees visit our suburban lot!
There's a pronged long handled tool that has a foot lever for pushing it into the ground and pulling up weeds, roots and all. I mention this because it is so efficient and easy to use, it is almost enjoyable! There's also a small blow torch for scorching weeds, but I've never used that!
I think we have one of these.
Massachusetts was the only state to go for McGovern, and the local bumper sticker during Watergate was "Don't Blame Me, I'm from Massachusetts." My favorite one, though, said "Impeach With Honor", a play on Nixon's phrase for how we should get out of Vietnam. When I was a young history teacher, one of my colleagues and I smugly patted ourselves on the back saying that, by working in our field, we could "make sure Nixon gets place in history he deserves." So, "in my age of maturity," I do appreciate that Heather has included the Nixon administration's statement on the intended course and reasoning for their proposed environmental activism. One clearly good thing that Nixon deserves credit for "in his place in history."
And the signs on our front lawns!
Yes!
There is a McGovern poster lining the bottom of my linen chest. Cried as I watched the convention.
The lesson we should learn is to realize everyone has virtues but sometimes it’s hard to find ... somehow we must learn that if we are ever to realize a measure of peace ☮️. I was only 19 but also a very young mother of a beautiful baby girl. We see the world differently when we have a child as the world’s future takes on new meaning. That daughter has a sister and between the 2 have 4 children - all bright, strong humans that in my eyes see the world through meaningful lens. World Day has so much importance. We can never give up looking for “The Good In Us” (Mary L Trump) because we are “In This Together” (Joyce Vance). Happy Earth Day 🌎
"'We see the world differently when we have a child as the world’s future takes on new meaning.''
You are so right - parenthood changes everything, certainly did in my life and all for the good.
R I was on the Nixon White House Enemies List and worked for McGovern in 1972. A friend of mine in the White House chided me. I said that the choice was between a crook and a fool. At least there was a chance that the fool, with good character, would learn to serve our country.
I was living in Greenwich Ct. In 1972 I was a political outcast. By 1974 it appeared that none of my friends had voted for Nixon. How quickly one forgets. I left my McGovern sticker on my car for years.
So did I! 18 in '70. Peace, Please.
I was 17. I remember it all vividly. I'd forgotten that Nixon had done some good in his time. (I guess being the first President to go to China since Mao came to power was a positive, too.)
Yuhh. And Katherine, I was in launching B52's out of Thailand "to kill the yellow man" (Springsteen 1984'). That did'nt woik. Now they want to destroy the "Gov'mt".
Today's Greedy Old Pricks would have had Tricky Dick ASSASSINATED. They're so scared sh-tless of change. That & the Evangelical / Trumpvangelicals believe that after the " Second Coming ", we'll have a new heaven & new Earth so we can let THIS Earth become a ball of toxic mud.
Daniel, I hadn’t looked at the Second Coming that way, but I’m afraid you’re right. 💔🤬
Suzanne - I really think that they believe that it's OKAY to " drill, baby, drill ! ", tear down the trees ( Put up a parking lot ! ) gunk up the oceans & generally let the Earth get trashed because, Hey ! Jesus will fix everything. & yet, according to the scriptures, we're supposed to be responsible " stewards " of the Earth.
Yes, the “have dominion over the earth and subdue it” takes precedence over being good stewards to the white christo-nazis. But not all Christians agree with that. Good perspective here https://www.geneva.edu/community/environmental-stewardship/why_care
See the comment that I just posted about the mid - 1980's " War of the Worlds " series. It went into one of the reasons why " Martians " were going to resume their original invasion attempt, because we're so IRRESPONSIBLE about taking care of the Earth.
The wealthy elite think their money is going to save them. It won't of course. McMansions in the path of tornadoes also get torn apart. And if your are rich in Ft. Lauderdale, for example, you just experienced 2 feet of rain in six hours. One of my ex-students who has money has concluded that there is no longer any safe place to live. To her credit, she is vegetarian and doesn't spend lots of money on material goods.
Just remember, Daniel... "the Scriptures" were only translated to English about 600 years ago by the Wycliffes.
Actually, while several people translated bits of the bible into English, it was William Tyndale who is credited with the first translation of the bible into English although he actually only finished translating the New Testament. His reward was to be burned at the stake. John Wycliffe is credited to have "inspired" the first translation of the entire bible into English; meaning he didn't do all the work himself but had an important enough name that he didn't suffer Tyndale's fate...until after he died! He was actually dug up and burned at the stake!
It is important to remember that all these translations are translations from translations since no original complete texts exist.
ALSO - have you seen or heard of the series " War of the Worlds ", based on the movie ? One of the main themes was that the " Martians " believed that they were justified in paving the way for another invasion because of the manner that we treat the Earth. 1 episode had a human / alien hybrid ( played by John Colicos ) who voiced those same sentiments, although since he was used to being half - human, he didn't want to see Earth invaded either.
Thank you for the first real laugh of the day!🤣🤣🤣
I suspect that tricky Dick's thoughtful and sensible legislative response to the massive protests surrounding Rachel Carson and the subsequent Earth Day also provided the seeds and growth of organizing the powers within and behind the capitalists (think the Kochs, the oil barons, the tobacco fortunes, the chemical & drug companies and later the gun manufacturers, etc) and all those who saw a HUGE threat to their capacity to make ever more money, no matter the cost to the environment or to individual health. Who amongst us ever thought capitalists would be responsible about the damage their operations inflicted on the water, the air and the land?!! So when Nixon actually got some legislation passed to respond to these massive outpourings of concern and anger the capitalists felt they had to go underground and increase their lobbying efforts to buy all the legislators they could.
Brilliant and thank you. I was musing that Republican propaganda got a big start around that time.
Yo Daniel of Appleton... and over the cliff (default) we shall go... Get ready for "the Crusades". The "moat" around Mar-A-laygo won't be deep enough, it'll become a Chinese resort. Putin will trade the Black Sea for South Lake Tahoe. Orban and DeSandis will be right at home in Disny World. And "the price of gas"? What gas?
Wow, you’re so right. If these same folks actually READ the Bible they beat, wonder if they’d ban it? (I’m pro-Bible, BTW; a book full of symbolism, life lessons, and ultimately unconditional divine LOVE right here and now. “New heaven and new earth” is a change of perspective that can never to be obtained without Love) Destroying our environment for money...sounds like the Antichrist to me.
Our survey says..... B - B - B- BINGO !
They rely on what some Evangelical pastor says. IIRC, after the church was established, laity weren't allowed to read the Bible although the stained glass windows depicted Biblical scenes as well as saints, angels, etc. I should double check this, it couldn't hurt. & I think that Auguste Rodin did some Biblical scenes. I was at a Rodin exhibit roughly 25 - 30 years ago.
Daniel, first time I seen Trumpvangelicals. I like that. I grew up in an Evangelical world but left that behind long ago because of my belief in science. I used the word Evilagelicals but many just think it is a misspelling. To use a biblical term they are evildoers.
Because they see DJT as their new messiah.
They can't be reached via logic or reason. It's pointless.
They have been waiting for the “second coming” for more than 2000 years! Keep waiting! It’s inevitability seems questionable!
The Reverend Harold Camping out in Nowheres Corners, Nowheritania, keeps predicting the Rapture every few years. He did it gain a few years ago. I kept looking out the window just in case & saw ZIP, zed, nada, zilcharoonie. All I saw was a crummy flying saucer ! 🛸👽 I got the alien's autograph, though - Zarg the Unfathomable. I told him that I'd put it with the others, LOL.
I agree! I have been asking Christian why would you want to destroy your gods greatest creation. Their answer is always he’ll just creat a new one.🤬
Just like the more BS crazy ones who kill people or are OK with killing gays, abortion doctors, others, because they think that God would be alright with it.
I was just 15 on the first Earth Day and, very much against my parent’s wishes, attended an Earth Day rally at the U of MN. The campus was a hot mess (Vietnam protests) but the rally was both peaceful and inspiring - so much so that I’ve spent the last 53 years working to protect the planet. What a gift!
Yesterday, my grand niece Sophie toured the U of NE at Lincoln campus. She is interested in their Fisheries and Wildlife program. Her goal? Protect wildlife worldwide. Great auntie is thrilled- and will support her every step of the way. But she has a much bigger job these days to help institute policies that will protect, sustain and preserve...
Nixon, for all his terrible flaws, understood that protecting air and water quality was imperative. McCarthy and the Republicans attempt to hold the world’s economy hostage unless their demands are met to raise the debt ceiling is terrorism. Time to pick up and throw out the trash this Earth Day 🌎
I have a high school classmate who is a professor at UN/Lincoln!
What do they teach, Ally? Do you inow?
According to a Google search, she’s in the business department. She’s done a lot of work in Africa, but I don’t have any specifics.
I was 14, on the cusp of political consciousness while leafing through the Whole Earth Catalog; going to my first anti-war protests (proudly following the lead of my older brothers, with the approval of our parents), smoking my first joint. I was unambiguous about Nixon, and it would take decades to admit that he did a good thing regarding the EPA. Can you believe it's been 53 years?
After teaching in California from 1968-72, I started International flying with Pan Am. We had to spray the inside of the aircraft with DDT after flights coming and going to our destinations. Some of us started to spray the bottles into the bathrooms so we wouldn’t have to breathe it, Slowly the world started listening to Rachael Carson. Slowly the airline started to realize we were being poisoned . We never ended smoking on board.
If anyone should be memorialized even more than she has been( very few young people know her name), Rachael Carson should stand along side our greatest heroes.
What I hope for on this Earth Day is that we , we human species, actually go forward in saving our beautiful Earth. Our blather clouds our vision. We talk a good story.... and we keep producing plastic, we keep pouring chemicals into our Water, our Air, and our soil.
I was 4 years old when my Father showed me some dirt and said,”whatever you put into this earth you will drink one day”!
We are so brilliant at times..... are we brilliant enough to actually mean it! That we must care for ourselves by caring for our Earth first and foremost.
“HAPPY EARTH DAY or happy ignorance??? You choose.
I'm on a bit late today, but upon reading many comments, I thought I would hook onto the top comment in the hopes that others will find this recommendation:
Please consider reading a book "Junkyard Planet, Travels in the Billion Dollar Trash Trade" by Adam Minter.
I have to say, I found this book incredibly distressing. The author grew up in a family that ran a "junk yard" and gives a lot of information about what happens to the items we recycle, even traveling to China to see where the US recycled items end up and what happens to them. MIND BOGGLING!
Yes, I recycle, reuse and repurpose, and yes, we all need to do our part and our small efforts add up. After reading this book, I've come to believe that the onus for reducing waste is on our manufacturers. If anyone else has read this book, please feel free to comment. All others who have interest in recycling, please do search out this book!
I also would like to mention that frequent commenter, Sandy Lewis, has recently linked both an article and a short film about his organic beef farm and his concerns about the microbiome. Well worth the read/watch!!
Apologies to evelyn spiess for jumping in here on her comment thread.
I was 18 also and a freshman in college. IU had a big gathering place called Dunn Meadow. I remember the first Earth Day.
I’m the same age and the Cuyahoga River caught fire when I was growing up in Cleveland. Now we see the Republican Party bowing eagerly to their corporate masters to overturn environmental regulations. Perhaps now that I live in Minnesota I need to worry about the Mississippi River?
Yep. I was in my senior year at Penn State and had so much resentment for Nixon. The man was his own worst enemy. But he knew how to get government and private enterprise to work for the common good. Reagan on the other hand?
I attended the first Earth Day as a student at Miami University and read Silent Spring and Aldo Leopold’s works. Like many whose comments I just read, I also gave kudos to a President I did not trust or care for. The lesson for me? Until recent times poor Presidents and political leaders had shining moments.
Reagan tried to shut down the EPA. He didn't but environmental protection lost a lot of momentum when the entire Republican Party (along with some Democrats) climbed into the pocket of plutocrats.
Today’s GOP is a joke.
More scary for me than funny. But I hear you!
Maybe we should be thinking The Joker as in Batman? Scary, weird and above all else, chaotic.
Who would've thought that I would be thanking the scumbag for that....