12/22/00
10:07:01 PM
SUCCESSFUL FARMING MAGAZINE December 2000 Across the Editor's desk
The World Grows Hemp; U.S. waits
By Loren Kruse Editor-in Chief
While most farmers await the naming of a new agricultural secretary, a much smaller group of agriculturalists awaits new leadership in another area of government. They are more concerned with who will head up the Office of National Drug Control Policy and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
These new administrators may hold the key, the agriculturalists believe, to the return of the crop once grown on many US farms and an industry once prominent in America-industrial hemp.
The growing of hemp has been illegal for nearly 40 years. It is classified the same as marijuana another plant of the genus cannabis. Both plants produce a psychoactive compound called THC.
Why Hemp is not pot
Proponents argue that industrial hemp varieties contain very low levels of THC, less than 0.3% while marijuana contains levels of 15%-25% THC. So in other words you could smoke industrial hemp all day and never get high. Still the DEA holds firm that hemp and marijuana are equally bad for society.
A few of your families may have grown hemp to aid the war effort in the 1940s. Remnants of a hemp mill still remain in my hometown.
Why hemp was made illegal is not exactly clear. Growing marijuana was one reason. However it is also believed that the rapidly emerging industries centered around petroleum based synthetic products were involved.
These industries included very powerful players. They felt threatened by the potential of a bio-based industry that would provide energy and new synthetic products from renewable biomass.
What's ironic is that the Declaration of Independence was written on hemp paper. The crop was so important that three colonies had laws requiring that farmers grow hemp!
Hope for hemp
More than 30 countries, including Canada, now allow industrial hemp production. The industry is growing with hundreds of products including paper, construction materials, clothing, carpeting cosmetics and food. Most of these products are exported to America or processed here.
So why not just let American farmers grow the hemp? That's the questions more Ag leaders are asking. At the least they would like to relax the rules to allow research.
"Farmers need alternative and profitable crops," says NPO president Paul Olson, "It's time to put politics aside and use common sense to give this a chance."
Growing hemp may also contribute to the demise of marijuana. "With hemp pollinating marijuana across America, hemp would be like paraquat to a marijuana crop." quips (former CIA Director) James Woolsey, a legal adviser to the North American Industrial Hemp Council. *Contact NAIHC at (608) 258-0243 or at naihc.org on the web.
Sucessful Farming's website at http://www.agriculture.com
12/22/00
10:05:35 PM
FAIR-L Fairness & Accuracy in Reporting Media analysis, critiques and news reports
MEDIA ADVISORY: Media Lovefest for Gore, Bush and Centrism
December 22, 2000
The end of the presidential race has produced one thing media can virtually all agree on: The time for fighting is over. Reporters like Tim Russert had predicted a potential "political civil war;" when it didn't happen, that seemed reason enough for celebration. Unfortunately, for many reporters the "ceasefire" in the ballot battle signaled an end to tough reporting as well.
The media's bipartisan joy was overwhelming-- so much so that conservative CNN pundit Tucker Carlson (12/14/00) mocked: "The morning after has come, and it's all puppies and lollipops." The day after Gore's concession, Chris Matthews (CNBC, 12/14/00) was more patriotic: "What was good about last night, if you like this country, is that both parties-- the vice president and the new president both agreed on basically ending the war, at least signing an armistice for a while." After Gore's concession, NBC's Tom Brokaw found Bush's acceptance "another graceful speech from the new President-elect talking about the issues, specifically, around which Democrats would have a hard time not uniting."
The central issue facing the country after one of the most hotly contested U.S. elections in history, according to the near-endless media repetition, was whether or not any "work" could get done in Washington: "Given that division and the protracted presidential race, can anything be accomplished?" (NBC Nightly News, 12/13/00)
Of course, the election raises serious questions about the electoral process, and real differences do exist among elected officials-- that's politics, and political reporters shouldn't be hoping for an end to it, as Time's Eric Pooley (12/25/00) appeared to do when he wrote that "this time there's so much at stake that only [Bush's] most churlish enemies could root against him."
"Healing"
In that spirit, much of the media saw the close of the presidential campaign as a time to heal wounds and move on; anyone raising critical questions about legitimacy or policy was marginalized. One CNN report (12/14/00) explained that "as the players prepare to write election 2000's final chapter, not everyone wants to close the books"-- illustrated, naturally, with a clip of Jesse Jackson. When Newsweek's Howard Fineman (CNBC, 12/13/00) explained that "Jesse doesn't mean that much in himself," Chris Matthews interrupted: "Would you like to address that letter to him, please, at some point?"
If Jackson was criticized for insisting that the problems with the Florida vote were meaningful, Al Gore won instant media approval for his concession. In descriptions that bordered on the absurd, pundits and reporters showered Gore with adoration for "this quiet, beautifully delivered speech in which you were reminded, this is a human struggle" (ABC's Jackie Judd, 12/13/00). NBC's Tim Russert thought Gore struck "the perfect tone.... It was personal and poignant, incredible." CNN's John King marveled at this "great moment in history," while historian Douglas Brinkley reminded viewers that Gore "always has been a great healer."
Even conservative pundits could hardly contain themselves: Laura Ingraham, appearing on Fox News Channel (12/13/00), praised Gore: "This was the best speech that I've ever heard Al Gore give. Didn't seem snooty. He seemed like a natural, normal person, and you know, how odd it is that this is the time that we see Al Gore the man."
A gracious, defeated Gore was the candidate the media finally praised, but it didn't take long to be reminded why they had less interest in the "other" Gore. As Cokie Roberts explained, "So often during the campaign, when he came on TV, he was annoying. There was nothing annoying about this." Moments later, Roberts gave some indication of what might have annoyed her about Gore-- she seemed to think Gore's campaign strayed too far to the left. Gore "was very instrumental in trying to bring the Democratic Party back to the middle," said Roberts, but "then in this campaign, he seemed to move back." Roberts offered similar advice to Clinton after the 1994 election (11/8/94), urging him to "move to the right, which is the advice that somebody should have given him a long time ago."
A similar post-game analysis came from MSNBC's Chris Matthews (12/13/00): "One of the reasons many people-- well, I'm one of them-- who believe that Al Gore didn't roll up the score against Bush and win his own state and everything else was that he ran a negative populist campaign based on resentment, especially class and economic, even ethnic resentment, and that the American people just wanted to tune that out." Matthews seems to have forgotten that Gore won over 300,000 more voters than his closest competitor.
The media's post-campaign advice for Gore was similar to some of their advice for president-elect Bush-- namely, that Bush needed to chart a centrist course to be effective. CBS' Bob Schieffer (12/17/00) recommended that Bush resist the more conservative members of the Republican Party and "find a middle ground occupied by friends, allies and-- if I may say so-- most of the American people. It won't be easy, but only from there and with them can he hope to get anything done."
Ignoring the "distracting details"
In their quest to heal, the media was often eager to forgo tough questions in favor of showing sympathy for the president-elect. After Bush's victory speech, CBS's Bob Schieffer was optimistic: "Let's hope he succeeds. It will be the best thing for the country." (12/13/00)
CNN's Candy Crowley declared: "But this is not about politics or even philosophy. This is now about practicality. George Bush will need to move this nation forward. But first, he must pull it together." (12/14/00)
Bush's campaign seemed to rely on creating low expectations for the candidate, and the media have done their part to put a positive spin on that strategy. Bush is a "a man of great self-confidence," according to CNN's Crowley, someone who is "not one of those that is threatened by power around him." Time's Walter Isaacson (12/25/00) noted that Bush is "impatient with distracting details," whatever that might mean.
Newsweek observed that Bush's hands-off approach dates all the way back to college, where Bush was known to sit in the back of many of his classes. Newsweek explains that such students "sat back and listened, taking in the scene, contributing consensus-building observations from on high." Newsweek adds: "There is a doggedness to him, the willingness of a man only too glad to recognize his limitations and operate accordingly."
Given Bush's hostility to "distracting details," his Cabinet choices are crucial, but his early picks have received little critical scrutiny. Naming Colin Powell as secretary of state was widely praised throughout the media. Though many outlets did criticize points in Powell's foreign policy doctrine, certain facts about his record have generally been omitted.
For example, Powell played a role in whitewashing atrocities committed by American soldiers in Vietnam, including the My Lai massacre. In response to a soldier's letter describing attacks on civilians by the Americal's 11th Brigade, which included the unit that carried out the My Lai massacre, then-Major Powell replied dismissively in a 12/13/68 memo: "In direct refutation of this portrayal is the fact that relations between American soldiers and the Vietnamese people are excellent." (For more background, see: http://www.fair.org/extra/9601/powell.html .)
According to Newsweek (12/25/00), "Powell's sensitivity to the world's disadvantaged is a theme running throughout his career." That was certainly not true in the case in Vietnam, and it's doubtful it will apply to the U.S. position on sanctions in Iraq, which Powell vowed to "re-energize."
Newsweek also offers the president-elect some advice on handling the media: "Start meeting with small groups of reporters. Mix big shots and little, but surprise media with accessibility. Promise that everyone will get his turn. Avoid giant pressure-packed East Room press-conference deals until you're ready."
Bush may take Newsweek's advice on handling reporters to heart, but with kid glove media coverage like this, one wonders what he'd need to worry about.
12/22/00
10:02:11 PM
SOLSTICE - 12-21-00
CHRISTMAS PRELUDE
"Joy to the world... Let heaven and nature sing!"
The beautiful Christmas carols heard at this special time of the year make this a time when even on the street people smile more and are more friendly.
There is profound symbolism in Christmas and it has inspired the world's greatest music. As we approach a new millennium, we hear on radio, "Hark, the herald Angels sing, 'Glory to the newborn king.'" We suddenly remember, "Peace on Earth, goodwill to all." Our best hope for the future is found in the Angels ancient message.
When our hearts are filled with goodwill, we see new opportunities for resolving conflicts, achieving economic justice and ways to a sustainable future.
Christmas was originally celebrated on the Winter Solstice. This is the shortest day of the year. In ancient times people noted that in the Fall, the days kept getting shorter and shorter. There was fear they would keep getting shorter until there were no days. But on the Winter Solstice they would start getting longer: A cause for celebration!
In folklore, and perhaps in fact, Jesus was born on the solstice. This adds to the joy of celebrating the birth of Jesus. Darkness, symbolizes ignorance. Light, symbolizes understanding. In John 8:12, Jesus said, "I am the light of the world."
Throughout the centuries that followed, the greatest examples of brotherhood and peaceful progress have come from individuals and groups that saw in Jesus the light of the world. "This Freedom Whence" by John Wesley Brady, documents the social progress that followed great revivals of Christian faith. Major universities, charitable organizations and governments found in the Bethlehem story guidance and inspiration for altruistic policies and programs.
As we leave the mistakes of the past and enter a new millennium of opportunity, may the light of Christmas light our way to a better day.
John McConnell - www.earthsite.org 1933 Woodbine St. Ridgewood, NY 11385
Celebrate: Circle the globe with this message!
12/22/00
9:47:18 PM
There's lots of new material at http://www.thenation.com currently:
ON VERDICT 2000:
GORE VIDAL: Democratic Vistas http://www.thenation.com/doc.mhtml?i=20010108&s=vidal
DAVID CORN: Questions for Powell http://www.thenation.com/doc.mhtml?i=20010108&s=corn
WILLIAM GREIDER: Clinton Follows the Money http://www.thenation.com/doc.mhtml?i=20010108&s=greider
ERIC ALTERMAN: Let the Whitewash Begin http://www.thenation.com/doc.mhtml?i=20010108&s=alterman
ON THE DEATH-PENALTY:
ROBERT SHERRILL: Death Trip: The American Way of Execution http://www.thenation.com/doc.mhtml?i=20010108&s=sherrill
BRUCE SHAPIRO: A Talk with Governor George Ryan http://www.thenation.com/doc.mhtml?i=20010108&s=shapiro
MARION GROSS: Thou Shalt Not Kill http://www.thenation.com/doc.mhtml?i=20010108&s=gross
12/22/00
9:45:34 PM
Here are today's Reuters 'World Environment News' headlines, proudly brought to you by Planet Ark.
Doing environmental research? Search our news archives at: http://www.planetark.org/searchhome.cfm
UPDATE - US to issue clean diesel fuel, engine rules - USA http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm?newsid=9367
Clinton diesel pollution rules likely to be challenged - USA http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm?newsid=9369
UPDATE - Bush wants OPEC to raise oil production - USA http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm?newsid=9373
Swiss green activist feared dead in Borneo - SWITZERLAND http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm?newsid=9371
Russia votes to accept foreign nuclear waste = RUSSIA http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm?newsid=9374
Dutch regulator details domestic 2001 energy rules - NETHERLANDS http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm?newsid=9372
ANALYSIS - Germany's emission reduction targets seen ambitious - GERMANY http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm?newsid=9368
German upper house backs commuter subsidy plan - GERMANY http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm?newsid=9370
Brazilians pour into cities, census shows - BRAZIL http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm?newsid=9366
12/22/00
9:38:46 PM
George Harrison Says 'The World Is Going Mental'
By Dean Goodman
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Former Beatle George Harrison is so concerned about the state of the world that he's jokingly thinking of calling his next album ``Your Planet is Doomed, Volume One.''
``The world is just going mental as far as I'm concerned,'' Harrison told Reuters Wednesday. ``It's speeding up with the whole technology and everything that's happening.''
Having survived both a home invasion by a knife-wielding maniac last Dec. 30 and a throat cancer scare in 1997 -- incidents he declined to discuss -- 57-year-old Harrison could be forgiven for seeing life in shades of black.
To remind himself of the bright side of things, Harrison has re-recorded his ode to peace, love and Hare Krishna, ``My Sweet Lord,'' which topped the American and British charts in 1971. It will appear -- along with the original -- on a 30th anniversary re-issue of his ``All Things Must Pass'' triple album, set for release on Jan. 23 via Capitol Records.
``I just like the idea and the opportunity to freshen it up, because the point of 'My Sweet Lord' is just to try and remind myself basically that there's more to life than the material world,'' Harrison said.
``Basically I think the planet is doomed,'' he said with a laugh. ``And it's my attempt to try to put a bit of a spin on the spiritual side, a reminder for myself and for anybody who's interested.''
Harrison added that while pessimistic about the environment, he is positive about ``my place in creation ... and I don't have any worries whatsoever about that.''
``All Things Must Pass,'' originally released in December 1970 as the Beatles were breaking up, served as a much-needed creative outlet for Harrison, whose songwriting efforts were overshadowed by John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
Musicians on the sessions included Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, keyboardist Billy Preston, guitarist Dave Mason and an uncredited Eric Clapton.
Besides the original album's 23 songs, the reissue also contains an unused song from the sessions, ``I Live For You,'' different versions of the tracks ``Beware of Darkness'' and ``Let It Down,'' and a horns-heavy instrumental version of the single ''What Is Life.''
Harrison produced the album with Phil Spector, whose ``Wall of Sound'' technique, in which songs were given lush orchestral treatments, sounds outdated today, he now claims. But it worked well at the time. ``All Things Must Pass'' ended up selling about three million copies worldwide.
Harrison was later dragged into court when it was claimed that ``My Sweet Lord'' sounded a lot like the Chiffons' ``He's So Fine.'' He was judged to have unknowingly plagiarized the earlier song.
Harrison's son, Dhani, a 22-year-old university student, plays acoustic guitar on the updated version, and is also helping his dad a little for an album of new material, Harrison's first since 1987's ``Cloud Nine.''
Harrison said it would possibly come out next October or November. He plays most of the instruments, with session drummer Jim Keltner, and has produced it himself so far, though may bring in an outsider for some finishing touches. A free agent, he has talked to a number of labels about distribution.
Needless to say, the album will be computer-free. ``My music doesn't seem to belong to any particular period,'' Harrison said. ``I just make it the same way as we made it back in the sixties, which is analog tapes, microphones and guitars, bass, drums, pianos.''
12/22/00
9:30:07 PM
ENVIRONMENT NEWS SERVICE (ENS) http://ens-news.com
"We Cover the Earth For You"
Weather Experts: Year 2000 Continues Global Warming Trend
GENEVA, Switzerland, December 21, 2000 (ENS) - The global climate continues to be warmer than normal, the World Meteorological Organization said in its year end analysis. The year 2000 has continued the run of warm years in spite of the persistent cooling influence of the tropical Pacific La Niña.
For full text and graphics visit: http://ens-news.com/ens/dec2000/2000L-12-21-01.html
EPA Issues New Pollution Rule for Diesel Trucks, Buses
By Brian Hansen
WASHINGTON, DC, December 21, 2000 (ENS) - In a bold move that drew accolades from environmental groups and objections from the trucking industry, the outgoing Clinton/Gore administration today unveiled a new air pollution control rule. It will force drastic reductions in heavy duty truck and bus emissions over the next decade.
For full text and graphics visit: http://ens-news.com/ens/dec2000/2000L-12-21-15.html
YELLOWSTONE BISON BENEFIT LITTLE FROM NEW MANAGEMENT PLAN
By Cat Lazaroff
WASHINGTON, DC, December 21, 2000 (ENS) - Bison in Yellowstone National Park and the state of Montana may not have much to be thankful for this winter. A new Joint Management Plan for bison was released Wednesday by three federal agencies, but environmental groups say the plan does little to protect the animals from hazing and slaughter.
For full text and graphics visit: http://ens.lycos.com/ens/dec2000/2000L-12-21-06.html
Austria Sees Pollution Fall, Despite Truck Traffic Rise
BRUSSELS, Belgium, December 21, 2000 (ENS) - An ecopoints system set up to protect Austria's fragile Alpine valleys from increasing road freight traffic has reduced exhaust emissions by more than 55 percent in the last decade.
For full text and graphics visit: http://ens.lycos.com/ens/dec2000/2000L-12-21-11.html
Europe's Soil Degradation a Silent Disaster
BONN, Germany, December 21, 2000 (ENS) A "forgotten issue" and a "silent disaster" is how a report this week describes the degradation of Europe's vital soil resources.
For full text and graphics visit: http://ens.lycos.com/ens/dec2000/2000L-12-21-10.html
Environment News Service AmeriScan: December 21, 2000
Exxon Mobil Fined $3.5 Billion for Defrauding Alabama
Reviews Ordered for Jet Ski Use in National Parks
Two New Laws Benefit Laboratory Animals
Comprehensive Plan for Coastline Management Released
Caribou Scientists Call for Protection of Arctic Refuge
Wisconsin Man Convicted for Role in Shooting Bald Eagle
"Santa" Delivers Forest Friendly Messages
Los Angeles Utility Wins Tree Protection Award
New Meat Tenderizer, Sterilizer Is Dynamite
For full text and graphics visit: http://ens.lycos.com/ens/dec2000/2000L-12-21-09.html
ENVIRONMENT NEWS SERVICE WORLDSCAN: DECEMBER 21, 2000
Destruction of Mangroves for Shrimp Farming Outlawed in Ecuador
Canada Appoints Gilbert Parent Ambassador for the Environment
Argentina Moves to Conserve Southern Right Whales
Trips Inside Virtual Plants Possible at New Australian Center
For full text and graphics visit: http://ens-news.com/ens/dec2000/2000L-12-21-14.html
TO BIOTECH AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDITORS:
BioExchange Security Report: How Safe is your Genome?
SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Dec. 21, -/E-Wire/-- The following is a security report issued by www.BioExchange.com:
With the escalation of Internet-based genomics and proteomics products and tools and the inevitable rise of so-called ``personal genomic'' technologies, it is increasingly important to insure genomic security and privacy to both companies and individuals. There is currently a half-dozen online genomics companies focused on providing commercial-grade research tools and proprietary data sources of not just human, but fly, worm, mouse, pig, and other model organisms. Other companies want to analyze and store your own personal genomic information for research and health.
CONTACT: BioExchange.com, Eric Stone, 888/320-7090 ext. 402/
Web site: www.BioExchange.com/
For Full Text Visit: http://ens.lycos.com/e-wire/Dec00/21Dec0005.html
TO BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDITORS:
Waste and Recycling Industry Hauls Trash Onto The Internet Using Bidland Systems' Online Auction Technology
- Equipment valued at $500,000 is auctioned off by Wastebid.com using Bidland's dynamic commerce platform -
SAN DIEGO, CA, Dec. 21, -/E-Wire/-- Bidland SystemsSM announced today that Wastebid.com is using its online auction technology to create a one-stop shop for buyers and sellers in the nation's $50 billion solid-waste collection, recycling and disposal industry.
CONTACT: Jan Loomis Bidland Systems (858) 292-6616, jloomis@bidland.com or Bonnie Shaw McQUERTERGROUP (858) 450-0030, email: bonnie@mcquerter.com
Web site: www.bidland.com
For Full Text Visit: http://ens.lycos.com/e-wire/Dec00/21Dec0002.html
TO BUSINESS AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDITORS:
Startech Environmental Announces Opening of New Sales Showroom
WILTON, Conn., Dec. 21 -/E-Wire/-- Startech Environmental Corp. (Nasdaq: STHK), the world leader in plasma waste remediation and recycling technology announced today the opening date of its new Sales Showroom located in Bristol, Connecticut for January 18, 2001. The 6,000 square foot Showroom now houses a new 10,000 pound per day Startech Plasma Waste Converter (PWC) Closed-loop Elemental Recycling System.
CONTACT: Robert L. DeRochie for Startech Environmental Corp., 203-762-2499, or fax, 203-761-0839, starmail@startech.net/
Web site: http://www.startech.net/
For Full Text Visit: http://ens.lycos.com/e-wire/Dec00/21Dec0001.html
TO ENVIRONMENTAL EDITORS:
Enviro-Recovery Announces Completion of Conference Room at Ford Motor Co. World Headquarters
ASHLAND, WI, Dec. 21, -/E-Wire/-- Enviro-Recovery, Inc. (OTCBB:EVRE - news; ``OTC-EVRE'') is pleased to announce the completion of the executive conference room at Ford Motor Company's World Headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan.
CONTACT: LakeShore Strategies Corp., Tim Mikula, Tel: 888/233-1871, Email: tim@lakeshorecorp.co or Enviro-Recovery Inc., Jeff Schwartz, Tel: 888/653-5647/
Website: www.timelesstimber.com/
For Full Text Visit: http://ens.lycos.com/e-wire/Dec00/21Dec0003.html
TO BUSINESS AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDITORS:
Aluminum-Power's Fuel Cell Featured in Scientific American Report Performance exceeds all conventional batteries
TORONTO, Ontario, Dec. 12, -/E-Wire/-- Canada's Aluminum-Power Inc. today announced that its breakthrough aluminum-air fuel cell for portable energy applications is featured in the December, 2000 issue of Scientific American's monthly "Fuel Cell Industry Report".
CONTACT: Rafael Ferry, 416-929-3262 ex 224, rferry@aluminum-power.com/
Web site: www.aluminum-power.com
For Full Text Visit: http://ens.lycos.com/e-wire/Dec00/21Dec0002.html
12/22/00
9:26:20 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Washington, D.C. December 21, 2000
PRO-HEMP RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF STATE LEGISLATURES AT WASHINGTON DC MEETING
At its winter meeting on Dec. 13-15, the National Conference of State Legislatures adopted a resolution on the subject of hemp. The resolution contains the following recommendations:
- The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) strongly urges the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to collaboratively develop and adopt an official definition of industrial hemp, as per those nations currently producing hemp.
- NCSL also strongly urges Congress to amend US Code sections 21 U.S.C. Sec. 812 (10) and 21 U.S.C. Sec. 841 to distinguish between industrial hemp and marijuana varieties of cannabis as they relate to production, possession, delivery, and intended use.
- NCSL requests the USDA and the DEA to review the procedures under which their Canadian counterparts are authorized to sanction the commercial development of industrial hemp.
- NCSL also strongly urges Congress statutorily to direct the DEA to revise its policies to be less restrictive and to allow states to establish state regulatory programs, thus fostering the development of domestic hemp production by American farmers and manufacturers.
- Toward this end, a copy of this resolution will be sent to members of the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Acting DEA director Donnie R. Marshall, the office of ONDCP, and the President of the United States. (END)
The NCSL is considering whether it will comment on the new proposed rules regarding the treatment of hemp products, which are to be published in the Federal Register.
Rep. Jon Nelson (R-N.D.) introduced the resolution before the Agriculture and International Trade Committee. The meeting, moderated by Rep. Maxine Bell (R-Idaho) offered a debate, with John Howell of Hempwell Inc. speaking on behalf of the resolution, and Col. Robert Maginnis of the Family Research Council speaking against it, followed by a lengthy question and answer period. After the presentation, a voice vote was taken and the measure passed by over the required three-quarters majority.
The next day, the full plenary session conducted a lengthy debate and again, passed the measure by voice vote with a more than three-quarters majority.
This resolution was the result of a similar presentation at the NCSL's annual meeting, held in Chicago in July. A display booth of hemp products was presented by Hempwell Inc. and was supported by The Body Shop, Eco Fields retail store, EcoDragon, Hemp Basics, Artisan Gear, and Living Tree Paper Company. Over 1,200 legislators, staff members, policy makers, and lobbyists passed through the hemp informational display. Following this meeting, John Howell of Hempwell was invited to speak on behalf of the resolution at the winter meeting in Washington D.C.
For more info contact: jhowell@hempwell.com
12/22/00
9:24:18 PM
THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE
On Christmas Day, 1914, in the first year of World War I, German, British, and French soldiers disobeyed their superiors and fraternized with "the enemy" along two-thirds of the Western Front. German troops held Christmas trees up out of the trenches with, signs, "Merry Christmas." "You no shoot, we no shoot." Thousands of troops streamed across a no-man's land strewn with rotting corpses. They sang Christmas carols, exchanged photographs of loved ones back home, shared rations, played football, even roasted some pigs. Soldiers embraced men they had been trying to kill a few short hours before. They agreed to warn each other if the top brass forced them to fire their weapons, and to aim high.
A shudder ran through the high command on either side. Here was disaster in the making: soldiers declaring their brotherhood with each other and refusing to fight. Generals on both sides declared this spontaneous peacemaking to be treasonous and subject to court martial. By March, 1915 the fraternization movement had been eradicated and the killing machine put back in full operation. By the time of the armistice in 1918, fifteen million would be slaughtered.
Not many people have heard the story of the Christmas Truce. Military leaders have not gone out of their way to publicize it. On Christmas Day, 1988, a story in the Boston Globe mentioned that a local FM radio host played "Christmas in the Trenches," a ballad about the Christmas Truce, several times and was startled by the effect. The song became the most requested recording during the holidays in Boston on several FM stations. "Even more startling than the number of requests I get is the reaction to the ballad afterward by callers who hadn't heard it before," said the radiohost. "They telephone me deeply moved, sometimes in tears, asking, `What the hell did I just hear?'"
I think I know why the callers were in tears. The Christmas Truce story goes against most of what we have been taught about people. It gives us a glimpse of the world as we wish it could be and says, "This really happened once." It reminds us of those thoughts we keep hidden away, out of range of the TV and newspaper stories that tell us how trivial and mean human life is. It is like hearing that our deepest wishes really are true: the world really could be different.
Excerpted from David G. Stratman, We Can Change the World: The Real Meaning of Everyday Life New Democracy Books, 1991 Available for $3.00 from New Democracy Books P.O. Box 427 Boston MA 02130
12/21/00
12:59:35 PM
Action Alerts
DEA to Ban Hemp Food/Oil in Name of Integrity of Drug Testing System Oregon treesitters speak out to save 500 year-old rainforests! Close the Loopholes in the Forest Service's Roadless Forest Protection Plan
DEA to Ban Hemp Food/Oil in Name of Integrity of Drug Testing System
Date: Wed, 20 Dec 2000 14:45:09 -1000 Subject: DEA to Ban Hemp Food/Oil in Name of Integrity of Drug Testing System From: David Frankel <dfrankel@4thwavelaw.org>
DEA is banning any hemp product that might result in any amount of THC entering the human body ~ in the name of preserving the integrity of US drug testing.
THIS EMAIL CONTAINS A COMPLETE SUMMARY AND RELEVANT INFO - BUT THE FULL FLAVOR IS IN MCCAFFREY'S REMARKS BELOW TO REP. JOHN SHIMKUS:
In Barry McCaffrey's March 17, 2000 Letter to Rep. John Shimkus re: Shimkus' letter of March 6 - McCaffrey says in part
"In fact, the amount of THC in some hemp products is significant enough to cause positive drug tests. To maintain the integrity of the US drug testing system, we cannot allow the legalization of products that may be consumed to contain THC. Our drug testing system keeps the public safe by demanding that employees in safety sensitive positions be tested. It also has provided great benefits to drug-free workplace programs in the States across the country, in the Armed Forces, at the Department of Transportation and in the Federal workforce. We must strive to preserve its integrity. Although the single species, Cannabis sativa, can be sub-optimized for fiber or marijuana production, existing Federal law does not differentiate between low or high THC content. It is the existence of THC that places the substance within Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act."
He goes on to say that he is empowered by Congress to "take such actions as are necessary to oppose any attempt to legalize the use of a substance (in any form) that is listed in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act and has not been approved for medical use (21 USC 1703(b)(12))."
"Finally, the Federal government is concerned that the importation of products containing THC or the cultivation of Cannabis sativa plants in the United States for hemp will become the stalking horse for the de facto legalization of marijuana. Cannabis sativa cultivation under the guise of agricultural economics cannot be allowed to undermine the prohibition against domestic production of marijuana for use as a drug and the viability of our drug testing system. This principle must and does guide our drug policy decisions." Namaste :)
DEA is about to pass an three "Interim Rules" restricting products made from non-drug industrial hemp foods and oils ("Hemp Food/Oil Ban") which will be effective immediately without public comment upon publication in the Federal Register (which is threatened to occur in the next 30 days). I am attaching copy of the Notice (part of the Unified Agenda, published in the Federal Register on November 30, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 231, Page 74025).
The Notice proposes three new rules which the DEA deems "nonsignificant" but which are quite significant and which may constitute an unconstitutional taking:
New Rule #1: The DEA's interpretive rule that existing law covers organic THC ~ contrary to every decided case on this issue, the DEA has found this interpretation.
New Rule #2: The DEA intends to change Schedule I to add organic THC to the list of controlled substances to codify its interpretation set forth in New Rule #1.
New Rule #3: The DEA writes "the interim rule will not allow ``hemp'' products that result in THC entering the human body" and will exempt hemp fiber crops.
The Interim Rules are now being reviewed by other agencies - PLEASE IMMEDIATELY CONTACT THESE AGENCIES ASKING FOR THERE TO BE USUAL RULEMAKING INCLUDING A PUBLIC HEARING ON THESE RULES: Raymond Kelly, Commissioner U.S. Customs; Jacob J. Lew, Director, Office of Management and Budget; Lawrence H. Summers, Secretary, Department of the Treasury; and Norman Mineta, Secretary, Department of Commerce.
To see the complete story go to <A HREF="www.egroups.com/group/bay_area_activist "> www.egroups.com/group/bay_area_activist</A> and see entry # 7504/DEA to Ban Hemp Food/Oil
Please take a moment to review this and post everywhere and send to all lists ~ a sample letter to Congress and relevant US agencies is included.
Oregon treesitters speak out to save 500 year-old rainforests!
Before its too late, contact the Whitehouse and demand the cancellation of the CLARK, WINBERRY, EAGLE and SNOG timber sales. These are the last four unresolved tree villages on National Forest lands!
Since April 1998, Pacific Northwest treesitters have held ongoing vigils in the tops of threatened old growth trees. In more then a dozen locations we took to building treehouses, as well as connecting neighbor-trees with rope walkways. A thousand different people have climbed up to help us save these trees. Hundreds of news articles have documented our plight.
We've endured three logging seasons at heights of 200 feet. We will not come out of the trees until they are saved. We are unmovable witnesses for the cancellation of Clark, Winberry, Eagle and Snog. They are the most corrupt of all the current timber sales.
Our defense is simple, we put our safety on the line, forcing the Forest Service to slow down and be cautious. Our tree villages often hold off logging long enough to allow for legal injunctions, wildlife surveys and cancellations of sales. On rare occasion they just ignore our safety and cut all the trees that we have yet to tie in.
With the White House going to the Bush administration, the Clinton/Gore administration has one final month to intervene. The outgoing administration has a reputation for ordering the cancellation of a select number of controversial old-growth sales. The incoming Bush administration will do the opposite!
Please help while we still have a chance! The need for your voice is urgent!
To see the complete story go to <A HREF="www.egroups.com/group/bay_area_activist "> www.egroups.com/group/bay_area_activist</A> and see entry # 7506 CALLS NEEDED! support Oregon tree sitters
Close the Loopholes in the Forest Service's Roadless Forest Protection Plan
Contributed by Natural Resources Defense Council
Responding to the single largest outpouring of public comment in conservation history, the Forest Service announced on November 13 that its expanded new plan to protect currently roadless areas in national forests will now include the crown jewel of the national forest system, Alaska's Tongass National Forest - but not until 2004. While the announcement signals that the Clinton administration heard and took to heart the public's outcry to protect our nation's forests, the newest proposed plan still contains serious flaws that could jeopardize the future of our last wild places.
Last October, President Clinton directed the U.S. Forest Service to develop a plan for permanently protecting up to 60 million acres of national forests. The president called on the Forest Service to significantly change the way the United States manages publicly owned forests to preserve stretches of national forests that have not been scarred by roads.
Responding to this avalanche of public opinion, the administration added the Tongass to its most recent version of the plan. While this is a huge step forward, the problem is that the plan does not call for the Tongass to be protected until 2004 - and the timber industry is at this moment gearing up a new mill to take advantage of this loophole and devour the Tongass' virgin old growth valleys. By 2004, irreparable harm will have been done and in the meantime industry will increase pressure on Congress and the new administration to unravel the plan's protections.
Call to action
Tell President Clinton to adopt a final forest protection plan that will ban logging in all roadless national forest areas and include the Tongass rainforest in Alaska now, not after it's too late. Even if you've written to the president or the Forest Service about the roadless area protection plan before, please write again now as he and his advisors weigh the options for the last time.
Dear President Clinton,
I was encouraged by your administration's November 13 announcement to include the Tongass National Forest in your upcoming Roadless Forest Protection Plan. While a great step forward, loopholes in the plan must be closed if this historic initiative is to truly and permanently protect our country's public forests.
The final plan *must* expressly prohibit logging. Furthermore, the Tongass rainforest needs to be included in the plan now. Waiting until 2004 gives timber companies far too long to run the Tongass' old growth through their mills and destroy this magnificent part of our country's wild heritage.
Please ensure that your initiative is truly historic and truly saves our last best public forests, by banning all logging in them and fully including the Tongass rainforest now, not in 2004.
Sincerely,
www.workingforchange.com/activism/action.cfm
12/21/00
12:55:46 PM
Here are today's Reuters 'World Environment News' headlines, proudly brought to you by Planet Ark.
Doing environmental research? Search our news archives at: http://www.planetark.org/searchhome.cfm
Offshore Arctic oil project sparks Greenpeace suit - USA http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm?newsid=9361
UPDATE - US shoppers to soon find USDA organic food labels - USA http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm?newsid=9363
UPDATE - Bush wants OPEC to raise oil production - USA http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm?newsid=9364
European scrap body launches shredder group - UK http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm?newsid=9360
Norway okays building of three wind farms - NORWAY http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm?newsid=9362
UPDATE - Israel denies dumping toxic waste in Golan - ISRAEL http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm?newsid=9365
Animal rights group targets Indian circus shows - INDIA http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm?newsid=9359
12/21/00
12:54:51 PM
Please distribute this via your networks, have it signed by as many individuals and organizations as you can, and e-mail to: mari999@jk9.so-net.ne.jp.
The first collection will be until the end of the 20th Century (December 31, 2000) Thank you for your help in preventing and reducing the danger of nuclear hazards harming our health, environment, and generations to come!!
For further information, contact me at:
Nuclear Power Free World for 21st Century (NPFW 21)
Mari Takenouchi, Representative
6-5-8, Koganehara, Matsudo, Chiba 270-0021, Japan Tel: +81-90-4002-3959 Fax: +81-47-341-2023 E-mail: mari999@jk9.so-net.ne.jp
PETITION ADDRESSED TO GE, WESTING HOUSE, HITACHI, TOSHIBA, MITSUBISHI, BNFL, SIEMENS, JNF, COGEMA AND ALL NUCLEAR RELATED COMPANIES
We the undersigned organizations and individuals express our extreme concern that nuclear power related technologies and products are being manufactured and exported to countries in Asia, South America, and Africa. This, in spite of the fact that the trend in most advanced nations, which are also manufacturers of nuclear power, is to phase out this energy resource within their own boundaries.
Even without mentioning Chernobyl, which was an unacceptable catastrophe under any circumstances, accidents happen. In fact, the number of accidents is increasing as more nuclear power plants are constructed all over the world and as older reactors age. We have to prevent future nuclear catastrophes by any and all means and this requires prompt and dramatic action.
Moreover, it is contrary to the interests of nuclear related companies to continue with their current practices. Selling products might bring profits for a short-term period if no large accident happens in the near future, but considering the problems of waste, maintaining aging power plants, the constant release of deadly "low-level" radiation, decommissioning plants, and the possible occurrence of major accidents, this industry cannot bring benefits in the future. We believe that related companies are already well aware of this fact. Before it is too late, you should seriously address the problems immediately.
It is also contrary to the interests of countries that require sustainable, clean, mostly decentralized, low-cost energy systems, adapted both to their needs and their use of capital, resources and labor. Also it is feared that all the importing countries, due to limitations of structural and technical capabilities that exist to various degrees, cannot handle nuclear facilities in a proper manner. This is also the case of advanced nations.
Nuclear power is also contrary to global environmental issues such as global warming and pollution roblems[ http://www.geocities.com/mothersalert/globalwarming2.html]. The vast amount of waste hot water from nuclear power plants is raising the temperature of rivers, lakes and seas in areas near nuclear facilities. Radioactive emissions from facilities, even under permissible levels, have and will continue to accumulate in the environment world wide. There is no safe level of any ionizing radiation. Dr. John Gofman, world reknown nuclear health expert states that there is no safe level of ionizing radiation: http://www.geocities.com/mothersalert/gofman.html Dr.Gofman has testified in court in the USA that "acceptable" radiation levels constitute "planned deaths" by the nuclear industry. There are a number of cases of nuclear facility workers exposed to radiation, and some experts even state that the rate of children who develop leukemia[http://www.geocities.com/mothersalert/childrencancers.html] went up around some of these facilities. In particular Joseph Mangano of "The Radiation and Public Health Project $B!I (B has discovered a sharp decrease in infant mortality around 5 reactors shortly after these reactors ceased operating. See: http://www.geocities.com/mothersalert/infant.html & http://www.radiation.org
At the same time, there is no concrete measure established for controlling high-level nuclear waste in any country in the world. Geological disposal is a possible option right now but many geologists have great doubts whether highly toxic radioactive material could be contained for more than tens of thousands of years. Even if they can the radioactivity of much of this nuclear waste will be lethal for more than one million years. Additionally, earthquake prone countries and their neighboring area might see an irreversible catastrophe caused either by the geological disposal/storage of nuclear waste, transportation of fuels/waste or normal operation of nuclear power plants in conjunction with violent seismic activity.
The impact of radiation contamination goes beyond generational and national boundaries, and can bring eternal suffering and damage to all living creatures and the environment. Shortsighted economic interests or business aspirations should not supercede the chain of life on Earth, which is unrecoverable once damaged by a radioactive catastrophe or catastrophes.
Therefore, we the undersigned organizations and individuals call upon all nuclear related industries and companies to immediately stop operating, transporting and manufacturing their products and halt exporting these technologies and products to other nations.
NAME:
ORGANISATION:
FULL ADDRESS:
E-MAIL ADDRESS:
Again, please send Sign-Ons to:
mari999@jk9.so-net.ne.jp
Please dissemenate widely.Thanks!
12/21/00
12:51:58 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDITORS:
Obesity Epidemic Threatens Health in Exercise-Deprived Societies
WASHINGTON, DC, Dec. 20, -/E-Wire/-- Obesity is reaching epidemic proportions, afflicting a growing number of people in industrial and developing countries alike. It is damaging human health, raising the incidence of heart disease, stroke, breast cancer, colon cancer, arthritis, and adult onset diabetes. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 300,000 Americans now die each year from obesity-related illnesses.
/CONTACT: Reah Janise Kauffman, PHONE: (202) 452-1992 x 514, FAX: (202) 296-7365, EMAIL: rjkauffman@worldwatch.org/
/Web site: www.worldwatch.org/alerts/indexia.html
For Full Text Visit: http://ens.lycos.com/e-wire/Dec00/20Dec0005.html
TO BUSINESS, ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDITORS:
Blue292 Appoints Technology Sales Veteran to Senior Vice President of Sales
Former National Director of Enterprise Sales at Symantec Corporation to Oversee Enterprise Sales Operations for eBusiness Application Provider
DURHAM, N.C., Dec. 20 -/E-Wire/-- Blue292, the world's leading provider of environmental, health and safety (EHS) eBusiness application software, today announced the appointment of Ms. Scottie O'Reilly Oliver, a former national sales executive with Symantec Corporation (Nasdaq: SYMC), to the position of Senior Vice President of Sales.
/CONTACT: Jennifer Kelaher of Robinson Lerer & Montgomery, 212-484-7313, jkelaher@rlmnet.com , for Blue292/
/Web site: http://www.blue292.com/
For Full Text Visit: http://ens.lycos.com/e-wire/Dec00/20Dec0002.html
TO BUSINESS AND MEDICAL EDITORS:
Monsanto Issues 1999/2000 Corporate Environmental Report As World-Wide-Web Document
ST. LOUIS, Dec. 20 -/E-Wire/-- Monsanto Company has issued its most recent corporate environmental report (CER) as an electronic document. Titled the "1999/2000 Report on Sustainable Development and ES&H," the document is available exclusively on Monsanto's internet homepage at http://www.monsanto.com .
/CONTACT: Dallas A. Meneely of Monsanto Company, 314-694-3862/
/Web site: http://www.monsanto.com/
For Full Text Visit: http://ens.lycos.com/e-wire/Dec00/20Dec0003.html
TO BUSINESS AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDITORS:
Air Quality Sciences, Inc. Earns Distinguished AIHA Accreditation
ATLANTA, GA, Dec. 20 -/E-Wire/-- Air Quality Sciences, Inc. (AQS) is pleased to announce that its microbial laboratory, under the direction of Dr. Elliott Horner, has earned accreditation by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) in its Environmental Microbiology Laboratory Accreditation Program (EMLAP). AQS is the only laboratory in the world to be ISO 9002 registered and EMLAP accredited, and is the most advanced indoor air quality testing laboratory in the industry.
/CONTACT: Todd Lowenthal, 770-933-0638, extension 238/
/Web site: http://www.aqs.com/
For Full Text Visit: http://ens.lycos.com/e-wire/Dec00/20Dec0004.html
TO ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATIONAL EDITORS:
Court Urges BLM to Take Steps to Prevent Slaughter of Adopted Horses, Reports The Fund for Animals
RENO, Nev., Dec. 20 -/E-Wire/-- In a recent hearing before the U.S. District Court in Reno, Judge Howard McKibben told the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) that it is moving too slowly and not working hard enough to implement "very simple steps" to prevent adopted wild horses from ending up at slaughterhouses. Judge McKibben asked the BLM to submit more information within 60 days on the number of horses slaughtered in the last two years and whether it has prosecuted those cases, and to state for the record that it will no longer title horses unless the adopter signs a sworn attestation not to use the horse for slaughter.
/CONTACT: Andrea Lococo of The Fund for Animals, 307-859-8840; or Howard Crystal of Meyer & Glitzenstein, 202-588-5206/
/Web site: http://www.fund.org/
For Full Text Visit: http://ens.lycos.com/e-wire/Dec00/20Dec0002.html
12/21/00
12:49:57 PM
ENVIRONMENT NEWS SERVICE (ENS) http://ens-news.com
"We Cover the Earth For You"
U.S. FINALIZES NATIONAL ORGANIC FOOD STANDARDS
By Brian Hansen
WASHINGTON, DC, December 20, 2000 (ENS) - More than 10 years after being mandated by federal law, the U.S. government today unveiled its final national standards for the production, handling and processing of organically grown agricultural products.
For full text and graphics visit: http://ens-news.com/ens/dec2000/2000L-12-20-15.html
$73 MILLION CLEANUP TARGETS CONTAMINATED OCEAN FLOOR
TORRANCE, California, December 20, 2000 (ENS) - Four companies will pay $73 million to clean up contamination from the pesticide DDT and restore the ocean environment off the coast of Los Angeles. The settlement with the United States and State of California, filed Tuesday, ends a 10 year suit over the world's largest DDT pollution site.
For full text and graphics visit: http://ens-news.com/ens/dec2000/2000L-12-20-06.html
BIOTECH'S MERITS WORTHLESS WITHOUT PUBLIC TRUST
WASHINGTON, DC, December 20, 2000 (ENS) - A report commissioned by U.S. President Bill Clinton and European Commission President Romano Prodi calls for greater openness by governments over biotechnology issues or risk a public backlash.
For full text and graphics visit: http://ens.lycos.com/ens/dec2000/2000L-12-20-11.html
U.S. Forges Novel Environmental Deal with Steel Maker By Brian Hansen
WASHINGTON, DC, December 20, 2000 (ENS) - A North Carolina based steel company has agreed to spend nearly $100 million to settle a lawsuit alleging that it failed to control pollution released from its factories in seven states. The agreement, finalized on Tuesday with the Justice Department and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), represents the largest and most comprehensive environmental settlement ever reached with a steel manufacturer.
For full text and graphics visit: http://ens-news.com/ens/dec2000/2000L-12-20-16.html
WINE MAKERS CONSIDER A NEW TWIST
By Pat Agnew
NAPA, California, December 20, 2000 (ENS) - Once upon a wine, a screw cap meant labels like "Night Train" and "Cannonball Express," brown bags and drinking in the alley.
For full text and graphics visit: http://ens-news.com/ens/dec2000/2000L-12-20-01.html
LONDON'S BLACK CABS CATALYST FOR GREEN UPGRADE
LONDON, United Kingdom, December 20, 2000 (ENS) - More British than spotted dick, London's black taxi cabs are being fitted with pollution cutting catalytic converters in a trial that could see all 20,000 of the famous vehicles going green.
For full text and graphics visit: http://ens.lycos.com/ens/dec2000/2000L-12-20-10.html
ENVIRONMENT NEWS SERVICE AMERISCAN: DECEMBER 20, 2000
Study Finds No Link Between Cellular Phones, Cancer
Major Donation Benefits Sea Turtles in Florida
Wilderness Bills for Year Pass Million Acre Mark
Lasting Protection For Rivers In Eight States
Next President Will Face Major Trade, Environmental Issues
Alabama Students Seek New National Monuments
New York City Buys Hybrid Electric Buses
Model Forecasts Effects of Selenium In San Francisco Bay
BLM Urged to Prevent Slaughter of Adopted Horses
Live Nativities Can Be Cruel to Animals
For full text and graphics visit: http://ens-news.com/ens/dec2000/2000L-12-20-09.html
12/21/00
12:46:11 PM
What would have happened if the three wise men had been women?
1.. They would have asked for directions 2.. They would have arrived in time 3.. They would have helped to deliver the baby 4.. They would have cleaned the stables 5.. They would have cooked a delicious casserole, and 6.. There would be Peace on Earth
12/21/00
12:42:36 PM
how to build community
turn off your tv.........
.......leave your house
....... know your neighbours........greet people
.....look up when you're walking.......sit on your step
.........plant flowers and vegetables......use your local library
.........play together
buy from local merchants.......share what you have
help a lost dog....take children to the park
......honour elders
........support neighbourhood schools
.......fix it even if you didn't break it.......
hold 'pot lucks'.........garden together
pick up litter ........read stories aloud......dance in the street
......talk to the postman.......listen to the birds
.........put up a swing........help carry something heavy
.........barter for your goods........
start a tradition.........ask a question
hire young people for odd jobs..........organise a street party
bake extra and share........ask for hep when you need it
.....open your curtains.......sing together.......share your skills
..........take back the night
..........turn up the music
........turn down the music
listen before you react to anger
.........mediate a conflict..........seek to understand
......learn from new and uncomfortable angles
know that no-one is silent
though many are not heard
......work to change this
From a community postcard by Syracuse Cultural Workers scw@syrculturalworkers.org www.syrculturalworkers.org
12/21/00
12:38:38 PM
GOD OVERRULES SUPREME COURT VERDICT
Bush to be smitten later today
In a stunning development this morning, God invoked the "one nation, under God" clause of the Pledge of Allegiance to overrule last night's Supreme Court decision that handed the White House to George Bush.
"I'm not sure where the Supreme Court gets off," God said this morning on a rare Today Show appearance, "but I'm sure as hell not going to lie back and let Bush get away with this bullshit."
"I've watched analysts argue for weeks now that the exact vote count in Florida 'will never be known.' Well, I'm God and I DO know exactly who voted for whom. Let's cut to the chase: Gore won Florida by exactly 20,219 votes."
Shocking political analysts and pundits, God's unexpected verdict overrules the official Electoral College tally and awards Florida to Al Gore, giving him a 289-246 victory. The Bush campaign is analyzing God's Word for possible grounds for appeal.
"God's ruling is a classic over-reach," argued Bush campaign strategist Jim Baker. "Clearly, a divine intervention in a U.S. Presidential Election is unprecedented, unjust, and goes against the constitution of the state of Florida."
"Jim Baker's a jackass," God responded. "He's got some surprises ahead of him, let me tell you. HOT ones, if you know what I mean."
God, who provided the exact vote counts for every Florida precinct, explained that bad balloting machinery and voter confusion were no grounds to give the White House to "a friggin' idiot."
"Look, only 612 people in Palm Beach County voted for Buchanan. Get real! The rest meant to vote for Gore. Don't believe me? I'll name them: Anderson, Pete; Anderson, Sam, Jr.; Arthur, James; Barnhardt, Ron..."
Our Lord then went on to note that he was displeased with George W. Bush's prideful ways and announced that he would officially smite him today. In an act of wrath unlike any reported since the Book of Job, God has taken all of Bush's goats and livestock, stripped him of his wealth and possessions, sold his family into slavery, forced the former presidential candidate into hard labor in a salt mine, and afflicted him with deep boils.
Dick Cheney will reportedly receive leprosy.
From Paul Cienfuegos <cienfuegos@igc.org> Director, Democracy Unlimited www.monitor.net/democracyunlimited (grassroots organization challenging corporate rule and promoting democratic participation)
12/21/00
12:33:09 PM
Turn your Back on Bush!
Please forward this message to everyone you possibly can.
NONVIOLENT NONCOOPERATION WITH EVIL: TURN YOUR BACK ON BUSH!!
"To secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just power from the Consent of the Governed."
"Consent of the Governed" is the very cornerstone of our democracy. Yet that cornerstone has been dislodged, and the edifice is trembling.
George W. Bush and a partisan Supreme Court have overthrown democracy in Florida; as a result, we will never know the "consent of the governed" in Florida.
Through cynical manipulation, Bush and his allies on the Court have blatantly thwarted democracy and stolen the election. And so far, with the sheepish complicity of the corporate media, they have gotten away with it. So what can we do?
Here is what I recommend: On Usurpation Day (formerly "Inauguration Day"), January 20, patriotic citizens of the (former) United States of America--all who still believe that just power derives from *consent of the governed*--should go to Washington D.C. to bear witness to the illegitimacy of this "president." Find a place along the motorcade route (Pennsylvania Avenue) or in front of the speaker's platform at the Capital.
THE NEXT PART IS IMPORTANT: Wear no buttons. Make no noise. Conduct yourself with quiet dignity. Do nothing that would let the Bushmen know your politics. Wear a nice suit, or get your hair coiffed, so that you look like a rich Republican.
Mingle with the crowd. But then--when the Motorcade comes by, or when George Bush steps up to the mike to address the crowd, simply TURN YOUR BACK, to bear witness of your disapproval of his theft of the election, and to show that you do not acknowledge him as your president.
This is an example of what Gandhi called "Satyagraha"--nonviolent noncooperation with evil, or what the Quakers call "speaking Truth to Power."
Imagine the effect when hundreds of thousands of citizens turn their backs simultaneously, first in a rippling wave down both sidewalks as the motorcade approaches, then en masse as Bush steps up to the mike. The TV cameras will not be able to avoid showing it, and the Bushmen will have no idea how many of us intend to turn our backs until the moment we do it.
But--I can't emphasize this enough--do it with DIGNITY. Don't yell or curse. Don't be disruptive in any way, for if you are, you will simply give Bush's goons the excuse they want to bash your head in, and you will allow the corporate media to marginalize us as a bunch of crazy anarchists (as they did in Seattle).
The purpose of nonviolent noncooperation is not to show hatred, but love-- to simply show him that we don't acknowledge his authority--that he has abrogated democracy, and we don't approve. So perform this action with dignity and love in your hearts for all of life, including George W. Bush. If between now and Usurpation Day, the results of the Florida recount become clear, and Bush respects the results and acts accordingly, whether they give him or Gore the presidency, we will call off our action with gratitude. But if he persists in usurping power--let's let him know, firmly, that we are not amused.
Turn your back on Bush!!
12/21/00
12:28:35 PM
Inauguration Day General Strike
INAUGURATION DAY GENERAL STRIKE Saturday, January 20, 2001
There are some great protest posters at this web site: http://www.free-radical.org/issue13.shtml
Let us all join together to counter the UNPRESIDENT with no buying, no TV, no work - Instead, maybe we could make it a day of writing letters, telegrams, whatever to our elected officials, the supreme court, local newspapers, etc.
http://www.presidential-inaugural.com
12/21/00
12:27:44 PM
Supreme Court Attacks Civil Rights, by Prof. Margaret Burnham
This story ran on page A23 of the Boston Globe on 12/14/2000
A Cynical Supreme Court
http://www.workforchange.org/burnham.txt
AND ALSO From: Mark Graffis <ab758@virgin.vip.vi> Subject: Kevin Phillips on Stealing Florida
On 13 Dec 13 2000, the "Morning Edition" program on National Public Radio included a scathing commentary by Kevin Phillips on Stealing Florida. The audio can downloded at:
http://www.npr.org/ramfiles/me/20001213.me.14.ram (14 KB/S)
http://www.npr.org/ramfiles/me/20001213.me.14.rmm (28 KB/S)
Conservatives like Phillips are to be admired for speaking up
12/21/00
12:24:11 PM
Live From the Peace Room
"Live from the Peace Room" with Barbara Marx Hubbard is now on Wisdom Internet Radio.
December 27: VALUES CO-CREATING THE NEW WORLD with Richard Barrett, author and international consultant and keynote speaker in the field of vision-guided, values-driven cultural transformation.
Live from the Peace Room, hosted by evolutionary futurist and visionary, Barbara Marx Hubbard, features renowned guests in all fields of endeavor including science, medicine, spirituality, relationships, psychology, the arts, politics, health, etc., in an ongoing dialogue about the evolutionary potential of humanity and Earth at this unprecedented period of quantum shift -- our birth as a universal species.
Live from the Peace Room airs every Wednesday at 5:00 PM Pacific Time/8:00 PM Eastern on Wisdom Media's internet radio at http://www.wisdommedia.com, and will also be available on-demand after the live broadcast.
***** What you need to listen to the program through your computer *****
WISDOM¨Media uses the latest technology to stream their radio programs over the Internet. They use Real Network's RealPlayer G2, which is completely free and can be downloaded at http://www.real.com/products/player/downloadrealplayer.html. There is a more advanced version of this program called RealPlayer Plus G2, which can be purchased from Real Network's site.
Live from the Peace Room is a production of the Foundation for Conscious Evolution whose purpose is the education, communication, and application of the world view of Conscious Evolution so as to ignite the unique creativity of each person, calling forth the best of our scientific, technological, cultural, and spiritual capacities in alignment with the evolutionary impulse of creation for the benefit of all life.
For more information about the Foundation, please visit our website at http://www.peaceroom.org, or email us at fce@peaceroom.org.
Please feel free to forward this announcement to others whom you feel would appreciate knowing about Live from the Peace Room.
12/21/00
12:21:32 PM
From: http://www.simedia.org/new/foodday.html
Food day at the dawn of the new millennium
World Food Day focuses public attention on the 826 million people around the world who do not get enough to eat, and encourages greater action to end hunger.
On 16 October 2000 World Food Day was held under the auspices of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO). For two decades now, the Day has been observed across the world to heighten public awareness of the problem of world hunger and focus attention on food security for all.
"A Millennium Free from Hunger" was this year's theme for World Food Day and TeleFood 2000, an annual campaign of broadcasts, concerts and other events dedicated to mobilizing public awareness and global solidarity to end hunger.
Negative consequences
In his World Food Day message, FAO's Director-General Jacques Diouf stated: "The scourges of hunger and poverty are morally unacceptable and have to be defeated. Hunger and chronic undernutrition diminish human life. The lack of physical or economic access to safe, nutritious and healthy food at all times leads to negative consequences for peoples and nations."
The depth of world hunger is examined in FAO's The State of Food Insecurity in the World 2000 report, starting with an overwhelming question: "Just how deep is the hunger suffered by the world's more than 800 million undernourished people?" A new tool for assessing the severity of want has been introduced by FAO. This is a measure of the per-person food-deficit of the undernourished population within each country. Measured in kilocalories, it aims to assess just how empty people's plates are each day.
According to the report, 826 million people around the world do not get enough to eat - 792 million people in developing countries and another 34 million in industrialized countries and countries in transition. These figures represent essentially no change since the last count - a sad indictment of the world's failure to respond adequately in a time of unprecedented plenty.
FAO estimates that the number of hungry people in developing countries was declining by 8 million a year in the first half of the 1990s. But if we are to fulfil the pledge made at the 1996 World Food Summit to reduce by half the number of hungry people in the world by 2015, that number must reach 20 million a year.
Some progress
Although these figures (826 million undernourished - 792 million in the developing world and 34 million in the developed world) represent no change from the previous reporting period, new projections for 2015 and 2030 suggest some progress, even without additional efforts. By 2015, for example, the number of undernourished in the developing world should fall to around 580 million. This still lies far short of the World Food Summit goal of reducing the number to 400 million. That goal will not be reached until 2030 according to current projections.
12/21/00
12:18:49 PM
FDA To Allow Dietary Supplement Health Claims
USA - Washington, DC - In a move which surprised many in the alternative health community, the US Federal Drug Administration recently published a notice in the Federal Register stating that dietary supplement manufacturers will be allowed to market their products with health claims that are not unequivocally supported by scientific evidence. Full Story: http://www.savesite.net/gvnr/articles/120100_8.html
Environment & Ecology Eco Activists Network
Want to make your voice heard? A network formed by Environmental Defense and 24 other nonprofit groups and coalitions will send you alerts about the eco-issues that interest you the most. You simply click REPLY to these email messages to generate a letter (which you can edit) that will be delivered either as an email or a fax to the appropriate parties. The network already boasts 400,000 activist...
Science & Technology New Energy Sources
http://www.cseti.org/position/addition/oulist.htm
In a 1988 experiment, an unconventional solid-state vacuum triode amplifier developed by the late Floyd Sweet continuously discharged 1,200,000 times more electrical power than was fed into it. It also exhibited anti-gravity properties. This is one of many such devices described at this website.
12/21/00
12:17:17 PM
Go to http://www.savesite.net/gvnr
To find out what we are all about and why you will find world news here that you won't find in the conventional press.
To subscribe mail to: subscribe-gvnr@list.internetgazette.net
Published Monthly By Network 2012
Michael Lightweaver, Editor
12/21/00
12:16:08 PM
SWEDE DREAMS ARE MADE OF THESE
Last weekend, 122 nations took steps to reduce the use of 12 persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Sounds good, but that's only a start. Check out what's going on in Sweden, where the government is proposing to ban any organic or inorganic substance that is persistent and bioaccumulates. Swedish industry would have to pick up the tab for the testing of some 2,500 chemicals now in use. And guess what? Industry isn't objecting. Read more on the Grist Magazine website.
Sweden takes steps to ban chemicals by Donella Meadows
http://www.gristmagazine.com/grist/citizen/citizen121500.stm
12/21/00
12:14:22 PM
Happy New Millennium
"The challenge of the new millennium is to reunite the secular with the sacred, the inner world of spirit with the outer world of service. With the very survival of people and the planet at risk, we hear the cry for a conscious integration of spirit into all aspects of our lives. The health of our civilization depends continually on the enlivened wholeness and spiritual freedom of its citizens. We cannot address the larger issues of our society without simultaneously freeing our own inner lives.
"Perhaps, as we reflect back on this century, we will come to realize that it is not enough to want to do good. It is not enough to convince our nations to do good. We must learn a great deal more about the wisdom of doing good.
"Let us enter this new age with the hope that, when we see clearly, we will discover what the great spiritual traditions have taught for centuries; simply that as we enhance our inner capacity for wholeness and freedom, we strengthen our outer capacity to love and serve.
"Let us pray to live from our hearts. Let us pray that we enliven what the old Hasidic tradition defines as dawn -- that when we look into the face of another human being and have enough light to see ourselves, then we have awakened, then we have opened the living moment of compassion where night ends and day begins."
Robert Lehman The Fetzer Institute, Michigan
12/20/00
9:28:18 PM
Fairness & Accuracy in Reporting Media analysis, critiques and news reports
ACTION ALERT: Fox Reporter on Florida Ballots: Burn Them or Shred Them?
December 20, 2000
Several news organizations have begun the process of evaluating the disputed ballots in the state of Florida. Reporters intend to use a variety of methods to help answer lingering questions about who might have actually won the vote in the state if a hand recount had not been halted by the U.S. Supreme Court.
One prominent journalist at a national news outlet, however, advocates a different approach. John Gibson of Fox News Channel (12/15/00) would rather not know what really happened in Florida: "Is this a case where knowing the facts actually would be worse than not knowing? I mean, should we burn those ballots, preserve them in amber, or shred them?"
Journalists are supposed to criticize government officials for suppressing information or destroying evidence-- not advocate such actions. If journalism is to contribute to a democratic society, it must frequently expose the country to unpleasant truths. But for Gibson, guest-hosting Fox's popular "O'Reilly Factor" program, the point of journalism is to preserve the legitimacy of those in power: "George Bush is going to be president. And who needs to know that he's not a legitimate president? Al Gore? Jesse Jackson? His political opponents? How does it do any good for the country to find out that, by somebody's count, the wrong guy is president?"
Gibson did suggest that the pursuit of truth could merely be delayed until it no longer mattered: "How about, if you want to do this thing, we lock those ballots up until George Bush is not president, so nobody can go use these ballots to undermine his position, to undermine the position of this country, to throw this country into chaos. If you want to know, if historians want to know, fine. Know some day in the future. You don't need to know now because he is president now."
Looking at public records is a crucial aspect of newsgathering-- a right that media outlets and journalists go to court to protect and preserve. It's distressing when a prominent journalist thinks the public's right to know should not infringe on the prestige of the president-elect.
While Fox News Channel strenuously disputes the idea that it has a right-wing tilt, Gibson's comments do seem to put the political health of a Republican office-holder ahead of normal journalistic principles. It's hard to imagine Fox suggesting that embarrassing facts about Bill Clinton should not be reported because they might make him seem less "legitimate."
ACTION: If you think media need to pursue stories that sometimes upset the status quo, let Fox News Channel know that you'd like to see that attitude in their journalists.
CONTACT: Fox News Channel mailto:comments@foxnews.com
"The O'Reilly Factor" mailto:oreilly@foxnews.com
12/20/00
1:58:37 PM
Here are today's Reuters 'World Environment News' headlines, proudly brought to you by Planet Ark.
Doing environmental research? Search our news archives at: http://www.planetark.org/searchhome.cfm
GM report says emissions down 24 pct - USA http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm?newsid=9350
Nevada lawmakers accuse DOE of bias in nuke waste dump - USA http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm?newsid=9351
USDA to unveil national organic standard Wednesday - USA http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm?newsid=9352
UPDATE - Bush worried about possible looming energy crisis - USA http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm?newsid=9354
US had above-normal temperatures in 2000 - US govt - USA http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm?newsid=9356
World still gripped by warming trend - UN agency - SWITZERLAND http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm?newsid=9348
Whale meat of banned species sold in Japan-survey - JAPAN http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm?newsid=9358
EU says GMO "ban" to stay until at least mid-2001 - EU http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm?newsid=9353
UPDATE - US rejects fresh talks on climate change - EU http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm?newsid=9355
Sweden to use EU presidency to push climate deal - EU http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm?newsid=9357
China sees population peak at 1.6 bln in 50 years - CHINA http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm?newsid=9349
12/20/00
1:57:12 PM
Dec. 19, 2000
Leaked Memo Reveals DOE's Bias for Establishing a Radioactive Waste Dump; Congressional Investigation Demanded
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Public Citizen, the Nuclear Information and Resource Service (NIRS) and members of Nevada's congressional delegation called Tuesday for a federal investigation into the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) attempt to help the nuclear industry win approval for a nuclear waste dump in Nevada. The group also requested Energy Secretary Bill Richardson to immediately disqualify the site from consideration.
The call for intervention by the U.S. General Accounting Office and Richardson -- and a renewed call for a DOE Inspector General investigation -- came at a press conference held Tuesday. It was triggered by a recent DOE memo attached to an overview of the DOE's Site Recommendation Considerations Report, which is to be released later this month. The memo -- a note to reviewers that has been removed from subsequent versions of the overview -- states that the document "provides information that potential supporters can use in expressing support for a site recommendation." Such pro-industry bias is highly improper for an agency charged with making energy policies in the public's best interests.
The DOE is studying Yucca Mountain to determine if it is suitable to be a permanent repository for 70,000 metric tons of high-level radioactive waste from commercial reactors and weapons facilities across the country. Congress is under intense pressure from the nuclear industry to approve the site. Currently, nuclear utilities are responsible for on-site storage of the radioactive waste generated by their reactors. But if the Yucca Mountain proposal is approved, DOE would assume responsibility -- and thus liability -- for the waste after it leaves the reactor sites.
"This outrageous memo demonstrates that the DOE's 'impartiality' in assessing Yucca Mountain's suitability for a high-level radioactive waste dump is a joke," said Wenonah Hauter, director of Public Citizen's Critical Mass Energy and Environment Program. "Congress should investigate how DOE and its contractors are secretly colluding to lobby for the nuclear industry."
The GAO investigation will be requested this week by Rep. James Gibbons (R-Nev.).
"It is time that the public knows exactly what is going on at the Department of Energy," Gibbons said in a prepared statement. "The apparent bias on behalf of the DOE and its contractors with regard to approving Yucca Mountain as a high-level nuclear waste storage site, before a suitability study is completed, shows gross negligence and cannot be tolerated."
The letter to Secretary Richardson, sent Tuesday, was endorsed by nearly 100 organizations. It urged Richardson to "exercise [his] clear authority under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act to disqualify the Yucca Mountain site based on its unsuitability."
Speakers at today's press conference also called upon President-elect Bush to give serious attention to the issue of DOE's questionable conduct. The new administration is likely to make critical decisions about proposal for a high-level waste repository. While campaigning in Nevada in September, Bush vowed to base any decision on sound science.
Sen. Richard Bryan (D-Nev.) said he was "not very surprised" by the latest revelations of DOE bias.
"Clearly, the relationship between the DOE and the nuclear power industry represents an unholy alliance that only continues to threaten the health and safety of hundreds of thousands of Nevadans," Bryan said. "In the end, we need greater accountability not only from the DOE but its contractors as well."
The Yucca Mountain proposal represents an enormous subsidy for the nuclear industry at the expense of public safety, Public Citizen and NIRS said. Approval of the proposal would launch an unprecedented nuclear transportation scheme, with radioactive waste shipments passing through 43 states to get to Nevada. The waste will remain dangerously radioactive for 240,000 years. Not only does the plan pose dangers to those along the transportation route, but many are concerned that the waste will contaminate the groundwater at Yucca Mountain or be released during an earthquake. Nevada ranks third in the nation for current seismic activity.
"The latest evidence of industry bias within the DOE is extremely discouraging to members of the public who have conscientiously participated in the various hearings and comment periods to raise legitimate concerns about the repository proposal," said Michael Mariotte, executive director of NIRS. "It now appears that public participation has been solicited merely to lend legitimacy to a process in which the selection of Yucca Mountain is a foregone conclusion."
One Nevada senator has already requested action. Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) on Dec. 8 asked the DOE's Inspector General to investigate the DOE's apparent bias. The IG informed Reid late Monday that it would launch an investigation.
"It is imperative that science precedes politics and that the Department of Energy maintains the highest degree of integrity while conducting its evaluation process," Reid said. "The Inspector General's investigation will focus on whether the DOE has already acted inappropriately, and I will continue watching every single step of the way to make sure there is ample time to guarantee an independent, objective assessment of the site."
Rep. Shelley Berkley (D-Nev.) has circulated a "Dear Colleagues" letter to other House members calling attention to the issue.
"I am disturbed by the memo that was recently brought to light, which clearly states DOE's intention to approve the Yucca Mountain Project before all scientific research has been completed," Berkley said. "It is absolutely essential to the future health and safety of Nevadans that the DOE's research is based on sound science rather than biased political ambition."
Equally concerned are several Nevada citizens' groups, which held a parallel press conference on Tuesday morning in Las Vegas, Nev.
"The recently leaked memo only confirms what we have always known: that the DOE and the nuclear industry have stacked the deck to ensure Yucca Mountain becomes the world's first high-level nuclear waste dump experiment," said Kalynda Tilges, nuclear issues coordinator for Citizen Alert.
In Washington, D.C., Hauter added, "Pro-industry bias within the DOE seriously undermines the integrity of the Yucca Mountain site characterization process. The public cannot be expected to have confidence in a process conducted by an agency that so obviously fails to maintain impartiality."
12/20/00
1:56:21 PM
In 1555, Nostradamus wrote:
"Come the millennium, month 12 In the home of greatest power, The village idiot will come forth To be acclaimed the leader".
12/20/00
1:55:37 PM
Here are today's Reuters 'World Environment News' headlines, proudly brought to you by Planet Ark.
Doing environmental research? Search our news archives at: http://www.planetark.org/searchhome.cfm
Scientists suggest new threat to Antarctic ice - USA http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm?newsid=9343
It is thousands of years old and has the power to cure - USA http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm?newsid=9346
Scientists drill for clues to dinosaur extinction - USA http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm?newsid=9347
UK minister wants climate deal while Clinton lasts - UK http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm?newsid=9344
Greenpeace says metals pollute HK drinking water - CHINA http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm?newsid=9345
12/20/00
1:53:52 PM
From: "diane d'arrigo" To: <Dianed@nirs.org> Phone:202-328-0002 Ext. 16 Sent: Monday, December 18, 2000 5:42 PM Subject: ALERT:DOT Ok-ing Weakened Global Regs:Paves Way for Atomic Waste+Materials in
ALERT:DOT Paves Way for Atomic Waste/Material in Everyday Items: Ok-ing Weakened Global Regs
The DOT is re-classifying some radioactive materials as "not radioactive" for transportation purposes. By exempting some of every radionuclide from regulations and labeling, DOT is enabling radioactive material to enter the marketplace and daily-use items and raw materials.
The US Department of Transportation (DOT), as of January 1, 2001, is adopting, by reference, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) suggested regulations, ST-1, that include NEW EXEMPTIONS OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS AND WASTES from labeling and regulation and other WEAKENING OF NUCLEAR TRANSPORT REQUIREMENTS.
This is just one of several problems with the radioactive part of the DOT's proposal. DOT is amending its Hazardous Materials Rule (HM-215D) for international commerce. NIRS has only reviewed some of the radioactive provisions. We have not reviewed the rest of the changes regarding hazardous chemical transport. DOT is adopting this as of Jan 1 2001 for international commerce, unless public opposition is voiced loudly NOW. Both DOT and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission plan to announce adoption of these nuclear regulations and exemptions for national commerce (within the US) in the spring of 2001.
DOT Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: 65 Federal Register 205:63293-63435, Oct. 23, 2000
Harmonization of With United Nations Recommendations (IAEA ST-1), International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMO DGC) and International Civil Aviation Organizations Technical Instructions (ICAO TI): Proposed
Deadline for public comment: Received by DOT by 5 PM Friday, December 22, 2000
Docket # RSPA-00-7702 (HM215-D)
Mail Address for comments: Dockets Management System (2 copies are requested) US Dept of Transportation Room PL 401 400 7th Street SW Washington, DC 20590-0001 Website Addresses for Electronic Comment Submission**: http://dmses.dot.gov/submit/BlankDSS.asp http://dmses.dot.gov/submit/Comment.asp?session_id=65132
[**don't always work Email contact to be announced]
Fax Comments to: 1-202-366-3753 FAX
Phone Number for DOT Docket office: 1-800-647-5527
Actions Suggested:
--Comment to DOT by December 22, 2000.
--Contact DOT Secretary Rodney Slater to let him know what DOT is doing-helping the nuclear industry release and recycle nuclear power and bomb waste into daily commerce and household items. FAX 202 366-7202
--Demand public access to proposed regulations-actual documents being adopted "by reference" Ask for printouts of the ST-1, the ICAO Technical Instructions and the IMO Dangerous Good Code pertaining to transport of radioactive materials and wastes.
--Send copies of your comments to your local, state or federal officials (such as emergency responders, governor, elected reps and senators) from yourself and your organizations.
DOT Proposed Rulemaking: The proposed rule (HM-251 D) is an amendment to the Hazardous Materials Regulations which covers both radioactive and hazardous materials shipments and applies to International Transport. Both DOT and the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission will be moving to adopt this and more for Radioactive Transport Within the US in the Spring of 2001.
As part of a larger set of changes to the Hazardous Materials Regulations, The DOT is exempting quantities and concentrations of radioactivity in shipments and packages,
The exempt concentrations (being adopted by reference and listed in Table I of ST-1) were derived by nuclear proponents, to legalize the release and recycling into general commerce of radioactive wastes from nuclear power and weapons facilities around the world. They claim that the levels of contamination will pose a "trivial" risk, not worth the resources to regulate.
Under the guise of "harmonization," international radioactive transport regulations are being changed to allow unregulated transport of radioactive waste and materials from nuclear power and weapons into unrestricted commerce, raw materials and consumer goods. The change is "needed" because the UN International Atomic Energy Agency is encouraging release and recycling of nuclear materials as if they were not radioactive. The current international transport regulations (SS-6, which are currently "harmonized" around the world) require labeling and regulatory control of the materials.
Two new columns are being added to the chart of radionuclides (isotopes of radioactive elements). Column 3 lists Exempt Concentrations. These are the very same concentrations that the nuclear establishment is trying to get adopted in every country to allow radioactive waste release and recycling. US DOT and the rest of the world all currently have a uniform exempt concentration for any radioactive materials (70 becquerels per gram). NIRS does not support any level of exemption, but this is the existing world value. Now, based on "science," the nuclear establishment wants to change these numbers-and well over half of them GO UP, thereby increasing the exempt concentrations for the majority of radionuclides.
In addition, Column 4 has been added to exempt given amounts or quantities of radioactive materials in entire shipments. There are no exempt amounts currently in the DOT or international codes. There should be NO EXEMPT AMOUNTS added to these tables. Further, the amounts listed appear to have the potential to result in doses near or exceeding allowable worker inhalation doses in the US. (Internationally, workers are limited to lower doses than in the US.)
Since the US NRC refers to DOT regulations for some of its labeling requirements, these DOT exemptions may have greater ramifications than DOT alone.
The US does have some differences in its existing code from the International regulations. It is imperative that the US DOT reject the exemption provisions in ST-1 for international commerce, and for commerce within the US.
OTHER ISSUES of CONCERN IN ST-1
High level radioactive waste: Already inadequate criteria for Type B containers, used to transport irradiated fuel, are being reduced further.
Uranium Hexafluoride: Packaging requirements for Uranium Hexafluoride are being weakened.
NIRS Conclusion: We demand that there be no reduction in current protections and that current protections be increased if they are changed. NIRS opposes any changes that increase allowable concentrations or amounts of unregulated radioactive materials. We oppose any changes that weaken already existing standards, even though we may be critical of those existing standards. Greater public knowledge, involvement and access to rulemaking are essential.
More Information: Diane D'Arrigo, dianed@nirs.org Nuclear Information and Resource Service 202 328-0002 ext. 16
12/20/00
1:50:05 PM
53% Increase In Early Childhood Cancers Near Nuke Power Plants
Please see list at bottom for other epidemiological studies around the world. If there's no quality study or studies of cancer & other immune suppression related diseases at reactors in your continent, country, area, people might organize to plan just such a study[s]. This is one of the best ways to get these things finally shut down- have accurate study[s] conducted & get this out to the local communitties most effected.
http://www.geocities.com/mothersalert/childrencancers.html Childhood Cancer in the Vicinity of German Nuclear Power Plants Alfred Körblein, Ph.D., Wolfgang Hoffmann, MD,MPH
Abstract
An epidemiologic study published in 1997 reported no significant rise in childhood cancer rates around West German nuclear power plants. The conclusions of this study were extensively used by politicians and lobbyists as proof of no increased cancer risk around nuclear power plants. A reanalysis of the data, however, reveals a statistically significant increase of childhood cancers (all malignancies) when the evaluation is restricted to commercial power reactors, the vicinities closest to the plants, and children of the youngest age group (0-4 years). The findings remain unchanged when the Krümmel reactor, with its known leukemia cluster, is excluded from the analysis. [M&GS 1999;6:18-23]
In November 1997, the German Minister for the Environment and Nuclear Safety announced to the media the results of a new investigation dealing with the incidence of leukemia and other malignant diseases in children living near nuclear power plants (NPPs) [1]. According to the Minister, the investigation had unequivocally proven that no risk exists. The study's conclusions were quoted extensively in the media and were readily exploited by lobbyists and supporters of nuclear power in the ongoing debate about health risks of NPPs in Germany.
The new study was essentially an update of an earlier study [2, 3] carried out by the Institute of Medical Statistics and Documentation (IMSD) in Mainz, Germany. The first study, covering the years 1980 to 1990, had found a significant increase in early infant leukemias within 5 km of all nuclear installations. The authors of the extended study (1980-1995) concluded that these risks were no longer significant. Furthermore, they claimed that no further research was necessary, since the new study had been based on more than 2,500 cases, and that the hitherto controversial issue was finally resolved.
In several previous studies in Germany and in other countries, however, increased leukemia rates near nuclear installations had been observed. Increased leukemia rates were reported for children living in the town of Seascale [4,5], near nuclear weapon factories in Great Britain [6], in the vicinity of the nuclear installation of Dounreay, Scotland [7], near the French nuclear reprocessing plant of La Hague [8], and for several locations in Germany [9]. Recent results from Japan, though based only on mortality, seem to confirm the general association [10,11]. A comprehensive study around nuclear power plants in England [12,13], again revealed significant increases in cancer mortality rates.
Conflicting Conclusions
The results of the first IMSD report [2,3] were generally in line with the observations referenced above. The negative findings in the updated report prompted a re-evaluation of the evidence and of the IMSD conclusions. To date, the new study has not been published in the scientific literature. The re-evaluation presented here is therefore based on a Technical Report provided by the IMSD [1].
In 1990-91, an unprecedented time-space cluster of childhood leukemia cases was observed in the immediate vicinity of the Krümmel nuclear boiling water reactor (BWR) [14,15]. Clusters in the vicinities of two other German BWRs (Lingen and Würgassen) had been reported earlier [16-18] and were reviewed [9]. These observations raised some concern about possible systematic differences in the emissions of the two reactor types. Unlike pressurized water reactors (PWRs), which have a secondary cooling circuit separating the radioactive primary water from the turbines, BWRs pass the steam in the primary circuit directly through the generating turbine. Due to this technical difference, BWRs are generally considered to release more radiation to the environment than comparable PWRs.
Based on data from the IMSD, the authors investigated whether childhood cancer rates (all malignancies) and in particular, childhood leukemia rates near the 15 sites of German commercial nuclear power reactors show increases compared to the defined control areas [1]. The 15 NPP sites were further subdivided into 7 BWR sites and 8 PWR sites. All sites with both types of reactors were considered BWR sites. To see whether a possible increased risk around NPPs is solely due to the Krümmel site with its known cancer cluster, the analyses were repeated with the Krümmel NPP excluded.
Material and Methods
Since 1980 all incident childhood malignancies are registered in the National Childhood Cancer Registry at the Institute of Medical Statistics and Documentation (IMSD) in Mainz, Germany. The data are used in epidemiologic research projects conducted by the IMSD. They are, however, not released to other scientists. The authors of the IMSD studies on childhood malignancies in the vicinity of German nuclear power plants were contacted, but access to the original data was not granted. The present analyses are therefore based on tables of data published in the appendices of the IMSD Technical Report [1]. Upon special request, site specific data for children below age 5 were also obtained from the IMSD in an aggregate form (i.e. all nuclear facilities, all 15 NPP sites, and all BWR sites, respectively).
In the IMSD report, the study areas around NPPs were compared with matched control areas with similar population densities and social structures. Standardized incidence rates (SIRs) were calculated for the study areas and the control areas. SIRs were defined as the number of observed cancer cases divided by the number of expected cases. Expected cases were calculated based on the population size in each age stratum and the average age-group-specific childhood cancer incidence rate in Germany. The relative risk is defined as the ratio of the SIR in the study group, divided by the SIR in the control group.
In all calculations, the hypothesis H1--that there is an observed increase in childhood cancer rates around the sites of nuclear power plants compared to control areas--is tested against hypothesis H0--that the number of observed cases is less than or equal to the number of expected cases.
The method described in the earlier IMSD study [2,3] was used to test for statistical significance. A statistical test provides a "p-value," which is the probability that the test result occurs by chance. According to a generally accepted convention, a p-value less than 0.05 is considered statistically significant and, hence, sufficiently unlikely to be due to chance. The more recent IMSD report provides two-sided p-values. These p-values correspond to the question whether the cancer rates near NPPs differ from the expected rates, irrespective of the direction of the difference. No mechanism has so far been discovered through which the presence of a nuclear power plant could reduce childhood leukemia risk. The authors believe, therefore, that the hypothesis under study is whether childhood cancers are significantly increased around NPPs; that this hypothesis is a genuine one-sided question; and that, consequently, a one-sided p-value should be provided. This approach is consistent with the earlier IMSD study, which had also calculated one-sided p-values [1].
In addition to sites of commercial nuclear power plants, the authors of this earlier study included sites of two nuclear research facilities (Karlsruhe and Jülich), one small research reactor (Kahl, capacity 16 MW) that was decommissioned in 1985, one prototype high temperature reactor (Hamm-Üntrop, 307 MW) that operated for a total of about 400 days, and a commercial reactor (Mülheim-Kärlich) that operated for several months (Table 1).
Since the radioactive inventory of research reactors is only 0.01-0.001 times that of typical commercial reactors, the authors were reluctant to evaluate both groups together. Power reactors with a very short time period of operation were also excluded, since their contribution to the overall population exposure was small compared to the remaining reactors that were operated on average for more than 15 years. Hence, this analysis was restricted to the 15 sites of commercial reactors.
In all analyses, IMSD's matched 15-km control regions were retained for each of the respective nuclear sites. While the study areas were subdivided into concentric regions of 0-5, 5-10, and 10-15 km radius, these were always compared with the complete 15 km control regions. Results
Both IMSD studies included all 20 sites of nuclear reactors in Germany. Sites were chosen as the unit of observation rather than nuclear reactors since, at a few of the sites, multiple nuclear reactors are, or have been, in operation for various periods of time between 1980 and 1995. All nuclear installations under study are listed in Table 1. At some of the sites, both pressurized water reactors and boiling water reactors were operated. These sites are categorized here as BWR sites.
This paper focuses on the 0-5 km regions of the 15 commercial NPP sites. After evaluating the risks for all children below age 15, the authors further restrict the analyses to early childhood cancers (i.e. children less than 5 years of age). The results of these calculations are presented in tables 2-5.
All childhood malignancies (0-14 years): In agreement with [1], no excess risk is yielded when all 20 nuclear facilities are taken together (RR
1.04; p0.345). A significant (22%) increase of childhood cancers (all malignancies), however, was found around the 15 commercial power reactors (p0.047; Table 2). There are 93 observed vs. 74.9 expected cases in the study area and 578 vs. 566.8 in the control area. The increased overall risk around NPPs is essentially attributable to the BWR sites where the RR is 1.40 (p0.021), while the RR is only 1.05 around the PWR sites. The increased RR around the BWR sites remains statistically significant even when the Krümmel BWR is excluded from the analysis (RR1.40, p0.035; Table 2).
Acute childhood leukemias: The increase in acute childhood leukemias is 34% around the commercial NPP sites. Due to small numbers, this increase is not statistically significant (p0.073; Table 3). The incidence rate around all 20 nuclear facilities is considerably smaller (RR1.12; p0.258). Without the Krümmel NPP, the RR around all commercial reactors is 1.13. All BWRs yield an RR of 1.45 (p0.098). After exclusion of the Krümmel BWR, this RR becomes 1.0. Hence in this analysis the statistically nonsignificant (45%) increase of acute leukemia risk near BWRs is entirely attributable to the BWR Krümmel.
12/20/00