To the editor:
As a healing Professional and Social Ethicist engaged in social analysis for over 30 years, I have observed how the destruction of the environment goes hand in hand with the erosion of democracy.
Since 1819, the Constitution of the United States and its concomitant regulations have been subtly transformed from protecting the rights of American citizens to that of prioritizing the rights of corporations (today many of whom are trans-national) over people’s needs.
An example of this usurping of democracy was the Bush-Cheney secret ‘Energy Summit.’ Under the cry that our nation needed more energy, gives Big Oil billions of $$ in subsidies + exemptions from many environmental laws including the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, Safe Drinking Water Act,
Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act,National Environmental Policy Act, Toxic Release Inventory under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, etc.
In pursuit of their own bottom lines, these robber barons of democracy have now taken the destruction of democracy to the next level. How so?
With current regulations favoring oil producers, if you or your children get ill from emissions or “events” mistakes made in our nearby oil fields, you may well be on your own with bills. Making bad matters worse, some oil producing states are now putting gag orders on doctors.
From http://ecowatch.org/2012/fracking-pennsylvania-gags-physicians/
A new Pennsylvania law endangers public health by forbidding health care professionals from sharing information they learn about certain chemicals and procedures used in high volume horizontal hydraulic fracturing, a procedure commonly known as fracking.
Ohio, not known for earthquakes, in the wake of fracking has had numerous earthquakes and
“If an Ohio bill passes, it prevents physicians from sharing any information about patients’ exposure to hydrofracking chemicals with their local Health Departments, first responders,or even anyone else who might have been exposed.
So, what happens if a child is taken to the pediatrician due to excessive nose bleeds, headaches or dizziness and blood is drawn to determine if any toxins are in the blood? If it is determined that high levels of toxins are in the child’s blood, the pediatrician is not allowed to share with the parents the specific toxins because the legislators of Ohio have determined it is not the right of parents to know this information. It is more important for the drilling companies to safeguard their “trade secret” of the toxic chemical cocktail they use to frack each well.
Read the full article: http://www.mothersagainstfracking.org/ohio-senate-wants-to-gag-doctors-to-protect-fracking-industrys-bottom-line-2/
Is this democracy? Is this what Culver City wants for its children, inhabitants and visitors? Culver City’s Moms against Fracking+ Dads too is holding an informational briefing at 10AM tomorrow, Friday June 8th in the Picnic Area at Vets Memorial Park. Dr. Khin Khin Gyi, MD Neurologist will be there to address concerns.
And on June 12th make sure you and your children, family and friends come early to the State hearing on Hydraulic Fracturing. I encourage everyone to come as early as 5PM for the 7PM hearing. Bring a picnic supper to share with others too. Committed environmental groups will be there to provide more informational materials also.
Just as we celebrate the joy of living in Culver City at late summer’s Fiesta La Ballona,
let’s start celebrating the reclamation of democracy from Big Oil’s pollution by doing what a vibrant democracy demands: Vote for political leaders who empower and support democracy! Get rid of those who have been selling our Constitutional Rights to Big Oil’s lobbyists to fatten their re-election war chests.
I believe Culver City’s current Council knows its primary fiduciary duty is to protect our health and safety and empower democratic process – not allow for any economic loopholes, such as Big Oil’s Halliburton Loophole – even at the expense of finding alternate means to balance the budget. Show up! Get informed! Speak out!
Protect our children Protect yourself! Protect all you truly love and value!