SPECIES, HUMAN AND OTHERWISE AND OIL

Just to look at the map which shows the length of pipeline that carries oil from
Griffith, Indiana to Sarnia, Ontario is enough to make one wonder at the arrogance of our species.

Just to read the account of how the oil spill in Michigan was discovered makes one concerned about how well we monitor and maintain oil drilling and oil delivery systems. It was people living in small communities along the Kalamazoo River who first smelled the noxious odor of gas and oil, not "internal pipeline inspection tools." It was people who first noticed the water's discoloration and oil soaked plants along river banks who knew something was wrong.

Just to hear companies promise "to make things right again," makes a mockery of our good sense as they pour disbursements to clear the oil from sight even as they poison sea life in our food chain.

We cannot undo that which is done, but we can become more aware of how much all species depend on each other. As a species, we need to respect our limitations, question promises that are less than authentic and recognize our responsibility for and toward other species.

VOTING NO, YES, HERE IN MISSOURI

On Tuesday, August 3, Missouri citizens will vote for candidates for local, state and federal offices and two important Referendums.

In predictable political hocuspocus fashion, Proposition "C" offers two different questions, but allows voters one answer for both. It deals with the recently passed health care reform law which requires people who can afford it to buy into the program or pay a penalty. So Missouri Legislators, long known for their contrariness came up with their own referendum to nullify Federal Law. Missouri's Referandam is based on ideology which could result in throwing the baby out with the bath water. Nope, I won't be fooled by breezy campaigns. I'll pull the "NO" lever hard.

Proposition "S" deals with a Bond Issue to replace and repair needed equipment and facilities in St. Louis 74 Public Schools. I will vote yes on "S" because I believe the future of this area depends on the kind of educational opportunity we provide our children in environmentally supportive structures.

With all this yes and no business, I am really hard pressed to remember which is what, much like the old Abbott and Costello routine.

COMPETITION AMERICAN STYLE

I had heard that the 40Th International School Bus Driver Competition was being held here in St. Louis. Something about an international anything sounds exciting and exotic. I had to see it, even though I was unsure where it was being held. I did find dozens of yellow buses on a lot in the shadow of Busch Stadium, home of the Cardinals. The first person I encountered directed me to the officials tent to get answers to my questions.

Drivers from 33 states and Canada were participating and given a written exam the day before the two-day event. On the second day, drivers needed to navigate a course with 17 obstacles. One obstacle in particular caught my eye. Drivers had to navigate a small space marked off by regular size tennis balls without touching the balls. As I watched the proceedings, I was taking notes in a small book. Curious, I asked how many women were among the 110 drivers.

The official noticed my small book. I was informed that The National School Transportation Association of School Bus Drivers was an Equal Opportunity Employer. We both laughed. I never did learn the exact number of women, but I was glad to have added this to my repertoire of information about American Competitions.

DANIEL SCHORR: A PERSONAL REFLECTION

Though I did not know him, the death of Daniel Schorr was a shock and left me feeling as if I had had a personal loss. Whenever I heard that he would be on NPR, I would stop what I was doing to listen to him.

I was always struck by his ability to accept and analyze the news in a straight forward way without rancor. He recounted his firsthand participation in historical events spanning nearly a century in a mater-of-fact way, without ego. He was able to draw striking verbal descriptions of similarities and differences between past events and current ones.

His tough questioning of public policy and officials, and his demand for excellence and integrity in his news reporting was demonstrated in his respect for allowing factual information speak for itself. In so doing he encouraged me, as his listener to question the accuracy and use of all information.

Dan Schorr's quiet voice was for me one of reason, respect, and fairness. I shall miss his guidance through the rough times ahead.