Activism

20091119th-us-southern-command-ussc-disaster-relief-el-salvadorSummary. In tough economic times, it’s even more essential to achieve the greatest value from money spent on defense and national security. A nation’s armed forces and military personnel must be fully trained and equipped to meet modern threats to national security. The threats we face today are like none we’ve ever faced before. For this reason, leaders in defense are redirecting resources and funding to humanitarian aid and sustainability efforts because such initiatives produce the greatest return on the investment.

Three-Pronged Approach. Natural disasters have now eclipsed terrorism as the greatest cause of death, damage, and injury. Scarcity of resources is resulting in conflicts, terrorism, and war around the world. A three-pronged approach is needed: (1) humanitarian aid to those impacted by natural disasters, and (2) development of sustainable energy solutions to reduce our negative impact on the planet, (3) creating communities of economic and agricultural abundance. The military establishment recognizes this and is taking immediate action.

New Military. At this very moment, thousands of people serving in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, National Guard, and other special forces are being rapidly redeployed to build schools, build clinics, assist in disaster relief, offer support with agricultural development, deliver humanitarian aid, and develop sustainable energy solutions. Combined military forces are now working on campaigns to deliver humanitarian aid such as the disaster relief to El Salvador. Hundreds of thousands of tons in food, water, and clothing, are being delivered and various forms of shelter are being constructed.

New Marching Orders. In the winter of 2009, one of the top leaders of the elite United States Special Operations Command  (USSOCOM) located at MacDill Aif Force Base in Florida gave the following words as marching orders [source] for those in military service as well as civilians:

Maximize family time if at all possible
Renew old friendships
Do fewer things, but do them thoughtfully
Avoid the tyranny of the ‘hustle & bustle’

Look back to the history of our great national celebrations
teach the children

Rethink and Rediscover the truly valuable things of life

Try to recognize and accept family members as friends, just as they are

Be intentional in ‘random acts of kindness’

Choose to love, accept and forgive
Read the scripture
Pray for your military, your community, and your country

Sustainability. It seem that the armed forces and military leaders have accurately identified and responded to the greatest threats to humanity. Below is an image from the Army Sustainability website. The Army has placed Sustainability as a top priority because if humanity doesn’t survive due to scarcity of resources, then there’s nothing left to defend.

20091120fr-army-sustainability-website

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Activism > Environment | Health

20091105th-food-inc-movie-dvd-coverSummary. Food Inc., available on DVD or Blu-ray, is a documentary about the production of food in the United States.

Overview. The movie shares startling facts about the corporate ownership of genetically modified soybeans that represent 80% of the soybeans in the nation. Those who grow these soybeans without authorization, will be prosecuted. Those who speak out against the potential dangers of meat consumption, are also prosecuted. The film also details the political leaders who are regulating the companies they previously worked for.

CommentaryGregory Johnson describes it as, “Muckraking that’s breathtaking. The visuals, graphics. and authenticity are amazing. Not for the faint of heart. An excellent example of documentary that offers discouraging truths, yet hopeful and practical action points people can take to make a difference. What’s most startling is that a company like Monsanto can own the patent to a genetically modified soybean plant, and then prevent anyone from growing it. Presumably this could happen with animals and other life forms. What’s even more disconcerting is that our government is helping defend Monsanto. The agricultural industry also receives substantial government funding. This tax payer funded support of the agriculture industry ends up being a hidden cost we don’t see in the grocery store. This results in nutritious foods being costly while fast food and processed foods are inexpensive. We’re essentially creating a socialist state where we all help fund the meat industry and Mc Donald’s is the one to benefit.”

Official Website. More information is available at FoodIncMovie.com. Below are some excerpts from the website.

Food, Inc. exposes America’s industrialized food system and its effect on our environment, health, economy and workers’ rights. … High calorie, sugar laden processed foods coupled with our sedentary lifestyles is growing our waistlines and contributing to serious health issues like diabetes, heart ailments and cancers. One-third of children and adolescents are overweight or obese. Tell Congress that kids should be served healthy meals, not soda and junk food. … Approximately 10 billion animals (chickens, cattle, hogs, ducks, turkeys, lambs and sheep) are raised and killed in the US annually. Nearly all of them are raised on factory farms under inhumane conditions. These industrial farms are also dangerous for their workers, pollute surrounding communities, are unsafe to our food system and contribute significantly to global warming.

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Activism > Environment

20090617we-energy-fair-renew-earth-institute-logoSummary. This weekend, June 19-21, is the 20th Anniversary Energy Fair at the ReNew the Earth Institute in Custer, WI. The cost is $15/day or $35/weekend. The event is hosted and sponsored by the MREA (Midwest Renewable Energy Association). Learn more about the MREA online:

20090617we-midwest-renewable-energy-association-logoImpact. Last year more than 22,500 attendees came to the fair. This year there are more than 290 exhibit booths and 200 workshops that focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable living.

Special Music and Presenters. Key note speakers include Antonia Juhasz, Alan Weisman and Wendy Williams. Music includes Patchouli, Mark Little and Michelle Schocked on Saturday night. See The-MREA.org website and the event information page for more information. http://www.the-mrea.org/energy_fair.php

Smaller Living. The small home movement is getting big. Sonya Newenhouse, President of Madison Environmental Group, Inc. will give a talk, Small Homes and Green Building, Sunday at 10am. She’ll share her enthusiasm for marrying the small home movement with the green building movement. She’ll provide a short history of small homes and the environmental, economical and social benefits of living in one. The presentation will also include ideas on how to live small in your current home. She’ll end the presentation describing a new small, smart sustainable home venture, Casa Kit Homes. These homes are inspired by Sears Roebuck kit homes and the Passive House Principles.

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