1. Metro Focus on PBS displayed astounding videos on the impact of Sandy; Devastation in the Rockaways, the Jersey Shore and Nassau’s Long Beach. Call it what you want, climate change or not, but don’t think too long. . Our environment is changing and change has come to our Society. We should be thinking about our response to a different future , the sooner the better. Don’t make the mistake of dismissing these catastrophes while we should be planning for a better future. This was THE PERFECT STORM , let’s take advantage of this catastrophe and start thinking and re- thinking infrastructure: trains, power grid….
2. Next a video by NY U students, showcased The Smith Houses, no heat or water, the elderly and the poor are stuck inside, under served and almost forgotten. The National Guard is helping the people. The City is trying, but as the wealthier streets receive power the poor are left behind. Isn’t there a way to get help from the unemployed population? integrate them with the Unions, if that would speed the process. Surely not everyone has to be highly skilled to help?
3. The NY Times 11/10/12. Report outlines Climate Change Perils, strains for US Military and Intelligence agencies are predicted. A study by Mr Steinbruner the Director of the Center for International Security Studies at the University of Maryland shows that the pouring of Carbon Dioxide and other gasses into the atmosphere will have dramatic effects on our environment. Ironically the study was to be released the day Sandy arrived, however, loss of power prevented the paper’s release.
4. LOL After reading about the loss of life and vital societal systems due to Sandy, it is more important then ever to start thinking seriously about protecting our fragile infrastructure. I’ve listened to the bitter partisan anger on both sides of the aisle and I can’t state severely enough, ” get over it”. Read about NYU Langone Hospital , look at the devastation of our rail roads, note the lack of supply lines for gasoline. The list of services interrupted is astonishing. This is no time to mourn the loss of a particular Party , it is a time for all of us to come together as a community and address the problems we’ve created. Wishing you all the best, stay warm and stay dry.