And the sparrows sing through the wheels on the interstate, and hear no refrain

~Bowerbirds "In our talons"

(This is a letter I sent moments ago to our Bud Light-drinking president. Little did I know that he gets about 10,000 of these a day. Hmmmm....oh well)

Dear President Obama,

I want to thank you for your leadership and quick decision-making in many areas where it was most needed when you took office. I am grateful for the passion, dedication and intelligence with which you approach your new job.

I am writing because I am concerned about the CARS bill and the waste created by the loose regulations of the bill.

A $3500 rebate can be obtained for a mere 2 mpg increase when trading in a light-duty truck. To me, this is ludicrous because it is not a big enough difference to warrant tax dollars being spent and literal tons of waste being added to overflowing landfills. Did you know that a person who gets rid of their car (that they would otherwise continue using) and buys a new Prius to increase their gas mileage is actually doing more harm to the environment in terms of energy cost? The gain in fuel economy is overshadowed by the energy cost to manufacture their new vehicle.

The fact that the car traded in only has to be 8 years old to be considered a "clunker" disturbs me. I believe a huge problem with our mindset as a country is the fact that we are encouraged to believe that we must replace our belongings simply because they are "old". This CARS bill is limited to vehicles manufactured after 1984, which also seems counter-productive. It is my belief that many of the cars made prior to 1984 are the ones which must be removed from the road - for it is these vehicles that have horrific fuel economy, failing emissions tests and poor safety ratings.

These matters are of supreme importance to me, not only as a citizen who cares about reducing waste but also because I am a science teacher. I want my students to be informed about these issues and figure out the best decisions they can make, while they also see those exemplified in your presidency. It is my belief and my hope for your administration that you will make decisions with environmental impact always in mind. We can't wait any longer to start minimizing our irreversible damage to this world. I pray you will continue to be informed on these matters and work towards prodding Americans out of their apathy and into lifestyles that care more for their families, their neighbors, those in need, and our future as a global community.

With much sincerity and hope for a great future,
klk

hope

the cacophony resounds within me;
such joy yet such pain

no words to express,
so i propound nothing -
i hold it in.

the emotions well up.
i flee reality,
i make excuses
my life is, afterall, blessed.

all the days blur and dim.
what will rescue me from the deluge of

exhaustion
sadness
apathy
gloom
?