Reece starts the second part of the book with an observation of explosions and “flyrock.” It made me feel like it was kids playing with explosions when they really shouldn’t be. These inspectors regulate but when they are not there they breach the limits in which they are allowed to go.
The flying squirrel chapter depicts people fighting at something they cannot fix. These students and Krupa are chasing after this diminishing creature. I find this to be quite similar to these communities trying to catch their nature but in all reality although they can catch some now, it will soon be long gone. I found the end of the chapter to be a rude awakening when Reece ask Krupa for his prognosis of human condition and he responded with “I think were doomed… it’s a matter of time before we kill ourselves off.”
As I read along, I found myself frightened of the people running our government. Although I have always thought we were pretty corrupt, listening to the cold hard facts brought it back home. Bush reduced the superfund down to 50%. The carelessness of the coal industry ruined a town even though there were countless warnings of the pond. The most selfish of it all was the neglect of a much safer filter press system to save a dollar per ton. I feel pity for these small towns that have to deal with such corruption and greedy companies.
Reece’s writing has made me picture this battle of nature vs. the coal mining industry. There is one side saying that if we help nature, nature will help us. The other side is saying we are the coal mining industry and nature is for our taking. The coal mining industry backs itself up by saying that it is helping us by putting prisons, campsites and new trees up for everyone, what did this mountain do to help anyone? In reality, they are ruining agriculture, species and homes. Reece mentions natural selection on page 141. I think nature is now in a struggle with the coal industry selection.
Yo Brian you are sitting next to me.
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I would have to agree with you about our government being somewhat corrupt. What the hell is this super fund? Its bullshit how greed runs our nation. Greed in my opinion may be the downfall our our capitalistic nation. I totally agree with your statements about a battle taking place between nature vs. the coal industry and sad to say but the coal industry is winning. But is it just a matter of time before we kill ourselves off? I don't know I seem to have some unexplainable optimism towards a bright and prosperous future where we will figure out a balance between man and nature.
The corruption taking place in the government is absolutely breath taking, isn't it? It makes my stomach turn. It makes Communism seem like a good idea! Not only are the people who live around these mines being affected, but we are too. We are the ones that dependent upon the coal being mined. Like Olson said in the chapter titled, "The Ecovillage", we are the ones causing this destruction, the people using the energy.
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