Document text
3 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Emergency services, March 4 ... Pot grows illegal on rural residential land in Jackson County ... Oregon lawmakers pass housing bills as session ends ... Emergency services, March 4 ... Pot grows illegal on rural residential land in Jackson County ... Oregon lawmakers pass housing bills as session ends ... LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters to the Editor, Feb. 29 MailTribune.com Writer Posted Feb. 29, 2016 @ 12:01 am Posted Feb. 29, 2016 @ 12:01 am » Social News p bs:newslist StartDate="20121121" EndDate="p bs:datecalc Months="3"" DateSort="1" UseObjects="1" ObjectClass="81" Taxonomywords="2325,665" ExactTaxonomyMatch="1" Image="1" Count="4" --> Security risk Are you worried about national security? There are enough rogue states and insurgent groups around the world to make anyone worry. Some security threats are so severe they could threaten our nation’s very existence. But what is the biggest security risk? Our military leaders recognize that one of the biggest threats to national security is climate change; threats abroad and at home come from poverty, environmental degradation, water shortage, political instability and social tensions. These conditions are all increased by global warming, stimulating violence and terrorist activity. Resource competition is already placing additional burdens on our economic, societal and governmental institutions. The longer we delay greenhouse gas emissions reduction the costlier addressing the problem becomes, and the more risks we encounter. Since the G.W. Bush presidency, our Department of Defense has been a national leader in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by converting to renewable energy — including solar, wind, biomass and geothermal. We should follow the department’s lead by acknowledging the problem and acting responsibly. After World War II, the US heavily invested in preventing nuclear war. Even though the probability was low, the outcomes would have been catastrophic. Our approach to climate change should reflect no less urgency. Louise Shawkat Ashland Refusing the bribes Increasingly “our” legislation is written by and for the largest corporations; the same industries that now own all our media; the same industries that buy legislators and finance the bottom feeders (the liars, psychopaths and sanctimonious snake oil salesmen). Such pervasive corruption siphons the wealth from our people and our land. (Think NAFTA, TPP, and profits hidden in foreign banks). Ordinarily we might survive this corporate coup, but we are now entering an era of ever increasing heat and chaotic weather due to an upsurge of greenhouse gases (CO2, methane, etc.) that won’t let the heat escape our atmosphere. Aquifers that take thousands of years to fill are already drying up and mountain tops around the world have decreasing snowpacks and glaciers. We need honest, smart politicians as never before, to help build food, water and clean energy resiliency, particularly at the local level. Greed-driven politicians don’t build, they tear down government and pocket the profit while gleefully extolling “free markets.” Now, if there were only candidates who refuse to take those bribes, and were smart and experienced, and who recognized what a hot pickle our world is in. Amazingly there is one currently running for president; his name is Bernie Sanders. Lee Lull Talent Endorsing Marsh In the 34 years that I have lived in Ashland I’ve had the great pleasure of meeting and interacting with a variety of interesting and intelligent people. While our four kids traveled through the schools, I met many wonderful parents and teachers. I have also met artists of many kids and others from all walks of life while spending 25 years working at OSF. In the past year I’ve had an opportunity to interact with Pam Marsh as a representative of the Ashland Food Project. Her work at the food bank is a prime example of her concern for others regardless of their station in life. Her concern combined with her intellect makes her a perfect representative for our region. Therefore, I am whole heartedly endorsing her for the state Legislature. Above all else, I encourage everyone to vote in the next and all elections. The government is us. Brad Galusha, co-chair, Ashland Food Project Ashland MailTribune.com Writer Posted Feb. 29, 2016 @ 12:01 am » Comment or view comments Terms of Service /* $( document ).ready(function() { // Jquery mobile is trying to style the button and leaving a blank gry button on top of a white button $("#viafouracoms .vf-comment-controls li.vf-right").html(' Submit '); });*/ » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2016 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501