Uncomfortable Politics (and religion) January 22, 2010

Today I was with a colleague from work discussing the future of federal transportation funding.  I am very certain that this colleague is a democrat and shares my political views. Nevertheless, as I made a comment lamenting about the recent pivotal defeat in Massachusetts (a republican won, resulting in a congress comprised of 59 democrats rather than the filibuster proof 60), I felt embarrassed and hesitant to let my political views be known. Why?

Why do we feel uncomfortable when discussing politics?   I think it is because of religion.  Religion is tied to politics. And religion is a reflection of our emotions and intelligence. When we are young our religion is largely determined by our circumstance (i.e. our parents, community, etc.)  As we get older our religious position is primarily determined by our emotions and intelligence.  I for example have chosen my religion based on how my past experiences and the emotions I have felt are filtered by my intelligence (comprehension and ability to make connections).

Air pollution from automobiles March 4, 2009

Source: http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_vehicles/vehicle_impacts/cars_pickups_and_suvs/cars-trucks-air-pollution.html

Air pollution is associated with the full life-cycle of cars and trucks. This includes air pollution emitted during vehicle operation, refueling, manufacturing, and disposal. Additional emissions are associated with the refining and distribution of vehicle fuel. Motor vehicles cause both primary and secondary pollution. Primary pollution is emitted directly into the atmosphere; secondary pollution results from chemical reactions between pollutants in the atmosphere. The following are the major pollutants from motor vehicles:

• Particulate matter (PM). These particles of soot and metals give smog its murky color. Fine particles, PM that is less than one-tenth the diameter of a human hair, pose the most serious threat to human health as they can penetrate deep into lungs. In addition to direct emissions of fine particles, automobiles release nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, and sulfur dioxide, which generate additional fine particles as secondary pollution.
• Hydrocarbons (HC). These pollutants react with nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight to form ground level ozone, a primary ingredient in smog. Though beneficial in the upper atmosphere, at the ground level this gas irritates the respiratory system, causing coughing, choking, and reduced lung capacity.
• Nitrogen oxides (NOx). These pollutants cause lung irritation and weaken the body’s defenses against respiratory infections such as pneumonia and influenza. In addition, they assist in the formation of ground level ozone and particulate matter.
• Carbon monoxide (CO). This odorless, colorless, and poisonous gas is formed by the combustion of fossil fuels such as gasoline and is emitted primarily from cars and trucks. When inhaled, CO blocks the transport of oxygen to the brain, heart, and other vital organs in the body. Fetuses, newborn children, and people with chronic illnesses are especially susceptible to the effects of CO.
• Sulfur dioxide (SO2). Power plants and motor vehicles create this pollutant by burning sulfur-containing fuels, especially diesel. Sulfur dioxide can react in the atmosphere to form fine particles and poses the largest health risk to young children and asthmatics.
• Hazardous air pollutants (toxics). These chemical compounds, which are emitted by cars, trucks, refineries, gas pumps, and related sources, have been linked to birth defects, cancer, and other serious illnesses. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the air toxics emitted from cars and trucks account for half of all cancers caused by air pollution. Benzene, acetaldehyde, and 1,3-butadiene are examples of toxic air pollutants associated with motor vehicle emissions.
• Greenhouse gases. Motor vehicles also emit pollutants, such as carbon dioxide, that contribute to global climate change. The transportation sector currently accounts for over a quarter of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.

The ills of the automobile March 4, 2009

We are at a great turning point with respect to the automobile.  Most of the discussion concerns energy and the environment. The Obama administration, for example, has pledge to dedicate substantial government funding and tax incentives to clean and renewable fuels.  The intent is (1) to reduce GHG pollution and other air pollutants and (2) to reduce America’s dependence on oil which is largely supplied by foreign nations and companies.  These two “ills” of the automobile have received huge recognition.  There is significant consensus that they are problems and need to be dealt with.

However, these are not the only ills of the automobile. There are many ills of the automobile. And unfortunately, if these two ills are addressed in isolation, the other ills will only be exacerbated.

As such, I list here some of the ills of the automobile:

1. Air pollution
2. Dependence on foreign energy sources
3. Dependence on non-renewable energy sources
4. Water pollution
5. Increased runoff (flooding and erosion)
6. Habitat fragmentation
7. Loss of green space
8. Congestion (road rage, waste of time)
9. Accidents (property damage, injuries, and fatalities)
10. High opportunity cost for maintenance (snow removal, repair)
11. Discrimination of underprivileged (poor, children, and elderly)
12. Community fragmentation
13. Loss of public space
14. Social seclusion
15. Noise pollution
16. Sedentary mobility

Additions to this blog: why it will exacerbate and a few sentences about each ill.

Patience April 21, 2008

I wait paitiently for the blessings and promises of the Lord to be fulfilled.

John 11:4 -7 When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was. Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again.

I am able to wait for things without getting upset or frustrated.

Matt 26:51 – 52, Luke 22:51 And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest’s, and smote off his ear. Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.

I am patient and long-suffering with the challenges of life (as a brother, son, husband, friend, employee, collegue, home teacher, and ward member).

 

I am patient with myself and rely on the Lord as I work to overcome my weaknesses.

Luke 22:44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

I face adversity and afflictions calmly and hopefully.

Xeno March 27, 2008

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xenophobia#Sociobiological_Explanation

Racism has biological underpinnings. We avoid the unknown for our safety.  See the link above. As another example, when a women is fertile she seeks men of different genetic makeup (but not too different). This is to advance biological diversity. When a woman is pregenant and shortly after the birth she seeks familiar genetics (through smeel and visual). This is for help and protection.

These facts don’t mean that racism is right. 

This same argument goes for homosexuality, anger, etc.

First Post February 23, 2008

I begin.