About 4 years ago I read an article in National Geographic about Komodo Dragons. The article stated that the dragons, a large carnivorous lizard, grew to approximately 5- 7 feet in length and weighed 150-200 pounds. The dragons were very agressive.
The article caught my attention because in 1968, I had read an article in Life Magazine about the Komodo dragon, and prepared a report for school about the subject. The article in Life said that Komodo dragons could be over 15 feet in length and weigh 1500 pounds or more. It also described larger ones as being slow moving and generally nonagressive unless hungry. At that time there were only a very few large specimens. Komodo dragons are found only on a few islands in Indonesia, of which is the largest is the Island of Komodo, about 20 miles by 20 miles in size. The Island was home to several hundred species of birds, small mammals, insects and other reptiles found only on that particular island.
Information about Komodo dragons found on the internet says that the largest ones known are about 10 feet long and weigh about 300 pounds. It also says that local reports describe much larger specimens a few years ago. I did not learn the date of this information, but I suspect it was collected between the other reports.
Because of the small number of dragons, an effort to protect them was begun. After more than twenty years of protection, their number has grown tremendously and today there are many thousand on the island. In fact, the program to protect them now imports thousands of cows to be slaughtered annually to feed the dragons. Their primary food found on the island is other dragons.
Today, according to National Geographic, there are no other species of wildlife left on the island. many of the species are now extinct. Because there is no longer sufficient natural food, the dragons are almost totally dependent on the program for their food. The only other source of food for them is to eat each other. As a result they have become very agressive, and have eaten at least 2 researchers. The lack of food prevents attaining normal mature growth.
Serious misjudgements by those concerned about protecting the dragons has caused the extinction of many species of other animals. It has also eliminated the ability of the island to support the population of dragons, actually increasing their likelihood of beicoming extinct.
In the rivers of Colorado and New Mexico there is a small fish known as the silvery minnow. it is currently a protected species. In the effort to save them, ecologists have repeatedly sued to force the Corp of Engineers to increase waterflows from existing dams. Despite the efforts, populations continue to decline.
Prior to the construction of the dams, the rivers frequently went completely dry during the summer, yet the silvery minnow managed to survive for thousands of years, without protection. Interestingly, biologists tell us that the silvery minnow does not reproduce except when water levels are low, and that high water tends to prevent survival of the young. Apparently, the continuing decline in population is the result of actions taken in efforts to protect them.
It has been reported that 90% of all environmental lawsuits world wide are filed by a single individual in Scottsdale Arizona. Obviously, he can not understand every situation worldwide. People who are genuinely interested in preserving the environment need to see if the actions taken will actually preserve the environment rather than hastening it's destruction.
As a Christian, I believe that when God gave man dominion over the living things of the earth, he made us responsible for taking care of thwe earth. He will hold us accountable for mis using it. Destroying it in the name of environmentalism is no better than destroying it for easy money.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
Global Warming, Is it an Inconvenient Truth?
We are told that Global Warming is a fact, and that in the next few years The ice pack will melt with disastrous consequences. As proof, statistics are quoted indicating that 2003 was the warmest year in history. The shrinking of the polar icecap, is cited as further proof.
We are told that as a result of this global warming, if action is not taken to stop it, polar bears will be extinct by 2025. The water level in the ocean will rise by possibly as much as 1-2 feet. flooding huge areas of costal plain and reducing or eliminating vast areas of farm land. The warming climate will cause reduced rainfall, resulting in much of the earth becoming desert.
The cause of this warming trend is believed to be the increased emmissions of so-called greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide from cars, factories, and other fuel burning applications. The solution is a cessation most use of carbon fuels worldwide to reduce the levels of these gases. The proof of the cause is that the levels of hydrocarbons in glaciers is much higher in newer ones than in those of several hundred thousand years old.
As a result, a concerted effort to unite all nations to combat this situation has been mobilized. Every effort is being exerted coerce uninvolved nations to become part of the effort. The biggest problem is getting emerging economies to decide they'd rather remain in poverty.
Back in the 1960's a hole in the ozone layer was discovered. the hole was growing at an alarming rate, allowing heat to escape from thae atmosphere. If allowed to continue, the earth would continue to cool, causing huge areas to become unproductive. The polar icecaps would grow, causing the ocean to lower and rainfall to decrease as more and more was frozen. By 2000, the climatic change could well cause the loss of many tropical species. The cause of the problem was that the refrigerants in use at that time were causing depletion of the ozone layer. Does this sound familiar?
Historically, such claims as Global Warming have occurred from time to time. Always, It has been decreed that a specified action must be taken. Unfortunately, some of the solutions have produced worse results than the problem they were to prevent. Others have served only to make their proponents rich. The ozone layer depletion is a case in point.
About 1970-71 a program was begun to eliminate those harmful refrigerants, replacing them with less harmful versions worldwide. Some were banned immediately, while others were to be phased out over the next 30-40 years. in the meantime, observation of the ozone hole was to be continued to determine if faster action was required. The program has continued, and this year, another of the newer refrigerants is to be eliminated, making it essential to replace existing units. Chemical companies and equipment manufacturers have made a killing.
By 1980, It was determined that the hole in the ozone layer expanded and contracted with changes in temprature of the atmosphere, and that those changes while dramatic, did not infact indicate changes in the amount of ozone present. The refrigerants had no effect on the ozone layer. The situation has continued to be monitored and no overall change in the ozone layer has ever been observed. Nevertheless, we continue to follow the guidelines laid down because of the depletion of the ozone problem.
Temperaturs and rainfall levels across the United States began to be recorded systematically about 1950, partly as a result of the dustbowl. Many areas around the world do not have systematic records even at the present time. Nevertheless, proponents of Global warming insist that the records show that 2003 was the warmest year since 1950. As i examined their data, I discovered that While 2003 did appear to average approximately one half degree warmer than the temperature in 1950, no records were available for prior years. In addition, of all the years since 1950, only 2003 was higher, and while there had ben a gradual upward trend,from about 1980, there had ben acorresponding downward trend from 1950 until about 1980. The overall temperature average had fluctuated less than 2 degrees. No margin of error was given. At least 2 years since 2003 have been lower than 2003. and I have not seen 2007 or 2008 figures.
One year ago, galacial melting revealed some farms in northern Europe which had not been seen since about 1740. This implies that some time prior to 1740, the area had been enough warmer for a considerable time that the area could be farmed. It is not the first time it has been that warm.
The measures greenhouse gases in glaciers is far less exact than commonly supposed, especially as they tend to escape over time. and determining the age of a layer of ice is very imprecise.
Before we decide global warming is a fact, and take vigorous action. we need to review whether it is in fact scientific, or mere hyperbole. The money devoted to solving it might well be better spent on other things, including the economic crisis.
We are told that as a result of this global warming, if action is not taken to stop it, polar bears will be extinct by 2025. The water level in the ocean will rise by possibly as much as 1-2 feet. flooding huge areas of costal plain and reducing or eliminating vast areas of farm land. The warming climate will cause reduced rainfall, resulting in much of the earth becoming desert.
The cause of this warming trend is believed to be the increased emmissions of so-called greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide from cars, factories, and other fuel burning applications. The solution is a cessation most use of carbon fuels worldwide to reduce the levels of these gases. The proof of the cause is that the levels of hydrocarbons in glaciers is much higher in newer ones than in those of several hundred thousand years old.
As a result, a concerted effort to unite all nations to combat this situation has been mobilized. Every effort is being exerted coerce uninvolved nations to become part of the effort. The biggest problem is getting emerging economies to decide they'd rather remain in poverty.
Back in the 1960's a hole in the ozone layer was discovered. the hole was growing at an alarming rate, allowing heat to escape from thae atmosphere. If allowed to continue, the earth would continue to cool, causing huge areas to become unproductive. The polar icecaps would grow, causing the ocean to lower and rainfall to decrease as more and more was frozen. By 2000, the climatic change could well cause the loss of many tropical species. The cause of the problem was that the refrigerants in use at that time were causing depletion of the ozone layer. Does this sound familiar?
Historically, such claims as Global Warming have occurred from time to time. Always, It has been decreed that a specified action must be taken. Unfortunately, some of the solutions have produced worse results than the problem they were to prevent. Others have served only to make their proponents rich. The ozone layer depletion is a case in point.
About 1970-71 a program was begun to eliminate those harmful refrigerants, replacing them with less harmful versions worldwide. Some were banned immediately, while others were to be phased out over the next 30-40 years. in the meantime, observation of the ozone hole was to be continued to determine if faster action was required. The program has continued, and this year, another of the newer refrigerants is to be eliminated, making it essential to replace existing units. Chemical companies and equipment manufacturers have made a killing.
By 1980, It was determined that the hole in the ozone layer expanded and contracted with changes in temprature of the atmosphere, and that those changes while dramatic, did not infact indicate changes in the amount of ozone present. The refrigerants had no effect on the ozone layer. The situation has continued to be monitored and no overall change in the ozone layer has ever been observed. Nevertheless, we continue to follow the guidelines laid down because of the depletion of the ozone problem.
Temperaturs and rainfall levels across the United States began to be recorded systematically about 1950, partly as a result of the dustbowl. Many areas around the world do not have systematic records even at the present time. Nevertheless, proponents of Global warming insist that the records show that 2003 was the warmest year since 1950. As i examined their data, I discovered that While 2003 did appear to average approximately one half degree warmer than the temperature in 1950, no records were available for prior years. In addition, of all the years since 1950, only 2003 was higher, and while there had ben a gradual upward trend,from about 1980, there had ben acorresponding downward trend from 1950 until about 1980. The overall temperature average had fluctuated less than 2 degrees. No margin of error was given. At least 2 years since 2003 have been lower than 2003. and I have not seen 2007 or 2008 figures.
One year ago, galacial melting revealed some farms in northern Europe which had not been seen since about 1740. This implies that some time prior to 1740, the area had been enough warmer for a considerable time that the area could be farmed. It is not the first time it has been that warm.
The measures greenhouse gases in glaciers is far less exact than commonly supposed, especially as they tend to escape over time. and determining the age of a layer of ice is very imprecise.
Before we decide global warming is a fact, and take vigorous action. we need to review whether it is in fact scientific, or mere hyperbole. The money devoted to solving it might well be better spent on other things, including the economic crisis.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Should a President Allow Other Party Members in the Cabinet?
The news media is really excited about Obama selecting a Republican for his cabinet. Apparently they believe that only men of the same party have any intelligence. They also ignore the fact that as President, Mr Obama represents both Democrats and Republicans and is responsible to both.
Abraham Lincoln selected one of his opponents because he believed the man was the best qualified for the job, and because he needed views of someone who would not always agree with him. I am amazed by the arrogance of those who think it wise to choose only those of ones own party as advisors. History has repeatedly shown that both parties make mistakes. being open to a different view may help one to see flaws in ones own position, and correct them or replace the idea.
I realize that most seem to feel that only their own party has anything of value to contribute, but I have found that it is easy to look only at the positives of my position, and convince myself that my idea is the only possible solution. Being willing to listen to someone who definitely disagrees about some things is a sign of a mature intelligence. President Obama not only opens doors with the Republicans by this decision, he also displays a level of concern for the nation. He wants to find the best solution, not just one that he or his party thought up.
I wish that both parties would focus on the good of the country, not just their party. Unfortunately, too many are politicians, rather than statesmen. They are focused on their political benefit instead. One reason the economic crisis has reached the proportions it has is that Both parties have been so busy trying to get control of Congress for the last three years that they ignored warnings and refused to deal with the problems when they were warned in 2005, choosing to focus on the 2006 and 2008 elections.
The American people did not elect their representatives to run for office, but to conduct our business. Many congressmen were like Governor Richardson of New Mexico, who spent many months running for office, leaving the lieutenant governor to run the state. Residents have every right to be upset that he was more interested in getting another job than in fulfilling his current duties.
Abraham Lincoln selected one of his opponents because he believed the man was the best qualified for the job, and because he needed views of someone who would not always agree with him. I am amazed by the arrogance of those who think it wise to choose only those of ones own party as advisors. History has repeatedly shown that both parties make mistakes. being open to a different view may help one to see flaws in ones own position, and correct them or replace the idea.
I realize that most seem to feel that only their own party has anything of value to contribute, but I have found that it is easy to look only at the positives of my position, and convince myself that my idea is the only possible solution. Being willing to listen to someone who definitely disagrees about some things is a sign of a mature intelligence. President Obama not only opens doors with the Republicans by this decision, he also displays a level of concern for the nation. He wants to find the best solution, not just one that he or his party thought up.
I wish that both parties would focus on the good of the country, not just their party. Unfortunately, too many are politicians, rather than statesmen. They are focused on their political benefit instead. One reason the economic crisis has reached the proportions it has is that Both parties have been so busy trying to get control of Congress for the last three years that they ignored warnings and refused to deal with the problems when they were warned in 2005, choosing to focus on the 2006 and 2008 elections.
The American people did not elect their representatives to run for office, but to conduct our business. Many congressmen were like Governor Richardson of New Mexico, who spent many months running for office, leaving the lieutenant governor to run the state. Residents have every right to be upset that he was more interested in getting another job than in fulfilling his current duties.
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