Category: Politics

Kitzmiller v. Dover: A Trial Reveals a Plan to Transform American Life

November 28, 2024

This entry begins my journey back through what’s motivated me to explore “The Mindful Ecological Citizen.” In 2004, Tammy Kitzmiller and 10 other parents filed a lawsuit against the Dover School District for passing an “intelligent design” policy that called the Theory of Evolution into question. Covering the story for a small paper, I came … More Kitzmiller v. Dover: A Trial Reveals a Plan to Transform American Life

Make action on climate change part of everyday life. Make it part of what schools do.

October 15, 2024

“When more schools adopt solar, it becomes mainstream and no longer viewed as “something revolutionary or confrontational.” This is what I told Cipher News, an outlet that “covers the technological innovations we need to combat climate change and transform our global energy systems.” In our work to act on climate change, its drivers and impacts … More Make action on climate change part of everyday life. Make it part of what schools do.

Don’t Be Distracted by ‘Inactivists.’ Solar Is the Present and Future

October 14, 2024

Today, I have an opinion piece, “Don’t Be Distracted by ‘Inactivists.’ Solar Is the Present and Future,” published on StateCollege.com. It is a response to Josh Portney’s misguided and ill-informed opinion piece on the regional solar power purchase agreement (SPPA). While Portney presents himself as a sleuth and advocate for the truth proves he has a … More Don’t Be Distracted by ‘Inactivists.’ Solar Is the Present and Future

“I support action on climate change, but …” We know what that means.

October 11, 2024

Having read Jacob Michael’s article in the Sept. 29 issue of The Centre Daily Times on the Solar Power Purchase Agreement (SPPA), former State College Borough Council member Jesse Barlow and I wanted to add some clarifying details. We felt this was important given that we have both been involved with the project since its … More “I support action on climate change, but …” We know what that means.

Taking on the Merchants of Doubt in 2024

September 22, 2024

I’ve been watching people get wrapped up in manufactured controversies—manfufactroversies—lately. The zombie armies of climate change deniers, doubters, boomers, and climate inactivists are out in force. Their goal is to undermine the public’s confidence in good actions. Who are they and what do they do? When some special interest sees an issue as a threat … More Taking on the Merchants of Doubt in 2024

The Assault on Women’s Rights: Project 2025

July 12, 2024

Trump’s and the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 is a regressive manifesto that places far right fundamentalist Christianity over Americans’ liberty. It is an all-out assault on women’s autonomy. Two years ago, the six reactionary Christians on the Court wiped out women’s privacy, women’s autonomy, and a woman’s right to plan her family. On numerous occasions, … More The Assault on Women’s Rights: Project 2025

Americans continue to support renewable energy, younger people & Democrats most of all

July 2, 2024

According to Pew Research Center, majorities of Americans say they support more solar, wind, & nuclear power, making carbon free electricity the preferred source of electricity in the United States. Unsurprisingly, younger people support renewable energy development at a significantly higher rate than people 65+, especially older Republicans. There are important differences in attitudes between … More Americans continue to support renewable energy, younger people & Democrats most of all

Schools are not and should not be apolitical.

June 24, 2024

“Schools should be apolitical.” I hear this a lot. Most recently, this has come up because Louisiana’s governor has signed a law that requires schools place the Ten Commandments in schools. Last year and the year before, it was the Moms for Liberty trying to ban books based on their religious hopes for indoctrinating your … More Schools are not and should not be apolitical.