A Senior Moment
Ramblings
By Ron Mack

Folks, is it just me or does the world as we know it seem a little out of sorts lately. I don't know, it just seems to me that around the world, the nation, and Cherokee County things just appear a little off center.

For instance, let's start with gasoline prices. They are at an all-time high, and friends we should not be surprised. We are driving more, thus using more gasoline and so the law of supply and demand drives the cost of fuel, just as it should drive the price of any goods or service. As consumers we really need to do more on our own to conserve energy as well as pressure our leaders to accelerate the research and production of alternative fuels.

What about global warming? Whether you believe it is man-made or simply a natural climatic cycle, the reality is that it is happening. The polar ice-cap is decreasing as is the Antarctic ice shelf and the tundra of Siberia and Alaska is changing from a stable firmness to a spongy instability. Regardless of the Easter freeze we experienced, the average temperature of the Earth is still rising. Let's stop the endless debates of man-made or natural causes and really do some solid environmental research to determine the steps that need to be taken to protect our future.

Where are the honey bees going? A quarter of the nation's honey bee population has disappeared and we don't know why. I suspected, but until now didn't really realize the importance of the honey bee to our agriculture and the entire eco-system. What are the consequences if the bee becomes endangered or even extinct?

And, of course, there is that old standby, the war in Iraq. Why are we there? Do the ends justify the means? Is the United States bogged down in the mire of sectarian and civil violence that is simply a way of life in that part of the world? Or will perseverance on our part and the Iraqi government bring an end to the voice of violence and the tyranny of terrorism. I wish I had the answer.

Meanwhile here at home our forests and mountains continue to be scarred by the backhoe blades of development. And speaking of scars, have you noticed the disaster that is the piece of property on US-64 near Rib Country. What a disgrace! Is that the future of Cherokee County?

Friends, thank you for allowing me to ramble on about these not so pleasant subjects. At least I was not venting. We'll save that for another column.

Viso Gero!