to let him know you hope he will respect the legislature’s decision and declare the debate of uranium mining over.
New Resource: Areas at risk that support keeping the ban map: http://keeptheban.org/
Stories about the Gov. Bob:
Anti-uranium mining lawmakers appeal to Va. gov
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/50747434/ns/business/
Lawmakers to governor: Don’t give in to uranium
http://www.yourgv.com/index.php/news/government/7280-lawmakers-to-governor-don-t-give-in-to-uranium
Schapiro: McDonnell too far behind on uranium to lead
http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/jeff-schapiro/schapiro-mcdonnell-too-far-behind-on-uranium-to-lead/article_7b29a633-5f84-5882-80f3-239e9ba3db53.html
A big win for all of Southside
The Editorial Board | Posted: Monday, February 11, 2013 6:00 am
To the editor:
I wanted to take a moment to reflect upon the tremendous people’s victory that occurred at the General Assembly when state Sen. John Watkins withdrew his bill that would lift the state’s ban on uranium mining, pursuant to the intentions of Virginia Uranium Inc. This was not a final victory by any means, but a clear tipping point has occurred, and the odds are now ever-the-more in our favor than they were before Watkins’ retreat.
Some congratulations are in order. Firstly, we must all acknowledge our debt of gratitude to the incredibly capable and passionate souls who have spearheaded the Keep the Ban movement. Their courage and talent shine as a lighthouse for a community that was previously believed to be hopelessly jaded and covered in darkness. The utmost in kudos!
We must also now proclaim that it is impossible to deny that our local business leaders and elected officials are listening to us and making their decisions with our best interests at heart. Danville City Council, the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors, Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce, Martinsville City Council, Halifax County Board of Supervisors, Halifax County Chamber of Commerce and South Boston Town Council all passed measures against lifting the ban— among many, many other local governments, nonprofits and community boards. In a political system that seems broken in most respects, it is uplifting to observe that the will of the people can still prevail through mainstream channels. Can I get an Amen?
Finally, I would be derelict if I did not commend the countless individual prayer warriors, meditative visionaries, engaged participants and concerned citizens who through their efforts birthed the energized intention that has manifested into a clear and powerful collective will. There are no small roles in this type of work; success becomes when we each do the best we can with what we have to offer. Thank you to all who do and have done!
Of course, there are no laurels here to be rested upon. The beast of greed is prolific and will not cower into an endless hunger or die without a fight. The pro uranium camp is already pursuing a new avenue toward their ends, employing the less-democratic channel of executive direction from Gov. Bob McDonnell and his lot.We must remain diligent and meticulously aware of the actions and tactics of those who move against our greater good. They cannot help but to demonstrate their nature and reveal their patterns of thought and habitual behaviors throughout this process, and this is the information that will enable us to neutralize them in a sustainable and long-term sense. To continue to pursue extreme profits despite the opposition of democratic will and the undeniable risks to community and environmental health illustrates a spiritual condition that is unambiguous. We know exactly with whom we are dealing.
But let us not fall into the trap of judgment, for ultimately, this entity is but a reflection of something that is as thriving as it is dark— and living inside each and every one of us. Compassion for ourselves and our mirrors opens an empathic channel between us that gives the more generously loving soul the advantage in any conflict. It is our destiny to use our minds and hearts to protect everything that we cherish and build precisely the more peaceful, prosperous, and empowered future that we have now dared to imagine and assert.We have officially arrived and are gearing up for forward motion. Congratulations to us all!
SEAN BARKER
Danville
http://www.newsadvance.com/go_dan_river/opinion/letters_to_editor/article_c9b0424e-74ba-11e2-839c-0019bb30f31a.html
BLUE RIDGE ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE LEAGUE
Uranium mining: BREDL・s Virginia and North Carolina chapters have been working together to keep Virginia・s uranium mining ban in place. Elena Day of PACE is working on a cable television feature. NEW・s Julius Kerr testified at the state・s Uranium Working Group hearing in Richmond in November saying that the impacts of mining would be ・life threatening and long lasting.・ He said that the state officials were ・slick・ but that mining opponents were also well organized.■
The League Line Winter 2013 issue is now available online. :http://www.bredl.org/theleagueline/Winter2013.pdf
