In 1963 Leslie Gore scored gold with this great pop song. I vaguely remember it being very popular with the girls at all of their junior high dances and parties. Seems a bit sad to me as her boyfriend apparently disappeared from the party at the same time as another young lady. Many Republicans who are wondering who deceived, charmed or bullied away their party are left singing the refrain, “I will cry if I want to.”
This week, Congressman Mike Simpson speaking at the 2019 Andrus Environmental Conference, was quoted “it’s my party, and I’ll fight climate change if I want to.” The review in Grist by reporter Nathaniel Johnson reminds the reader “in deep red Idaho …a real-live Republican member of congress addressed the existence of climate change and even proposed taking action. “Climate change is a reality, it’s not hard to figure out. Go look at your thermometer” stated Simpson. Simpson is a friend of Idaho and understands that listening, understanding the issues can lead to compromise. Simpson never shied away from the obstacles that eventually led to the Andrus Boulder White Cloud legislation. His heartfelt and brave speech last week included possible fixes to save the Salmon, including the removal of four dams on the Lower Snake River. The $16 billion spent on Salmon mitigation has not removed them from endangered status plus alternative energy sources and costs of upgrading the generation equipment at the dams could make a viable economic alternative worth considering. Congressman Simpson concluded with a projection or perhaps a wish. “I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m going to stay alive long enough to see salmon return in healthy populations in Idaho…we need to do it for future generations.” Very refreshing idea —pull together to assure the quality of life for those that follow.
On this day in 1962, Physicist Bruce Banner was exposed to a gamma ray burst that transformed him into the Incredible Hulk. The fictional chameleon has become an important member of the Marvel Comics super heroes. I can see why the world is taking refuge in fictional characters. Although Gone with the Wind still hits the rankings in recent times the winners are Avatars, Star Wars, Avengers, Infinity War, Black Panther, Incredibles, and Captain Marvel. We could use a real live human heroin, hero, and leader.
Enjoy the week end. Mike