Ted Ellis left a lasting legacy as the consummate Idaho banker and after retirement the Mayor of Garden City. He worked with T.C Brock, a retired FBI agent and Chief of Police in Garden City, to spearhead the first Boys and girls Club in the Treasure Valley. T. C had grown up on the East Coast and experienced the difference a Club can make in the lives of kids in a community. Ted retired after 40 years in banking, rather than enjoying a well deserved career break he ran for and won 3 terms as the Mayor. Ted felt he could convince his friends and constituents to make GC a better/safer place. Kids at risk in the City now had a safe, nurturing refuge to go after school. Ted loved talking to the kids and at one session he was asked what was the greatest change he witnesses in his banking career. With a smile, Ted told them air conditioning.
It is important to remember that change occurred relatively slowly in the regulated banking industry until the late 90’s. Not to minimize the challenges and risk of that industry but a comfortable inside work environment obviously was noteworthy. When I read about the climate change in Europe, it reminded me of my friend Ted.
Interestingly in France, Marine Le Pen, a MAGA style politician is suggesting her party guarantee every voter air conditioning if they win. Not a chicken in every pot, or free health care, or freedom of speech but AC. Why is that a carrot as a political platform? I just saw a heat map of Europe that changed colors from 1980 to 1984 temperature extremes to the 2020 to 2024 time periods. There is a striking increase in days above 85 between the two time periods with Spain, Italy and Turkey turning the most red. France is not far behind and the warming trend extends up to the UK, and the Scandinavian countries. Some say that global warming is a hoax but the evidence would say otherwise.
Paris experienced a heat wave in 2003 that killed 14,802 people. Most of them were elderly. The home of the Paris Peace accord on controlling Greenhouse Gas, the Parisisean’s are looking to the future. Limiting temperature increases is the best scientifically reliable way today to forestall the devastation that will be caused. There is a projection that Paris could see 122 degree temperatures, 50 degrees Celsius by 2050. What does that mean; asphalt melts, energy grids could fail, cell phones off line, trains halted due to the swelling outdoor rails, and the Eiffel Tower might not be safe with the temperature effects on the structure. Not sure if Paris floods with the rising tide.
Is the United States still engaged in the effort to minimize and reduce greenhouse gas emissions? The answer is NO, the Orange Wanker and his henchpeople are rolling back environmental protections, lying about the value of solar and wind power, and encouraging the use of Coal and fossil fuel. Anyone who accepts this gambit that is intended to spur economic growth, is a “fossil fool” in my humble opinion.
Perhaps you have watched in horror as the Orange felon cozies up to Putin and mimics his talking points. It is a travesty that the US is not leading the effort to support Ukraine. I hope you will invest time in letting Risch, Simpson and Crapo how you feel. It does not appear you will have that opportunity in a town hall.
Enjoy the summer sky in McCall with the towering giants in cloud form and Jug Mountain peaking over the trees. Please think about the planet we are leaving our children and get engaged in helping save it.
Mike
Air Conditioning
