6H2O + 6CO2 ----------> C6H12O6+ 6O2


“It is horrifying that we have to fight our own government to save the environment.”
~Ansel Adams

I love nature. When I think about love, when I analyze the feelings that surround love, I revert back to my first and most profound feelings about the sky, about sunrise and sunset, about rain, about a fresh wind, about the shade of a tree, about the brilliance of a flower, about the work of a bee. I feel good to see, feel, smell, taste, touch and hear these things. This good feeling is the yardstick by which I measure experiences and whether they feel good or do not feel good.

I trust nature. The four seasons are the foundation upon which I build my system of time and order. I am linked biologically to the phases of the moon. I am a creature of the sun and its gift of photosynthesis upon which all life depends. I learn to know the truth about myself and others in observing cause and effect. I know that nature’s workings are not judgmental or personal but eternal and enduring. So, a tsunami, or a hurricane or an earthquake or the bite of a snake is an effect and not evil or spawned by demons.

I respect nature. Last year, our well ran dry. There was not enough snow and rain to replenish the underground rivers from which our water is supplied. We drilled a new, deeper well and prayed for rain. It has finally come and we have water again. The process by which water is produced is complex and interdependent upon the health of the world’s oceans, atmosphere and land. I know about this process and I’ve see enough drought cycles in my life to experience this process. I respect and accept the simplicity and beauty of these natural processes which are so vital for life on the planet.

I am disturbed that so many of our elected officials do not love, trust and respect nature. It is clear that they embrace former U.S. Secretary of the Interior, James G. Watt’s view of nature:

"My responsibility is to follow the Scriptures which call upon us to occupy the land until Jesus returns." -- James G. Watt, The Washington Post, May 24, 1981

To the Gail Nortons, James G. Watts, George W. Bushes of our modern world, we are “occupiers.” The unruly and untamed wilderness must submit and produce according to their arbitrary rules of engagement. They do not recognize that nature is the essence of productivity and benefits us by existing – period – end of story. I want nature to exist for all time and for all life – even if humans extinguish themselves through war and stupidity and even if ..”Jesus returns.”

Earth Day celebrations are coming up when we are reminded to love our Mother Earth by holding our government officials accountable for the quality of our air, water and forests. I’m glad environmentalists are not giving up or giving in and that’s the truest way to show our love. Wade through the lies of our corporate controlled government as they try to divert us from the truth with political bias, fear and greed. Rely on your inner voice and you’ll know that nature is our first love and our sustaining love and deserving of our continued support.