Trees of Life:Forests In Peril
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November 12th, 2019

11/12/2019

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Education of Nature’s Way
 
Do you ever pause to consider the changing society we live in today? I can now look back over my life and see dramatic adjustments in how our lives have changed, both good and bad. The majority of our population has become urbanized and we are rapidly losing our opportunities to observe and connect to the natural world. Urbanization concentrates people in metropolitan areas where the jobs are more prevalent and services more available. It is now common-place for both spouses to pursue careers, complicating family relationships particularly, for children. School children now must face the issues of school security, discipline and drugs. Management of employees now requires different considerations as the mobility of two career families is now limited, if even possible. The reliance on computers and smart phones has reduced the personal interaction between people and the need to learn by observation and experience. Probably, the most critical change has been the concrete jungle of city life that has removed our daily connection to the natural world and our appreciation for the life sustaining relationships we share with this world.
Many of our urban adults can still remember their connection to rural life during their early childhood or visits to their grandparents that might have lived in rural America but, what about today’s children? I talk to young folks that have no idea as to how the local grocery store shelves get stocked and where that food comes from. We talk about what children need in their development such as food, shelter, love, security, etc. but, usually overlook the need to connect with the natural world. My concerns with the science of forestry led me to a deeper understanding of the connections we share and depend upon with the natural world and the desire for a more in-depth knowledge of the story of creation. It is apparent, we are losing our intimate relationship and appreciation for the natural world and life sustaining elements provided only by this world.
A few highly qualified education experts are beginning to recognize the importance of experiencing nature in child development. Research has demonstrated experiencing the natural world aids children in their intellectual, social, physical and emotional development. The professional literature states that nature’s experiences can reduce stress, improve creativity, provide more positive relationships with others and improve concentration. There are indications that spending time in nature reduces symptoms of attention deficit disorder and improves problem solving and observational skills. There is no question that eliminating a child’s opportunity to experience nature will result in major changes in how that person will relate to and value the natural world in adulthood. The responsibility is not just with our educators but, also requires the help of parents. When is the last time your child told you that trees can talk or rocks can feel? The magical wisdom of children is amazing! Today, we know trees can communicate with each other and maybe with humans through bio-rhythm’s, and rocks feel the effects of weather and deteriorate into soils providing life for millions of organisms on our planet. Everything is connected and children growing up without a connection to the natural world can develop fears and prejudices against our natural surroundings. Linking the story of creation and the multitude of relationships within the story, to modern scientific knowledge is essential to future management of our natural world.          
I am truly concerned with the changing life styles of our people and the education of our youth for the future! Environmental education is critical but must transition from a scientific course to an ecological presentation that identifies and creates an appreciation for shared relationships. Our youth need to spend time outside in at NATURE! Our entire Universe functions through relationships that were designed into the creation of this World! The future of humanity depends upon educating our youth to understand and respect the relationships required for continued life on Earth!    
     
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October 25th, 2019

10/25/2019

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SPIRITUALITY AND THE NATURAL WORLD
 
The other evening, we were watching a program on television and were reminded of experiences we had with friends from the Native American community. The story was about a young woman who was a horse trainer and one of her horses was refusing to perform at the level he previously had performed. Lost as to what to do, she found a Native friend from her mother’s past, known for his abilities in horse training. He agreed to observe the horse and help her to determine what the problem was. She spent a few days at his ranch but, rather than focusing on the horse, they spent much time on long walks and discussions on life and the need to know your inner-self. The young woman had been experiencing some disappointments and emotional problems in her life which appeared hidden but, were apparently understood by her new friend. She was concerned that no time was being devoted to the horse, only these long walks and deep discussions. When she finally realized the horse was reacting to her inner emotions, as many animals do, she was able to rebuild the confidence of the horse and return him to his previous performance level.
What caught our attention was the ability of the friend to observe and understand the situation and share his Native wisdom and ways, to encourage self-evaluation. There seems to be an ability to observe and understand the inner self and the natural world, among our Native people, in a more compassionate way than our western society. Tribal elders, particularly, seem to have a spirituality to observe and understand the detail of creation and humanity beyond many of us. They also have a gentleness in the way they present themselves which aids in communicating their traditional knowledge. This depth of understanding along with the soft, gentle approach to express themselves, appears to be common among the different tribes, particularly with the elders. There are many lessons to be learned from our indigenous people and the power of empirical observation which appears to come from their spiritual relationship with the natural world and Mother Earth. Charles Eastman wrote, “In the life of the Indian there was only one inevitable duty—the duty of prayer—the daily recognition of the Unseen and Eternity. His daily devotions were more necessary to him than daily food”. Medicine Crow, of the Teton Sioux Tribe, tells us, “in our scared rites the person must have the proper spiritual attitudes to participate”. He goes on to state, “It is possible to learn the outer steps that must be accomplished in a rite without learning the inner meanings that are the key to the scared traditions”. Black Elk of the Oglala Lakota Sioux said, “I am blind and do not see the things of this world, but when the light comes from Above, it enlightens my heart and I can see, for the Eye of my heart sees everything. The heart is a sanctuary at the center of which…. The Great Spirit dwells… if the heart is pure”.  Francis Laflescher of the Omaha Tribe points out, “the real character of red people is never fully known until there has been obtained some knowledge of their ……. ideas and their conception of the Unseen Power that animates all life”. Walking Buffalo of the Stoney Tribe tells us. “The Great Spirit has provided you and me with an opportunity for study in nature’s university, the forests, the rivers, the mountains and the animals, which include us”.  
Our Native people have studied the meaning of life through empirical observation and developed a spirit filled wisdom about creation, the natural world and the inner sole of the human being. This was clearly revealed in my opening story of the young woman and her horse. Her friend was able to see into the heart of the woman and the animal and in his spiritual way, bring the two back to a respectful relationship. There is a strong message in this story for each of us. Our reliance on the classroom and text books is not sufficient if we care about the future. The wisdom of life comes from the study and observation of nature’s way! Professor Thomas Berry suggests the best way to a desirable future may rest within the traditional knowledge and wisdom of our indigenous people. I am in total agreement with Dr. Berry and believe our indigenous people have much to share with our western culture. It is time to build bridges, not walls, for together we can make a difference! We must rebuild our spiritual respect for Mother Earth, the greatest gift the Great Creator, God, has given to each one of us! Life, including human life, was an inevitable part of the story of creation and our God given intelligence has endowed us with the power to destroy or restore our home, planet Earth. We need help now but, finding that help requires reaching out to a people our culture historically suppressed and attempted to destroy their culture through forced removal from their home lands and required attendance by their children to military Christian boarding schools. These schools required the children to wear western clothing, cut their hair and adopt Christian names. Rebuilding relationships will not be easy and will require sincerity and a recognition we are far more similar than we are different! The issue we face is a universal issue that demands a global response!        
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October 10th, 2019

10/10/2019

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GLOBALISM AND THE NATURAL WORLD
 
History provides numerous examples of entire cultures that have collapsed and failed. Examples such as Easter Island, Mayans, Aztecs and Norse people of Greenland are cultures that have failed as a result of environmental failures within their immediate environments. Dr. Jerod Diamond, a professor of geography specializing in evolutionary biology and bio-geography, contributes these failures to the ecological problems inadvertently caused by the people which resulted in the destruction of the resources they depended on for survival. He identifies eight major environmental issues to be most significant in the demise of these Cultures. They were deforestation and habitat destruction, soil problems, water problems, over-hunting, over-fishing, population growth, introduction of non-indigenous species and increased per capita consumption of the people. Studies indicate the people were probably not aware of the devastating impact they were having on their environment until it was too late, which continues to be a problem today. It is important to point out again the natural world and forests in particular, provide the life sustaining elements for 80% of all living species on our planet.
There is no doubt that the concept of a global community is progressing regardless of our desires. Advanced technology, particularly in travel and communications, has accelerated this transition with little consideration for the human impacts which might occur. Worldwide markets are critical for major countries and it seems fair market principles are being debated daily. Worldwide communications allow corporate institutions to find and employ workers to produce their goods and services at a fraction of the cost of American labor. There are even considerations for a global monetary system. Yes, advancements in technology has shrunk our  world, unfortunately it has not produced more land to provide for our growing populations needs. When I review the research that has provided insight into past cultures, the two most common environmental issues found in their collapse and failure are population expansion and deforestation.
It appears, we failed to realize what we were doing when we began to interfere with the processes of the natural world. We saw Earth as belonging to us and used our new found knowledge for our own human advantage with an arrogant disregard for the well-being of the planet. Even our religious beliefs indicate we were to be dominant over all other life and we were given the intelligence to manipulate the natural world. Ignoring the human destruction to our home, planet earth, raises the question, do we have time to change? Based on past cultural failures, it is apparent our indigenous people were not perfect but, many knew their environment and shared the resources they depended upon. Dr. Berry states, “In their traditional mystique of the earth, they are emerging as one of our surest guides to a viable future”.
Approximately, ten thousand years ago civilization moved from a hunter-gather culture to an agricultural culture and human disturbance of the natural world began in earnest. Early agricultural efforts planted food bearing plants among the native plants and did not clear the land of existing vegetation. Time changed as the need to supply food for large numbers of people increased. Soon small farms began to appear and today, with modern equipment, farms are thousands of acres in size and some ranches are measured in square miles. Today’s demand for tillable soil has resulted in deforesting millions of acres worldwide. The opportunity to provide new lands for our masses has also been exhausted. Everything now demands intensive management of each individual acre including our remaining forest covered lands. The problem is; how do we define intensive management? The science of forestry, which focuses on a sustainable flow of resources from the forests, views intensive management as planting trees in plantations and selecting species that maximize the production of wood fiber per acre. Those who follow the principles of preservation, want the forest lands locked up from human intrusion and allow nature to re-establish the stands of trees after they become old and decadent. Old and decadent tree stands are unable to provide the elements required for life on our planet. Neither of these management strategies will sustain life in the future. Management must focus on keeping the individual forest communities healthy and vibrant as well as maintaining the diversity of the original vegetative cover found within the community. I call this, “Natures’ Way “, which describes the human process of trying to perpetuate the original vegetative cover, diversity and animal utilization. The problem we are having exists because scientists insist their knowledge is based on measured modes of explanation which creates a materialistic universe from simply random processes.
There are a few obvious factors we must accept today if we care about tomorrow! The power of control humans have over the natural life systems are vast in the powers of devastation but pathetically limited with the powers of renewal. There are no new lands to discover and develop on our planet and our world population is going to challenge Earth’s carrying capacity within the next 30 to 40 years. Increased population will necessitate additional deforestation for food, shelter and infrastructure. The life sustaining elements provided by forested lands and required by 80% of life systems on Earth, will shrink as deforestation efforts increase! These facts should trigger a worldwide coalition focused on finding realistic solutions for our future! We must join hands with our brothers and sisters and ignite the Eighth and Final Fire described in the Seven Fire Prophecies of the Anishinaabe People. Our grandchildren are depending upon us! Will globalization help or hinder efforts to save and renew the Natural World?                  
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September 29th, 2019

9/29/2019

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A Global Community
 
In the solitude of the forest, I feel at home and with relaxation, my mind continues to search for truth and a deeper understanding of the natural world. My years in the work environment focused on the needs of people and provided little time to observe and understand the relationships life shares with the natural world. I was responsible for leading the management of three and a half million acres of which one and a half million were congressionally designated Wilderness lands. The two million acres of non-wilderness lands were managed for the resources we could take from the forest. Retirement allowed the opportunity to re-consider the 34 years of experiences I had and to reach back to the history of how these forest communities came into existence. I began to understand that modern science had been strongly influenced by ancient religious traditions. It seems the relation between the two still lacks a realistic appreciation and understanding. This may be a special task our modern society is being called to resolve.
Observing many of today’s issues; global warming, climate change, free trade, global economics, has resulted in the suggestion, that we are building a multiform global community where each person and country, finds existence in a comprehensive context. Today, we are observing a re-orientation from the needs of the group to the needs of the individual. This movement is primarily the result of urban expansion and our convergence to an industrialized society. Individualism has impacted societal norms by increasing division among the people, an increased emphasis on greed, alienation from our spiritual traditions and a lost concern for the life sustaining elements provided only by the natural world. We find ourselves in the present world distinguished by its science and technology, rather than its spiritual depth and richness of its human qualities. We now believe our future will be extended by advanced scientific knowledge and new technology, such as artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence is the new robotic technology that can think and solve problems and replace humans in many jobs within the work environment. Can you imagine what that will do to the human psyche? It will be an unbelievable technological advancement that will devastate the human species but, think of the monetary savings in production costs. The ability of the human mind is remarkable but, an in-depth review of history clearly demonstrates that technological advancements in the past have improved life styles and accelerated the destruction of the natural world. Thomas Berry states, ”The integrity of the life systems of the planet, diminished with the spread of humans across the planet, must be restored “.  He continues, “It takes a universe to bring humans into being, a universe to educate humans, a universe to fulfill the human mode of being. …It takes a solar system and a planet Earth to shape, educate, and fulfill the human. The scientific community has developed this powerful mode of understanding but in many respects has exacerbated the situation.” The problem is that science describes the universe simply as a mechanical process which then justifies the exploitation of Mother Earth by advanced technology and commercial greed. Modern science still insists creation of the universe was by random mechanistic forces.
A careful review of major technological advancements in the United States of American, over the past 100 years, have improved life styles and working condition but, accelerated the destruction of our natural world.
As my mind imagines setting beneath a large oak tree, in the silence of the forest, I drift into the natural surroundings and am exposed to questions I have never thought of before. Things I have experienced, observed, studied and discussed require me to search for understanding and meaning. The specific solutions elude me but, it is clear the challenge is to renew the lands where humans and industry have exhausted the soils, fouled the air, polluted the waters and ruined the forests. Human-Earth relations have not been given the comprehensive consideration needed and resolution will require collaboration between the scientific community and the spiritual community. Alienation must be replaced with in-depth understanding and appreciation! A deep understanding of our natural world will provide far more opportunities than advanced technology can ever hope to provide!                  

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September 16th, 2019

9/16/2019

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A Return to the Forest
 
My side trip into the social changes have been based on my personal observations during my life, 34-year career and 15 different assignments throughout the country. Just 5 years into my career, I accepted an assignment with the Job Corp Conservation program and spent 4 years working with young men ages 16 to 21. They spent half of their time in education and the other half in work completing projects on the National Forests. The experience changed my life and the remainder of my career. The importance of human needs and desires became paramount in the pursuit of my efforts to manage the natural world and our valuable forests. The diversity that was necessary for human communities to function allowed me to see the same necessity within forest communities however, it was not until my retirement years that I began to completely understand that the extend of diversity was the measure of perfection. I have come to understand this concept is true for all life systems on our planet. My view of changing social values and norms has expanded my appreciation for the complexity of our natural world and a deeper understanding of the importance of our remaining tree covered lands. It is now time to return to the forest where I am at home and belong.  
Retirement provided time to become an avid deer and turkey hunter where I spent many hours sitting in a blind observing life within the forest. It provided time to recall experiences and observations from my years with the Forest Service. Early in my career, I became aware of the variety of vegetative conditions within the forests and undertook a project to map those differences for the Ranger District I was assigned to. Unfortunately, I did not have the depth of understanding to appreciate that I was observing individual forest communities not just different vegetative types. Hours of observation opened my eyes to the different relationships that existed within these unique communities and demonstrated how inter-connected the living organisms were. Nothing is its self without all the rest! Everything in the living world is connected, has a purpose and contributes to the sustenance of life. Yes, what I was observing were individual communities where relationships and diversity provided the elements that support the variety of life systems that together functioned as a community.
When I presented my observations of the social changes within the human life system, it was because of the similarities I had found to the changing conditions within the natural world we depend upon for survival. My education and experience in forestry, has provided the basis for understanding that every single organism has a purpose, we are all connected and cannot survive without each other and it is the relationships we share that sustains life on our planet.
I am concerned that today’s facts and data suggest we are facing a worldwide problem where human demands and requirements for land and resources, will exceed Earth’s capability to provide. Our expanding world population and rate of deforestation, I am convinced, are the two major environmental issues that will determine our future destiny. 10 billion people, according to scientists, may well be the limit of Earth’s ability to support and the US Census Bureau predicts our world population will reach that number in 30 years. Today, the tropical forests of Brazil are burning to make room for increased agricultural production and as populations expand, more land will be required for food production, urban sprawl and new infrastructure. Over half of our original forest covered lands have already been deforested and converted to other uses or reverted to desert like conditions. Controlling population expansion is a complex and difficult issue with very limited opportunities to resolve and as the world population continues to expand, accelerating deforestation is inevitable.
The science of forestry will be challenged to play a leadership role in managing our remaining forested lands to benefit life systems on our planet in the future. This will necessitate a major deviation from managing the natural resources we take from the forests and a continuous flow of products from the forests, too managing forests for optimum health and maximum diversity so as to supply the elements required to support life systems on Earth. This will require new goals and objectives for every acre for forest covered lands. No longer can we manage for the sustainable flow of traditional wood products but, must focus on providing a store house for carbon dioxide, the production of life sustaining oxygen, purification of water, scrubbing our air of poisonous toxins, preventing the loss of rich top soil, providing shade to cool the surface of Earth and sustaining the unique attributes of each forest community. Artificial reforestation, using plantations of single species and single age classes, must be replaced with natural regeneration from local seed sources and non-indigenous species introduction must be terminated. Gifford Pinchot’s definition of forestry, “the growing of trees as a crop”, must be replaced with, “Providing the elements that support life on our planet by managing our remaining forested lands for health and diversity”. As our forested land base shrinks, the health of our remaining tree covered acres will become increasingly critical! Our pressing issue is how we initiate these mandatory changes in time to make a difference? Where is the leadership in the science of forestry, that has the wisdom to see and re-direct the science to focus on the life sustaining elements forested lands providing sustenance for 80% of the life systems on Earth? Who will break the old molds and institute the new principles required to provide our desired future for LIFE? We need to return to our home in the forest that gives life to each and every one of us! We can no longer afford to alienate ourselves from the forests and the natural world. It is only there, that we will find our future!
                    
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September 03rd, 2019

9/3/2019

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ADJUSTING TO CHANGING SOCIAL VALUES!
 
I have only scratched the surface in identifying the significant changes our society has made the past 50 years and, I am sure you can find volumes of information presented by others far more knowledgeable. The point of my last two articles was to highlight the fact that much has changed in our life styles yet, I continue to observe the inability of our institutions to adjust to these changing social norms. This is true for corporate, academic, political, government agencies, religious institutions and many other organizations. I have observed numerous situations where serious family issues have resulted due to demands by their employer to transfer for promotion or expanded experience. Most of my career was in management and I can appreciate the need to expose employees to new experiences and work challenges.  Changing social values, particularly in family structure, require a re-evaluation of managerial principles prominent in the past. I have observed several cases where valuable employees have been lost due to a lack of understanding by top management of the changing social values in our culture.
One case involved an employee with a strong educational background, excellent people skills and 12 years in place. His wife was a corporate lawyer at their present location and their family involved two high school aged children. Management insisted on transferring the person to a new location that was struggling and to expand the persons breadth of experience. The employee felt obligated and reluctantly accept the assignment. The wife was unwilling to give up her career resulting in the couple’s separation and eventual divorce. The family was split up and the new assignment was located in a very high cost living area where the employee was unable to cover the costs. In order to meet the high cost of living, the individual was forced to change careers resulting in managements loss a valuable employee. I don’t know if the family was able to re-connect.
In another case, both spouses had professional careers and had made the necessary family adjustments to provide for the needs of both spouses. Their profession frequently provided employee housing as re-assignments were historically a part of the profession for advancement and breadth of experience. The male member had just completed an advanced degree and was working on a less than full time assignment to help support the family’s needs but, found the need for a full-time position for financial reasons. He requested a re-assignment within a reasonable commuting distance of their home. Management decided they could re-locate the person to a full-time assignment but, he would be required to live in the new location which was unacceptable for his wife’s career and their child’s education. The result was the family took priority and the employee left for a similar position with a more flexible employer.
These are just a couple examples of situations where I believe management lost two valuable employees’ by not understanding changes in family needs however, they represent common situations encountered today.
With the loss of manufacturing jobs, to other countries, skilled labor has had to adjust to lower paying jobs in the service industries. Today, many of the better paying service jobs are with the health industry however, salaries are not yet competitive with past manufacturing job salaries. The other significant change has been in employer provided health insurance and annuity benefits. We are also observing a raise in temporary employment agencies which, allows companies to use temporary labor without paying benefits of any kind. These changes have resulted in a decline in employee morale and company loyalty which, I believe, has adversely effected employee work ethics and productivity. When I entered the work force in 1960, most employees spent their entire career with one company or organization however, today employees are searching for better opportunities and will change jobs and even careers several times prior to retirement.
Corporation efforts to increase profitability, urbanization and a world economy have contributed significantly to the changes we have described and encouraged large investors to look for other labor sources. Advanced technology is rapidly being developed which will also have a serious reduction on the demand for skilled labor.
Management is being challenged to understand and develop management principles that will encourage American workers to bring back our American work ethic and support their company’s goals and objectives. Adjusting to today’s social norms will require a new relationship between management and labor where labor is recognized as the most valued company asset and are given the freedom to participate in building the company’s value and reputation. America’s future depends upon working together and sharing in the success. Employees need to look forward to the day’s work opportunities and leave at the end of the day feeling fulfilled with the contributions they have made to their company’s mission. We can still return to the best and most productive work force in the world, the challenge is up to management! I have seen foreign investors achieve success by forming partnerships with their work force so, the examples are available if we will initiate change! America’s economic strength was built on the strong work ethic of our workers and has been lost primarily as a result of corporate greed for increased profits. It can be rebuilt when management develops a work environment where corporate leadership and the employees share in the company’s success and profits. It is the ingenuity and dedication of the employees that builds strong profitable companies! The focus on individualism and individual success that is what is destroying the values that elevated the United States to world leadership. Rebuilding management and worker relations is required for our desired future!                  
    
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August 20th, 2019

8/20/2019

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SOCIETAL CHANGE 2
 
The last article presented some of the changes we have experienced with the shift in rural residency to urban residency however, we need to continue with our review of social change that has occurred over the past 50 years and the influence it has had on life styles. These changes have drawn our population further away from understanding and appreciating our connection to the natural world, as well as influenced other life-style changes.
Our economy was based primarily on manufacturing from the mid 1940’s to the mid 1960’s. Unions had organized the labor force and managed to create good paying jobs with benefits which allowed families to live a middle class life-style and provide advanced educational opportunities for their aspiring children. Mothers were home makers and provided daily care and direction for the children. Parental influence was strong and our youth were inspired to achievements beyond what their parents had achieved. The productivity of the American worker led the world. The 1960’s and 70’s initiated a trend toward a worldwide economy, resulting in changes to our manufacturing industries as access to much cheaper labor became available. Advancements in transportation and communications opened the door to countries that offered a 90% savings in labor costs and eliminated costly benefit packages.
The result was a transition from a manufacturing-based economy to a technology base, which went on to experience a similar situation as manufacturing. Countries like India were producing college graduates that could be hired at a small fraction of the cost of U S technicians. Our economy is now based on service jobs which are generally low paying as compared to manufacturing or technology jobs. The result has been significant changes for the family and modern day life styles.
More and more people have moved to urban areas as the jobs tend to be located there and one can reduce commute time by living close to the work site. It is not uncommon for people to have more than one job in order to provide for their family and in most family’s both parents have jobs so as to live comfortably. Moving families for additional on-the-job training opportunities has become a thing of the past due to the expense and hardship it places on the family. The old thought, “20 different experiences was far better than the same experience 20 times over”, is a management concept of the past.  This situation has slowed the promotional opportunities for many employees particularly for opportunities requiring managerial skills, due to limited breadth of experience.
Since the 1950’s, we have also seen a major increase in women pursuing professional careers and being highly successful in top management positions. This has resulted in changes in the family role for both parents. One result has been a declining size in the family. The average birth rate per family since 1950 has fallen from 3.4 children to 1.8. On the other hand, these changes have significantly reduced the mother’s time for child care and training requiring substituting grandparents or day care facilities outside the home for this job. This has resulted in many adverse impacts on child development and behavior. Today, both parents must participate in household duties and schedule time for all the outside demands requiring their involvement. Yes, that so-called 52 hours of free time is now crammed full of demands for time and financial school support, continuing education needs, community participation, professional groups and committees and the list goes on.
I have watched these changes and have seen the impacts it has on our society. The clock keeps running and we run faster and faster to try to keep up. We wonder why so many are searching for artificial means for relief and relaxation. Advanced technology takes us further away from the natural world and even reduces our socializing time with other people. It is difficult to go anywhere without observe people deeply engrossed with their smart phone rather than communicating with other people. We don’t have time to read, listen or search for information so, we depend on google! Help is need but, where can it be found? Since additional hours cannot be created, we search for help to meet my spiritual, emotional, financial, individual and family needs! Nice to know information on the internet is interesting but, help in understanding and coping with the issues confronting us daily is needed!
Management and leadership demand a deep understanding of the social changes we have experienced and relating these changes to the requirements of the American work force is essential if we expect to continue as a world leader and economic power. Trickle-down economics is not the answer but rather trickle-up knowledge of the social requirements of today’s life styles and the importance of the American workforce for the future is required! There has never been a time in our history when tearing down the barriers that separate us has been more necessary! Our future depends upon recognizing the necessity of diversity and working together to re-build our egalitarian democratic society!     
 

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August 03rd, 2019

8/3/2019

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SOCIAL CHANGE!
 
The past 50 years have seen significant changes in social patterns and behaviors which have resulted in adjustments in modern-day life styles and the way we relate to the natural world. These changes have challenged our various institutions to make major adjustments in management principles in order to meet the needs of their clientele. Even our religious institutions are experiencing shrinking participation in membership as a result of changing social norms.  Prior to moving to Virginia, a year and a half ago, we attended a small rural United Methodist church in Michigan. The United Methodist church is an organized religious denomination with an overhead organization divided into national and state conferences, districts and finally, local church charges. Most Christian denominations in the United States have been experiencing declining membership for some time, and are searching for ways to encourage new membership. My involvement with the small church in Michigan and pressure from Conference leadership, triggered my interest in how social changes were impacting our religious institutions. Statistical data showed significant changes in participation in Sunday religious gatherings. Nationwide data indicates that slightly over 80% of U. S. citizens say they believe in a God yet, only 12% actively participate in church programs. This is a significant reduction in church attendance from the 1940’s and 50’s. Why?
I fell back to my old training which said, you must first define the problem before you start searching for solutions! The Conference was definitely not following this logic. They were developing teams to go to the individual churches and help them build plans and solutions to attract new members which was resulting in limited success.
I began looking at changes I have experienced in social interactions and soon learned these changes were influencing much more than just church activities. Social change was also resulting in alienating our connection to the natural world, mobility of employees in the work force and the necessity of considering career needs of both spouses. The biggest change was in where people live with rural residency shrinking rapidly and a major shift to urban life. In 1900, the U. S. census bureau figures showed that 40% lived in urban cities and 60% lived in rural locations. By 1950 these statistics had flipped, showed 64% were urban dwellers and 36% were rural residents, and today 81% live in urban cities and only 19% remain in rural communities and locations. This means the vast majority of our people are now living in the concrete jungles of metropolitan cities and are losing their connection to the land and natural world. Additionally, urban living has intensified the stress level within our life’s and has forced us to prioritize the limited amount of time available each week. There are but 168 hours in each week of which about 56 hours are spent sleeping, 48 hours at work and lunch and as much as 12 hours commuting to and from work. That leaves just 52 hours for all the other chores, duties and family needs. Increased societal demands are competing for the 52 hours of so-called free time, forcing us to decide what we must do and what can we give up. Any institution or organization attempting to secure your involvement, must offer benefits or values that move them up the priority list and something else must fall off. We are told there has never been a time in our history when our population has lived a more stressful life style.  
Financing our educational programs has also required major changes demanding more evening and weekend time and support from parents if their children are to participate in extracurricular activities. Concentrating people in close living conditions has increased stress levels, class size and complicated class discipline and even catastrophic events like school shootings. I recognize that cable news covers 24 hours a day now but, I simply do not recall these problems being of concern back in the 1950’s. Children today fear for their safety going to school and are met at the school door by uniformed armed guards. I cannot imagine the emotional impact this has, particularly on the young elementary students.
The other major change effecting our education system has been the reduction in financial support for our public education schools. The primary cause has been significant reductions in federal financial support resulting from major loss of revenue as a result of tax cuts for the wealthiest members of our society. When tax burdens are cut incoming revenues are reduced and budget reductions are required. Politicians look for cuts that are the least visible to voters which include items like federal grant money for education and infrastructure. Schools have been forced to reduce programs and services which has placed increased time burdens on parents. Parents now must provide many of the educational materials at their expense and provide transportation and supervision for weekend sports and extra-curriculum activities, which cuts deeply into the so called 52 hours of free time.
Today, we are involved in a stressful race to complete our duties and responsibilities within the limited hours that exist, for there is no way to create more hours. Prioritizing every minute is now essential and not well done as we race into the next day worried about what might interrupt our plans. This is just the changes in our educational system, what about the other life-style changes that have occurred? The next blog will look at other changing social values that are pulling us away from our connection to the land and the natural world.                        
 
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July 22nd, 2019

7/22/2019

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Political Debate Over Climate Change!
 
It appears the issue of climate change will be a key concern during our upcoming 2020 election year. I have been watching closely the positions various candidates are taking on the issue and I am concerned that most Politian’s have very limited knowledge of the details surrounding the subject. My major concern is that one side has accepted the scientific reality of climate change and is trying to suggest possible solutions without full knowledge of the problem. The other side rejects scientific facts and attempts to convince the public there is no problem and the issue has no connection to the human demands being placed on our natural world. We have become so divided; we are unable to agree on an issue that has been clearly defined by the vast majority of the worldwide scientific community. My 81-year life span on planet Earth has allowed me to observe significant changes in weather patterns such as, storm frequency and intensity. It also has provided time to observe many changes in our political institution and how it functions. My concern is that many of the political changes have not resulted in a more effective government for the people. To be told what I know to be reality, by many of our political leaders, is discouraging and leaves me questioning the integrity of politicians elected to represent our interests, not theirs. Those that have accepted the reality of climate change are headed in the right direction but, need a much deeper understanding of the scientific facts surrounding the issue. There is far more to the cause of climate change than simply controlling the emission of carbon into the atmosphere due to the burning of fossil fuels. The issue becomes extremely complex when we realize the causes are the result of human demands for food, shelter and energy required to maintain our desired standard of living. Therefore, the solutions must focus on reducing the demand for resources provided by planet Earth which is a challenging requirement. What it is telling us is that Earth has limitations as to what she can provide in resources required to sustain life on this planet. Scientists have been attempting to estimate the population carrying capacity of our planet by evaluating the availability of resources required for various population densities. Although only estimates, most tending to believe 10 billion people may be the limit. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, we will reach a world population of 10 billion in just 30 years. Birth rates are declining in the developing countries but average age expectancy is increasing. Medical science is telling us the United States will achieve a life expectancy of 120 years in the near future. Attempts to control birth rates have been tried in the past and have been complete failures, including China’s effort to limit the number of new born female children.
The second major environmental issue is deforestation which we have discussed many times. Deforestation is critical because our forest covered lands have been one of the major suppliers of resources required for life. We have already shrunk our original forest covered land base by more than fifty per cent and are deforesting the equivalent of 20 football field every minute worldwide. Again, this is a very complex problem to change. Our expanding world population will require more land to produce food and provide land for shelter, transportation, recreation and business. The only option will require major adjustments in the science of forestland management. Every acre of remaining tree covered land will have to function at top performance levels which means intensive management focused on forest health and improved bio-diversity. No longer can we look to what we can take from the forests but instead, must focus on how we maintain the life sustaining elements trees provide that sustain 80% of all life forms on our planet! 
Our political representatives were defined and have been known as public servants since our democratic concept of government was established however, I seriously doubt any of the current members of the House or Senate consider themselves public servants today. Currently, politicians are focused on two concerns; ELECTION AND RE-ELECTION! So, how do we get them to change and start doing the work of and for the people? You have the power in your vote and without voter support, there is no politician! Although, each person has different skills, talents, interests and thoughts; we are far more similar than we are different. People can live and work together; it is the individuals that are attempting to lead and control people and power, that cause division and conflict. True, we need guiderails along the path of life, but it is still “We the People” that control the democratic government. It is the responsibility of the people, the voters, to search out the truth and insist upon realistic rules and guidelines that will lead to a more desirable future for humanity! Your help is essential to reaching a larger audience and providing an understanding of the importance of our natural world for future generations!  

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REACHING A LARGER AUDIENCE

7/11/2019

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I am in the middle of my sixth year publishing this blog and trying to demonstrate that we can have a better tomorrow if, we are willing to work together and to make significant adjustments in our life-styles. It has been challenging to find the facts about our natural world to provide others with the information which supports the concerns we need to be aware of for our future survival on Earth. I am encouraged by the reviews this website receives, averaging almost 4000 reviews every 30 days. In an effort to reach more people, I went on facebook and have been posting articles from the website. Social media is something I have little knowledge of so, my facebook page is reaching a limited number of people.
I am aware there have been numerous predictions of the end of time throughout history and none have been accurate. No one is capable  of predicting when a major catastrophic event might happen but, scientific data provides strong evidence that Mother Earth cannot sustain the adverse demands humans continue to require. I tend to be an optimist and believe the adverse human impacts on Earth can be reduced if, we understand the problems and have the desire to provide a better future. We must start by opening our eyes and our minds to the expanded scientific knowledge base that is available today! We must listen to the facts not opinions. The question is, how do we reach a larger audience and provide the incentive for people to insist on logical changes designed to improve the future?
Iris and I have donated our time to presenting the facts, hoping others will begin to insist on our leaders becoming knowledgeable of our dilemma and to work with the scientific community to find and implement realistic Evening Thoughts. Expanding your scientific knowledge base will allow you to reach others and encourage them to participate in this movement.
We believe the most critical need is to educate our youth in a way that provides them with a deeper understanding of the important relationships our natural world provide, which we are dependent upon for the sustenance of life. Science education has not yet adjusted to incorporate the most important element which is understanding the connections and relationships that exist between all living organisms. My book, "I'm Just A Tree-Life depends On Me", presents an example of how science and environmental education needs to be presented to our youth. Instead of presenting the scientific facts about trees, this book illustrates the connections and relationships trees provide and share with humans. This concept can be used to present any element of the natural environment, including rocks, insects, micro-organisms, etc. Basically, the process focuses on ecological relationship rather than narrow scientific facts about the element.
Our hope is that we can enlist individuals and groups to become involved in spreading the facts about our natural to others, building communication networks, sponsoring information sessions, and contacting your elected representatives. Contact your school boards and encourage them to search for materials that teach our children to respect and preserve the natural relationships required for the future we all seek. Please pass on information about our website and talk with to your friends and contacts about the importance of educating ourselves with the facts surrounding population expansion, deforestation and the adverse impacts humans are having are having on the natural world we depend upon for life. We need to understand that climate change is the result of our growing world population and the destruction of our remaining forest cover. I just read a medical paper indicating life expectancy will reach 120 years in the very near future. Effective management of our natural world is the only solution! Together we can make a difference! PLEASE JOIN US IN EXPANDING THE AUSIENCE NEEDED TO CREATE A DESIREABLE FUTURE FOR HUMANITY!  
 
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