Concerned.com

Just Sayin

Staff — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:15:40 +0000

Get a voice and be heard

I am very concerned about our country. I am concerned that our nations political idealogy is greatly divided. I am so concerned that we still have millions of people that romanticize the idea of going to war and flexing our military muscle around the globe.

I am concerned that the American dream has become a folk tale told by previous generations.

I am concerned that our country thinks that we should allow healthcare companies to profit from what should be a not for profit business.

I am concerned that our education system is broken. I am concerned that it is broken beyond repair from kindergarten to college. I am concerned that a quality higher education will be reserved for the upper class and elite few that can afford to spend over $240,000 to obtain a bachelors degree.

I am concerned that the automotive industry is greatly influenced by the oil industry. I am concerned that politicians around the world are greatly influenced and controlled by the oil industry.

At the same time I have never felt more hopeful than I have over the past few years. Readily available Internet access, wifi, 3g, 4g, Social Media, CNN, Wikipedia, Satellite up-links, word press, SmartPhones, iPhones, Android phones, text messaging, twitter, google, youtube, and the telephone have given each person a voice that can be heard around the world. The truth has never been so readily available. Lies and deceit have never been uncovered and exposed so quickly. The power that has been given to communities and countries has never been so strong. Companies and governments are being forced to change and make better decisions.

Don’t just standby silently and wait for change to happen. Get yourself an outlet. Make yourself heard. Help others fight for their cause. Get involved damn it !

Genetic Engineering

Staff — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:17:47 +0000

At first glance, genetic engineering might look exciting to most people. Deeper consideration brings out serious risks and dangers. Genetic engineering enables scientists to create animals, micro-organisms and plants by manipulating the DNA of living organisms in a way that does not occur naturally. It has become more and more evident that GM technology is inherently unreliable and hazardous both in medicine and in agriculture. The list of breakdowns is growing rapidly. It has become well known that Genetically modified agriculture cannot coexist with other forms of agriculture. GMO – genetically modified organisms – can scatter through nature and crossbreed with natural organisms, thus contaminating non-Genetic engineering environments in an uncontrollable and unforeseeable way. It is impossible to foreclose the horizontal spread of GM construct to other species which can take place no matter the environment.

Peace and Disarmament

Staff — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:16:08 +0000

Violence and war lead to the sweeping and systemic denial of political and civil rights, along with social, cultural and economical rights as scarce resources are used on weapons and preparation for war. There are up to 30,000 nuclear weapons in the world, belonging to nine countries: France, Russian Federation, US, UK, China, India, Israel, North Korea and Pakistan. Over 2,000 nuclear weapons tests have left a bequest of regional and global contamination. Most people living near the test area have suffered from still births, miscarriages, cancers, and other health effects. Women have often organized themselves to prevent injury and gun death and to support survivors and victims of gun violence. Wars are a major source of desolation; human poverty and suffering, affecting all aspects of social, economical and political life.

Hot Weather Preparedness

Staff — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:14:57 +0000

People have the possibility to prevent complications related to exposure to hot weather. However, many people continue to die each year of heat related illnesses. Knowing how to recognize, prevent and treat the symptoms is crucial during summer. Usually, elderly people, infants and people who work outdoors are more likely to suffer heat-related illnesses. There are a range of extra precautions people must take to avoid heat stress.

Reduce outdoors activity
Wear light-colors, lightweight clothing
Drink plenty of water and non-alcoholic fluids

People must be aware of symptoms such as:

Sweating
Painful cramps in the muscles
Nausea, confusion, dizziness or headaches
Weak pulse

Toxic Chemicals

Staff — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:11:38 +0000

Toxic chemicals in our environment threaten our lakes and rivers, our land, oceans, air, and ultimately ourselves and our future. The production, use, release, and trade of most synthetic chemicals is nowadays accepted as a global menace to human health. However, thousands of chemical compounds continue to be released by chemical industries every year. Unfortunately, Government policy and regulations have shown to be inefficient in making progress against the “toxic ignorance” problem. These omnipresent chemicals exist in our water and food, our air, our children’s toys. They are released into our streams and forests our streets and backyards and develop in our bodies.

Nuclear Age

Staff — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:08:54 +0000

The decision of dropping nuclear bombs on Nagasaki and Hiroshima ushered the Earth into the nuclear age. With the appearing of atomic weapons, mankind drives towards annihilation. The precept that leads the nuclear weapon nations, is the theory of disincentive, the impression that no state would attack another that has nuclear weapons. With the imposing numbers of stocked nuclear weapons and the possibility of nuclear development, will humankind be able to control the nuclear age? Despite all the precautions taken, the nuclear age remains an unacceptable danger to humanity. The first nuclear bomb was tested near New Mexico in July 1945. Later on, the “Atoms for Peace” Program was launched by President Eisenhower. In November 2000 nuclear power was recognized as unnecessary and dangerous technology. Statistics show that up to 1,300 million people have been mutilated, diseased or killed by nuclear power since it’s inception. The risks of nuclear energy are long-lasting, inherent and real.

Global Warming

Staff — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:06:09 +0000

The ocean and its dwellers will be irreversibly affected by the impacts of climate change and global warming. Experts state that global warming, by increasing sea water temperatures, will change ocean currents. The water in our oceans is blown by waves, pulled by tides and it is tardily circulating by the force of the Great Ocean Conveyor Belt. The Conveyor is powered by salinity and water temperature. The Gulf Stream, one of its most important parts is what keeps Europe warm. Apart from giving Europe its mild climate, the Conveyor offers an up welling of underside sea nutrients, and extends the absorption of carbon dioxide. Changes to the Conveyor circulation are usually related to sudden climate change. A dramatic cooling could lead to massive disturbance to European climate and agriculture, and affect other temperatures and sea currents around the globe.