We are in an unprecedented era of technology and change and our individual ability to affect the lives of millions. It is our duty and responsibility to share our lives and our personal observations of the world with those who freely search your opinion.
It's a world of web design, e-commerce, instant messaging, free video chats, new frontiers in technology and a host of other exciting thresholds. All these are good and can serve to benefit mankind. Yet, a vast number of men, women and youth feel more alone and isolated than ever.
We residents of Shenandoah, Iowa, can often feel secluded from the world just as other rural areas. Especially our youth who definitely often feel out of touch with the "greater" world outside. But it is greater - with knowledge! Can we bridge the gap in some small manner between rural populations and the world at large?
Shenandoah is part of the Sister Cities International program in which we are associated with a community overseas named Tisovec, Slovakia. It's a small community of comparable population. A very picturesque valley rich in history. The Sister Cities International program serves to enlarge cultural exchange and dialogue between peoples and lands. It's a very worthy ongoing project.
Sister Cities is a platform upon which a wide variety of activities can be built. A delegation from Tisovec has visited Shenandoah and likewise we've visited them. In the spring of 2012 Shenandoah will be sending a delegation over there for an important occasion. A tree planting ceremony will take place to solidify the Shenandoah/Tisovec relationship. The opportunity itself is a grand gesture to any host community that good intentions are at heart.
We are in the midst of worldwide turmoil. It can be extremely hard for any person, young or old, to have a bright outlook on life and prosperity. What we hear on the news is by and large skewed according to what that person believes. That's what makes Sister Cities and other like projects so precious and helpful. As we work together and get to know each other we then become friends. Through a working and continuing dialogue we can be happy and in fact even prevent the loss of life through future wars and strife.
It is important to follow the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States and use them as the template of proper order of government on all levels. It's important for the people, citizens of this nation, to know that they have been given the power and responsibility to provide a descent government for themselves. If such a government fails to truly represent it's people then they may be elected out. Every now and then a major change may need to be made. Our Fathers knew this in light of their relationship with England. They've provided the outline for peaceful transitioning of new government if it be the will of the people. How important this piece is to the safety and continuation of this great nation. In a modern time where we are having a spread of anarchy in the streets it's good to know that peaceful means of change is possible and in fact advocated by our Fathers.
May we all remember our civic and national responsibility to tend to our own government for the sake of our happiness and accountability. Today is the day to vote! For those that have put the pencil to the paper for my name I thank you tremendously. For those who did not yet did go to the ballot box I thank you immeasurably for the discharge of your duty.
No matter what side of the “green”
aisle you are on I would hope that we can all agree that the United
States has been severely sold out by not only the oil industry but
also government leaders. Our dependence on oil has reached epic
proportions and we can't be so blind as to not share the blame along
with several entities for allowing it. This crisis has brought green
technology to the forefront of debate. This was also at the heart of
a meeting which took place on Wednesday, 12 October, 2011, at the
Shenandoah High School Auditorium.
A very informative presentation was
presented to the public by Growth Energy which is chaired by Tom Buis
and co-chaired by Retired General Wesley Clark. The presentation
involved an almost one-hour-long film and piggybacked on the precepts
and success of our own Green Plains Renewable Energy. Alternative
fuels was strongly advocated but specifically the use of corn –
hence ethanol.
For me, personally, I understand that
there are always sixteen sides to every issue and it's important to
understand them all before making any firm and informed decisions. I
do know that we are way too involved and dependent in foreign oil.
I'm all for liberating people from tyranny and oppression but when
our military is sent into places where there may be our “energy
interests” at stake then that's where a line needs to be drawn and
we, as a nation, need to take a good look at ourselves.
Don't get me wrong. I wholly support
our military servicemen who protect our interests overseas and seek
to reduce the power of Al-Qaeda. However, we live in a society of
many layers of unmentioned reasons and intentions for every action.
I have to believe that a part of why we are so involved in the
fighting effort, no matter how small that part may be, is because
without THAT oil over there our own livelihood and economy would
crumble. This is where the shame is and this is what I mean when I
say I support the military effort but question the entirety of our
reasons there.
Really, this is a quagmire that's been
forming for decades. Any leader in office feels compelled to protect
those interests because to not do so would make that leader unfavored
among his/her constituents. For decades we have been weened from the
skill of independence to a culture of servitude and dependence.
Great modern cities and palaces are being built in desert sands with
the wealth we supply while hundreds of thousand of our own men, women
and children suffer to live under bridges or in appalling conditions.
There is an obvious disconnect here and it takes the form of a noose
with which we shall one day hang ourselves with lest other action be
taken.
The presentation was interesting. A
few things I learned in the presentation were:
The corn used for ethanol is by
and large not the corn we consume but rather the corn used in feed
lots for livestock. This was interesting because I've heard many
times the allegation that ethanol production is raising the cost of
food. Apparently this was inaccurate.
The corn used for ethanol is for
the most part returned as feed source in the form of ethanol
byproduct. This is product that is produced or left over after the
entire ethanol process is complete.
Algae production right here at
Shenandoah's GPRE is having much success and is even at stage 2.5
out of 3 from being commercialized.
Ethanol is not new. Henry Ford used ethanol before gasoline exclusively from the beginning of his
company up until the start of Prohibition. That was interesting to
me!
The cost of an hybrid or flex fuel
vehicle is a sham. The actual cost to make a car compatible with
ethanol 85 is about $40-$50. The difference is the coating of the
tank, some type of fuel line and a microchip. That's it!
Green Plains in Shenandoah uses
the city's gray water and not the water feeding into our homes. This
waste water is used as a coolant at the plant.
There were many more things learned but
it's important to note that we are releasing carbon into our air
supply by burning a non-renewable source. The healthiest initiative
is to harness the power in our own environment. Corn for ethanol is
renewable. Algae is renewable. The same can be said for wind and
solar. I also didn't know that there is an increased demographic of
ailments among populations near oil refineries. If true than it's a
testament that we need to steer into a new (or old according to Henry
Ford) direction.
Yes, this presentation was a plug for
ethanol and a push to raise awareness of our oil dependence. I know
that there are perspectives, pro and con, to every side. I know that
by shifting energy sources you cut a job in the oil industry and a
source of income for a family. However, if the claimed benefits of
ethanol and renewable energy sources is true then it must be the
avenue we need to take. Furthermore, if we can steadily create jobs
in the process of this shift even approaching the workforce of the
oil industry than we can accomplish energy independence while
adapting our own culture to the changing times.
Right here in Shenandoah we have a
great opportunity to learn how GPRE works. We also have cutting edge
technology and research taking place right here with algae. The more
we learn the more we can contribute and teach others.
It all starts in the home. We must
teach our youth the need of independence and self reliance. Do this
in the home. Do this that they may maximize their integrity and self
worth when they live out in the “real world” and raise their own
families. Teach them the value of energy and how it's brought to
bear both in the oil industry and ethanol. As we raise this
independent awareness we'll be better prepared as a community to
support initiatives that help cut the ties of financial and energy
dependence.
I don't classify myself as “green”
or even pro oil. I do, however, consider myself an American that is
FOR the American family and especially the surety of it's future.
Right now my focus is on the American families in Shenandoah, Iowa.
I believe we live amidst opportunity. I believe we have energy
sources all around us both that we have technology to harvest and
even sources yet not identified. For us in the Shenandoah area I
believe we need to embrace ethanol and have pride in where it's being
produced.
From this meeting I have gained a
deeper appreciation for Mother Earth and what she's supplied us with
– opportunity!
Shenandoah has a great asset in
Tisovec, Slovakia. Tisovec is Shenandoah's sister city. At
Tuesday's (10/11/11) City Council meeting we heard the report of a
recent trip there by a Shenandoah delegation. The entire report was
superb and full of hope. The Tisovec
people, especially in the parliamentary leadership, were moved by
Shenandoah's gesture of goodwill. The delegation was even invited to
a school program about 9/11. They thought they were going to hear
student reports of the dreadful day but instead it was actually a
chance for the Slavic people to ask us (the delegation) our own
feelings of 9/11. The report was that everyone in attendance was
greatly moved. These kinds of events further bind cultures. We are
truly blessed to have a friend in the community of Tisovec, Slovakia.
The Sister
Cities International program is a great way to connect the world.
It's a “win win!” Great strides seem to have been taken to warm
relations and strengthen future ties. As a gesture of goodwill
Shenandoah proposed a tree planting ceremony on Tisovec ground as
symbolic of a solid foundation of relations between our two great
cities. This tentatively may take place in the spring of 2012.
As part of my “wish list” of things
to happen in Shenandoah while in my proposed tenure of City
Councilman At Large is the hope that individuals in our community may
organize through this Sister City International delegation to
communicate personally with individuals of the sister city of
Tisovec, Slovakia. Ongoing communication may help create friendships
and foster even economic ideas to benefit each other.
Constantly improved technology can make
this process easy. With the help of Facebook and even the premiere
of Google+ exchanges can take place daily. Google+
especially comes to mind because there are simple avenues to have
webcam “hangouts” in circles. This can be not only fun but also
productive as far as economic ideas and cultural exchanges are
concerned.
I plan to look into this process
immediately to see it's relevance.
Some knowledge is taken for granted.
Some knowledge is so essential yet simple that it often needs to be
reminded by even a simple voice in a noisy world. Such is the case
just last week. Often, we in southwest Iowa feel isolated and cut
off from opportunity and those activities that make city life look
exciting. I was reminded just last week of a treasure that we have
right here in Shenandoah. A treasure that I also grew up with in the
Isolated Nebraska town of Avoca and even Nebraska City. The treasure
is – isolation.
Don't get me wrong. This is not some
dark dismal rendition of some kind of grandeur of being away from the
more populated world. I only want to expound on one aspect of the
isolation that we have - yet take for granted. Are there things to
learn and remember from living in an area with exponentially less
traffic? Are there good things that come from living in an area
where most people still don't lock their doors? Is there a softer
sense of safety when our children go on their walkabouts? Consider
these things and then consider the future.
I remember when I lived out in the
country in Avoca, Nebraska. We were trailer house tenants on a
farmstead that had lots of crops and lots of cows. I remember that
maybe four or five times a year we'd wake up to cows in our yard
because they escaped the fencing somehow. It was interesting running
to the car while dodging the landmines left by our guests. We didn't
lock the door because there was no need to. There was nearby
vegetation to go exploring in and there was a hay barn just up the
hill where my brother and I used to play and jump on the huge rounds.
These are memories that, now looking back, contributed to my entire
makeup today. It fostered courage and curiosity. It also allowed
the principle of self reliance and endurance to prevail.
Avoca is home of the Quack Off!
Being in a trailer house on a farm was
brutal during the winter. I remember the pipes freezing up every
year and the only true warm room in the house was the bathroom which
was located right next to the furnace. It served as a family room
because we brought in the little black and white television (with tin
foil for reception of course). I remember us having to bring the
dishes into the bathtub to be washed. Also, don't even get me
started on the toilet. That was an indulgence that we may now sit
comfortably and read the paper but at that time our system of family
restroom turns was extremely disgusting. Remember, no plumbing and
frozen water lines. You do the math and use your imagination. Yet –
it was a memory that contributed to who I am today.
I loved walking a half mile to the
small town of Avoca and walking the streets having fun with friends.
My brother and I often went to the small laundromat to play Space
Invaders. It was one of two video games there. I loved and continue
to cherish my memories of my school there. Though not used as a
school no more, and old and musty, it still bears memories good and
bad for many past students. These too contributed to my being today.
In Nebraska City I enjoyed the liberty
of walking the streets. It was safe as far as I allowed it to be in
my rebellious years. We did lock our doors more but the town was
just small enough to enjoy the privilege of walk and curiosity –
with an added touch of trouble I might add. Still, these added to
who I am.
Nebraska City is the home of Arbor Lodge.
Shenandoah is no different for our
children. I often hear them scourge at the lack of things to do and
their desire to go to the big city. However, what they don't realize
now is that fifteen or twenty years down the road they will look back
with gratitude of the latitude and liberties they had. These
freedoms were dependent largely because of being in a smaller city in
a greater rural area.
This is the treasure which we have
here. In order to retain the fond memories for our youth of the
nature of Shenandoah we need to give them things to enjoy and to
create their own environment in. We do have a great many activities
and places to visit here. Our rising generation have many local
generosities of a wide variety of scholarships to partake of. Yet
there is always more that can be done.
Take a drive down Shenandoah!
I submit that we need to continue
striving toward community involvement and interaction. Acquiring the
sense and knowledge that you are part of something larger is
fulfilling and encourages happiness. I believe that there should be
greater dialogue between the public and the officials they elect.
Through this, perhaps we can expand the activities available so as to
further inspire and interest all kids across the diverse spectrum
here in Shenandoah.
Our “isolation” is a gift which we
can benefit from immensely. It's an opportunity to create
opportunity in a community ripe with talent and occasion to serve one
another. All this is made possible by the blood and courage of the
United States military past, present and future. They continue, as
they always have, to protect those simple things in life that we take
for granted yet reap the benefits from down the road.
Honor our defenders, honor our rising
generation, honor citizenship and honor the memories of Shenandoah.
Always be engaged in a good cause. Let's roll up our sleeves for the
betterment of this community.
I've heard many residents of Shenandoah
bewildered at the use of funds to renovate the City Hall approach.
With other uses that tax payer money is going to it can be difficult
for some to realize the purposes of some projects.
I advocate this use of funds. The end
result of the plan is to have the City Hall more cosmetically
coordinated with the downtown area. More importantly though it makes
the City Hall entrance safer and more inviting for the Shenandoah
residents and visitors.
The sidewalk has always been an eyesore
and a safety hazard in my opinion. It's nothing short of a miracle
that legal action hasn't been taken. At least none to my knowledge.
The City Hall represents a communal ediface in which all who reside
in it's jurisdiction should have equal opportunity and ease for
entering therein.
Serving our fellow citizens is part of
purpose and joy. We have so many people in our community willing to
help when the call is given. Passing this great ethic and virtue on
to the rising generation is an important responsibility for all
adults. I've found that many of our youth who seek opportunities of
community service lack the knowledge as to where to ask or find it.
I advocate an ongoingly publicized
central initiative for youth, whether individually or as an organized
group, to go to and receive ideas and projects to help the community.
We have a few Boy Scout troops in the area. We can offer them ideas
of what we feel the community needs most by way of service. Service
helps them learn and to fulfill advancement requirements.
In addition, it's at my attention that
a certain amount of documented community service hours are required
to be rendered by our High School Seniors. It would be an excellent
idea to give them a place to look for these opportunities.
Community service builds character and
teaches lessons of selfless service toward others. This benefits the
community in countless ways. From a budget perspective community
service can help in that area as well. Most of these opportunities
are accepted without monetary compensation yet are often recognized
in the media. Given that coupled with a group of youth beautifying
or benefitting the community is nothing short of a “win win”
situation for everyone.
Again, I advocate the idea of a
centralized portal where people can go to swiftly and effectively
serve their community. There are few better ways to truly connect
the community to those whom the community elected as their leaders
and councils.
