Can't See the Forest for the Pine Beetles

I hate it when TV shows are so good that you just have to watch more. Maybe that's the one and only argument against TV shows on DVD--at least when they're on TV you're forced to stop watching. It might not have been wise, but yes, we watched a second episode of Grey's Anatomy this evening (season 2, so no plot spoilers for season 3, please). Just can't turn it off.

In light of the fact that's it's just after 11, I'm going to try to keep it brief. Had a good day today. Monday's my day without classes or other obligations, so it's always nice and relaxing. Except for the fact that I have homework out the ying-yang. So the day can be summarized as follows: wake up and eat, reading and assignments, gym, lunch, more reading and two essay outlines, walk with the boy, dinner, bedtime for the boy, blog posting for the boy (check it out--it's a gooder), Grey's Anatomy, here, soon to bed. That's about it.

One thing that I just have to comment on, though, is this whole mess with the Mountain Pine Beetle. A word of caution: stinging social commentary to follow--it might be worth the read, but if you're not interested, I won't hold it against you.

Moving on. All it takes is one drive through the BC interior to know that we've got a massive problem with the Pine Beetle. Thousands upon thousands of trees have been destroyed by this little guy, and it doesn't look like it's going to stop anytime soon. Just tonight, Global Edmonton had a story about how the Pine Beetle has now found its way over the Rockies and into Alberta. But instead of just sitting back and playing the victim, the government of Alberta is actually doing something. Yes, that's right--they have a plan.

The plan is aggressive, it's time-consuming, it's going to be difficult--mark and cut down every tree affected by the Pine Beetle. Then, when they're down, burn them. A collective gasp just went up from the entire province of BC. We're such a bunch of weak-kneed tree-huggers that the thought of burning trees on purpose is so foreign that we might actually pass out. But what's the alternative? Sit idly back and watch helplessly while your entire economy goes up in smoke? Figuratively, I mean.

The government of BC, quite simply, is dropping the ball on this crucial issue. All the excuses have run their course. Three years ago was the time to say, "Oh, just wait, a cold winter is all we need." We haven't had that cold winter in how long? Now isn't the time to sit back and wait for nature to kill this thing off--it's time to act.

Speaking theologically (hey, I am a Bible college student, after all), I think there's a clear mandate to step in and take some measures. Mankind is given authority as vice-regents over creation to work to sustain it. Sustaining it means protecting it against things like pollution, litter, and yes, the Pine Beetle. When things get a little bit out of control, we must step in and do whatever we can to bring things back into balance. We must be good stewards, and fulfilling that role means taking action.

Why am I so upset about a little bug, anyway? Check out these projections. It's pretty grim.

It's time for everyone to put aside their petty grievances and pet causes and work together against this thing. It's time for the environmentalists to put down their swords, for the natives to embrace unity, and for the government to show some real, authentic leadership and take the drastic steps necessary. In fact, that time was long ago.

Have you ever written something and then looked back on it and realized that it wasn't anywhere near as eloquent on paper (or the screen) as it was in your mind? Yeah, that just happened to me just now. I debated removing that whole tirade, but I need something to show for my efforts. Especially since I've now been sitting here for 15 minutes. If I go to bed and have nothing done, I'm dead meat.

By the way, I promised Steph I'd say this publically--she was right. No, not about when to do a class presentation. We had, if you can believe it, a debate about proper grammar terminology. Seriously. Our marriage is exciting--honestly, it is. It's just that we get really stuck on certain points, and correct grammar is one of them. Mind you, I figure that if grammar is the only thing we have to argue about, we're doing pretty well. Anyway, the bottom line is that she was right about the difference between gerunds and participles. So now I've admitted it. I was wrong. About gerunds. Which would make an awesome record title.

I think that about does it for tonight. See you all tomorrow at the same time. And hey, check out Theo's blog--it's been updated today with all sorts of new pictures and awesome stories.