Act to protect our lakes and oceans
Act to protect our lakes and oceans
Today marks World Oceans Day, when people around the globe recognize the beauty and wonder of our oceans. About 70 percent of the Earth's surface is ocean and each system is connected; whether you live along the coast or inland, we are all linked through the world's water. Those precious natural resources help generate the oxygen we breathe, regulate our climate, strengthen our quality of life, and provide refuge for the most fascinating marine life.
As a member of the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, I was pleased to work on a blueprint for a brighter future for our beloved world waters. The blueprint was designed to tackle threatening issues such as pollution, overfishing and reef destruction on an international level. Today we have the technology and ingenuity to ensure a safe future for our oceans, but we must do more to protect and preserve them, including our inland oceans -- the Great Lakes. At Shedd Aquarium we are spreading the word about habitat loss, invasive species, water pollution and Great Lakes water levels with our Listen to Your Lakes program. For ways to get involved, visit www.ListentoYourLakes.org.
Today, I challenge the public to take action to get involved. Enjoy a picnic on the beach and pick up extra garbage as you leave. Contact your local representatives to let them know how important clean drinking water is to you. Or pledge to take a shorter shower, knowing our water is not limitless. After all, every drop counts.
Ted Beattie
President and CEO
John G. Shedd Aquarium
Chicago
Hold liable enablers of abuse
Many thanks for your endorsement of SB 2091 on May 23. I am encouraged to see such legislation proposed. Any way enablers of child sexual abuse can be held liable for their failure to protect our innocent children from abuse is most welcome. Hopefully this legislation will not be opposed by special interest groups. If it is, I do hope you will call that to the attention of your readers.
Sandra Stilling-Seehausen
Cary
Clinton let women and America down
I have tried to maintain good feelings toward Clinton, despite my support for Obama. At various points in the campaign, I have been sympathetic toward her and acknowledged her most positive traits and campaign acumen.
Tuesday night, however, I could find no compassion for her, try as I might.
She was classless where Obama was pure class. She was ungracious, where he was courteous and gracious. She was defiant as he was magnanimous.
Her speech was all about her. His was all about us.
Her's was all about fighting. His was all about all Americans sharing the same goals.
She still wants to make a deal, sounding much like coercion, without conceding anything. She missed the unique opportunity to begin the healing of the party Tuesday night; instead of graciously conceding his presumptive nomination, she spoke as if she were going carry this to Denver.
My disappointment in her has brought me to tears of sorrow for her, for women and for America. I believe she let us all down.
Marie Harris
Bartlett