navy Archives - Where Is The Outrage?

Navy Blasts Whales With Sonar

The Supreme Court recently heard a case about Navy testing of sonar that may well harm and kill whales and dolphins.

At the moment, these tests off the coast of California are banned by federal court order.

Environmental groups say these sonar blasts sound as loud as a jet engine to whales and dolphins. The Navy says the tests are needed for national security.

Beyond these issues, the core of the matter seems to be whether the a judge can order the Navy to stop the tests because no environmental impact study has been done by the Navy. The case has implications beyond this specific concern.

Why can’t the Navy just do the study?

I think what we should do is extensively test just how the sonar bombardments sound to whales, and then recreate that noise for Naval test subjects. Maybe some in Navy could volunteer unlike the whales who have no choice in the matter. ( Though I bet that not many would volunteer to have their ears blasted out.)The test subjects could then report just how it sounded and we could make a judgement from that point.

This National Geographic story discusses possible harm done to Killer Whales because of Navy sonar tests.

And this National Geographic story says whales can be given the bends by such tests.

Here is some good information about many different types of whales.

Here is some history of the Supreme Court.

By ecthompsonmd|2008-10-11T11:27:21-04:00October 11th, 2008|Environment, Supreme court|Comments Off

Bill Moyers on Reverend Jeremiah Wright

The Reverend Jeremiah Wright has come out of hiding. His first interview was with the great Bill Moyers. Those of you that have read my blog for some time know that I love Moyers. His PBS program has been a light of reason when no one else would be reasonable.

This interview begins at the beginning, when Wright was a young man and we follow him through his development. Wright served in the Marines and Navy. He earned three letters of commandation in his four years in the Navy. He was part of the team that operated on Lyndon Johnson. Wright was not drafted but, rather, he signed up for his time.

Following his time in the service, he became a minister and was asked to pastor at Trinity United Church of Christ. In this interview he talks about the challenges he has faced. This interview does go places that “normal” interviews will not go. Bill Moyers asks about black religious philosophy and black empowerment. Wright gives good clear answers, talking about his statements that have been flying around the internet. These answers are particularly important. There is no way that a rational human being will walk away for this interview saying that Wright is a black separatist, or that he is unpatriotic. Wright comes across as a thoughtful, intelligent, passionate black pastor who has worked hard to develop his church ministry.

By ecthompsonmd|2008-04-27T22:35:28-04:00April 27th, 2008|Bill Moyers, Election 2008, Religion|6 Comments

Wright a true patriot

At the risk of opening a door that was closed, Jeremiah Wright needs a nothing look. I don’t think that the media or the public have been fair to this man of God. Sure, he has said some things that are offensive. I agree with this assessment.

Some were calling him a racist, this is a man who is respected the White Church of Christ. Could he be a racist and have obtained that kind of status? I don’t think so. Then there those who called Wright anti-American. Hogwash. They forget that he has serviced his country with distinction. Voluntarily serviced his country. He served in the Marines then signed up again for the Navy. He received 3 commendations from President Lyndon Johnson. As far as I’m concerned this proves that he is more of a patriot than most of us. The only ones who can credibly throw stones at this man’s patriotism are those who have served. The rest of the stone throwers need to sit down and more importantly – shut up!

By ecthompsonmd|2008-04-05T16:48:50-04:00April 5th, 2008|Election 2008, Race|Comments Off