As we head into spring, some people’s thoughts turn to love, some turn to renewal, some turn to lightweight clothes, and some turn to mosquito control. I’d like to urge those of you concerned about mosquitoes to turn to less toxic alternatives to get rid of them.
All-renewable energy now
In response to Ken Derow’s letter in the August 7 Swarthmorean, “Future generations will curse us,” everything he says there is correct. We are out of time. Climate change is upon us and some tipping points have already been reached. And our state is one of the biggest polluters in the U.S. Meanwhile, Swarthmore’s citizens are concerned enough that our borough council last year adopted a resolution to transition the entire community to 100% renewable energy. I invite Mr. Derow to attend the next Swarthmore Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) meeting, scheduled for August 25 at 7:30 pm. For a Zoom link, write to one of the email addresses found on the swarthmorepa.org page for the EAC. We are formulating a concrete plan for our energy transition. It’s easier said than done, so we need all hands on deck.
In response to the tragic murder of George Floyd, I believe every municipality in the U.S. ought to be reviewing its police policies, whether it has a history of police misconduct or not. Thankfully, Swarthmore is a peaceful town, with no history, that I know of, of excessive force or biased detention and indictment. But we should not simply rest on our laurels.
Bugged by bug-killing services
Have you ever read Silent Spring by Rachel Carson? Even if you haven’t, I hope you will consider unsubscribing from your mosquito control service. The pesticides used by these services are broad, not only killing mosquitoes and ticks, but also fireflies, butterflies, moths, etc. I’ve noticed fewer of all these insects since I’ve noticed more mosquito control signs. I can’t remember the last time I saw a ladybug.
Sublime Jazz; Substandard Crowd
Last Saturday night, my husband and I had a marvelous time at war3house3 in Swarthmore listening to the eight-piece Blackbird Society Orchestra play jazz from the flapper era. Fun and uplifting, but dampened by the audience being scarcely larger than the band! Where is everybody?