Energy Systems

In school I read about how our society's energy system choices reflect a lot about the society. The nuclear energy industry for example, needs heavy investment into a really dangerous technology that must be centralized and militarized to operate. Decentralized systems like photovoltaics or wind also say something for the societies which choose renewables.

Here's what I'm reading for work: "Distributed photovoltaics may reduce T&D costs, but the system may also benefit if grids connect wide areas and increase the diversity of renewable supplies." The author coming from industry is making a case for de-centralizing power in the future. The benefits of smaller generation sources closer to places of consumption include lower transmission and distribution costs, lower planning and operation costs, a more robust system: less prone to failure or hardcore, widespread blackouts in contrast to large generation plants.


To me this echoes a lot of the same benefits that would come from de-centralizing power in human society, including all those intrinsically human advantages, like more dignity in making ones decisions....of course, you'd never hear me making that analogy in public!
:)

New Orleans, you know, where Music comes from

I left New Orleans three weeks ago this Thursday.
Last week, I went to a benefit in SF for the group that I had volunteered for while down in the Big Easy. Today I walked past a bar that was playing a song that had New Orleans in the lyrics. I didn't realize how many songs had New Orleans in the lyrics.

I hear Aaron Neville singing "Louisiana" on Democracy Now. My parents tell me about "The Battle for New Orleans" special that aired on PBS, I see Bush just visited the school that Common Ground helped to gut (I was there for it's reopening celebration). There is still a lot to do in New Orleans. A lot to overcome.

Our Elders: Should We Listen To Them?

Elvira Arellano Immigrant Spokesperson Deported

8/20: Latest - Elvira Arellano Deported...

In a sad and shameful ending, according to the latest report, Elvira Arellano was deported to Mexico just few hours after her arrest by ICE agents at downtown Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon (8/19), at outside Our Lady Queen of Angels Church, where she had been speaking to reporters [see below article from Spanish Newspaper La Opinion]

This is a shameful move from the government to arrest and deport her, this is a clear signal from the government to terrify people who dare to speak up and fight for the injustice.

We are still encourage everyone to call local ICE office and organize your local peaceful protest/vigil on Monday (8/20) to express your outrage.
ICE Field Office Director, Los Angeles
300 North Los Angeles St., Room 7631A
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: 213-830-7911

ICE Headquarters, Director, Office of Detention and Removal Operations
801 I St, NW
Suite 900
Washington, DC 20536
Phone: 202-305-2734


Lists of local U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) offices

http://www.ice.gov/about/dro/contact.htm

Lee Siu Hin
National Coordinator
National Immigrant Solidarity Network

Out of NOLA :`(

I've left New Orleans. Left almost two weeks ago for a new experience (and job) in San Francisco. It will take a long time to process my experiences in New Orleans. However, I know for a fact that NOLA will never leave my heart. If I do go back or if I don't, I can't possibly forget it. I also know that NOLA will come back-exactly how it will come back depends on the people of this country.

If we forget about New Orleans it will "come back" in a shallow way; this includes casinos and developers taking over other people's land. Gentrification mainly. If NOLA stays in the consciousness of the American public, then not only might the 260,000+ still displaced residents come back home, build back their houses, schools and churches, but NOLA just might come back better than before, with justice, equality, and a strong environment.

Remember, out of crisis comes opportunity.