Most of my perspective is a bit different from the average adult. My point of view includes that of my nine year old daughter, and honestly...I enjoy observing things through her eyes.
We started preparing for the Carter Avenue Rescue Rally about a week ago, planning our get away and route. We've taken this trip many a time, but never with this type of purpose.
Annie excitedly told her classmates and grandpa that she was going to court to help Steve and Lizzy fight Chesapeake. She wondered if in that fight would water hoses be turned on her and the others. She wondered if she could be in trouble. This is what was troubling. I understand the need to teach history facts, but I believe where we let our children down is that we fail to inform them that through the adversity, change for the better can and does occur. And after years of injustice, when that injustice is met with a righteous collective voice, that the system does indeed change.
I took a look at their website, and you should as well. According to what they preach they're all about protecting the freedom of speech and people's personal property rights against eminent domain abuse. Well, I decided to look at a few of the cases they've been involved with, maybe I'm barking up the wrong tree.
San Juan County v. No New Gas Tax. I read that a private law firm stood to gain privately from not rolling back the gas tax. Well, isn't that very similar to a certain Mayor of Fort Worth that stands to gain privately by allowing Chesapeake to run their dangerous non-odorized pipeline under the residents' of Carter Avenues' houses? And when Steve was ticketed for violations that were directly related to him displaying a visual protest against Chesapeake Energy...wasn't that an attempt to "shut him up" and suspend his right to free speech?
So, HEY...Institute for Justice...what gives? Why not this case? We haven't even looked at the eminent domain abuse aspect of Steve Doeung's case, but we will.
Who says over 40 is over the hill? I enjoy listening to great music from all decades and genres, walking hand in hand with the one I love and nurturing the two smartest funnest kids ever! Although I'm not a native of West Texas, I've been here long enough to know the drill. HOT, WINDY and DESOLATE! So, that's why you'll find me and the kids heading out to some of our favorite hangs out...these places would include mild temperatures, mild winds and lush landscapes! I stick around because one day I'm hoping the Permian Basin will be underwater once again, and then I'll have beach front property! :D
