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Ecology and MLK Day

1/16/2017

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​Ecology is the study of how the household works,
"household" meaning our world, the animate and inanimate,
the air and the water and all the interactions...
and us.
Never before have us had such a big impact on the household,
we have made a mess of things,
and, 
hold on the to handles,
we about to do more mess.

So this is an ecology message that focuses on  human impacts,
human volition, 
hates and hopes.

First,
go see Hidden Figures,

the story behind the african-american mathemeticians that helped steer the US space missions to success. I thought that this was going to be a kind of documentary, but it turned out to be so much more. Beautifully shot, beautifully acted, this film is a tense drama that keeps you on the edge of your seat from the opening frames to the finale. The tension is kept humming in space by two vertices, the urgency and perilousness of the mission to put humans in space; and the racial  and gender oppression that is pervasive in the society at large and the science community in specific. The film powerfully argues that prejudice holds us all back, it is a brake on progress and discovery. This film is perfect for families with school age kids. There is no foul language or violence, and there is plenty of love, laughter and joy. The women mathematicians are, of course, a wonderful model for young people, girls especially. But, more than modeling women struggling for entry in science careers, it is about people struggling for justice in this world.  It is a perfect film to see on this MLK weekend. It educates and inspires. 

Second, in the past week or two our Alderman, and neighbor, Ameya Pawar announced his candidacy for Governor of Illinois. I don't need to tell anyone about this part of the "household", the state of this state. The current governor is holding the state's education, health, environment and human welfare programs hostage to his grand scheme to destroy unions, lower wages, privatize schools, and further skew the extremes of wealth and poverty.  Ameya has fought hard for our local schools, and in announcing his candidacy he has upped his game. He sounds kind of like Bernie Sanders. If you have not had a one-on-one with Ameya, you probably haven'y experienced the power of his intellect, sincerity and determination. I can imagine him traveling to the rural, southern parts of our state, meeting with the farmers, and unemployed and people struggling with countless burdens, and laying out a practical vision for a way forward. He can do that. And with our help he will.
There were two fabulous interview with Alderman Pawar over the past two weeks. One is a local television comedy show, the other a lengthy WBBM radio interview. Take the time to listen to and have a look at this brilliant rising star. 


Everywhere I go, I hear people talking about organizing to take action, to assert a vision in opposition to the one about to take power, a vision of fairness, community, friendship, peace, healing, and hope.  Many will be marching in the Women's March on Saturday, in Washington, and Chicago. New organizations are springing up to galvanize a progressive movement (Indivisible Chicago). Our Bullfrogs Community Choir does a song by Sly and the Family Stone. It is one of our anthems. It is called

If It Were Left Up To Me

If it were left up to me
It would take more than a notion
If it were left up to me
We would put ideas in motion
If it were left up to you
Would you try?
Would you try?
If it were left up to me,
I would try.

If it were left up to me
We would live in a bubble
If it were left up to me or you
We would stay out of trouble
But it's the way that they do
Makes you cry, makes you cry
And still it's left up to you
Got to try.

If it were left up to you
Would you sigh and forget it
And get some sleeping to see
If you live to regret it?

Now that it's left up to me and you
Will you try?
Will you try?
I promise from me to you
I will try!


Let's get together and fix up our messed up house,
our beloved community, country and planet.

Mr. Leki
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    Ecology Program & Calendar
    PictureMr. Pete Leki, Waters Ecology Program Founder and Director
    Visit the Waters Ecology Program Website for current/historical writings, films, photos, and interviews.

     Email: 
    petelekisan@gmail.com

    Links
    Water Ecology Program Website
    Riverbank Neighbors
    Friends of the Chicago River
    Forest Preserves of Cook County
    Openlands
    North Park Village Nature Center

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