The What? The content of this blog will range from local/personal issues to national topics of discussion. When it is possible, I will try and take cues from national discussions.
The Who? I am a native Floridian. As a child of the 80s, I watched the plight of several keystone and charismatic species lead me towards the field of environmental sciences. Bald eagles, alligators and panthers were all easy for a kid to learn, understand, and appreciate. Of course, my favorite was the manatee. I assumed I'd just go off to school, get my degree, and go "save the manatees." Obviously, years later... that's not exactly what happened. I worked at the state level as a social surveyor and facilitator. For 5 years I watched the mostly good, sometimes bad, and occasionally flat-out ugly happen before my eyes. It's tough to watch politics muddle up good science... and sometimes it was even tougher to watch common sense be thrown out the window for science. However, for the last 5 years, I have had the best job ever... that of Mom. It is the toughest and most rewarding career choice anyone chooses and I am truly blessed.
The Why? There seems to be a pervasive perception that being pro-conservation and being a Conservative are mutually exclusive. Those who find out that I lean right of center are often "shocked." I want to put an end to these falsehoods. I believe that hearts and minds can be changed through the power of persuasion; that the pen (or keyboard) is mightier than the sword (or the US tax code). I don't believe that the government is our great savior and that without it, the earth is doomed. Call me an optimist, a glass is half-full kind of gal... but I believe I can get you to think differently when it comes to the environment, Conservatism and government.
So let me finish by saying, Thank you. Thank you for following along as I put my thoughts on "paper." Thank you for being open to the ideas presented whether they help solidify your own beliefs or help you change your views to a new way of thinking and perceiving the world around us.
Thank you for being civil in your discourse. And finally, thank you for forgiving any future grammatical blunders... it happens.
Until my next post ---
