Gulf Coast Sorrow – Life Is Too Short For So Much Stupidity
Posted on Thursday, May 6th, 2010
I was recently enjoying the beautiful white sands and gentle surf of the Gulf Islands National Seashore at Fort Pickens.
While sitting silently, enjoying the sound of the waves, a Sandhill Crane approached me, walking slowly, until it got within a few feet away.
While I watched, it took to the air in a wide sweeping motion that would make a Blue Angel pilot jealous – so close I could feel the breeze produced by the wings.
I turned to watch the emerald green waters lap the white sand shores and watched with fascination as the fishing boats with their towering rigs criss-crossed the horizon. So many wonderful moments.
Later, I sat horrified as I watched the news reports of an oil rig explosion that claimed eleven souls. How could such a thing happen? I thought these rigs were supposed to be technologically advanced and safe. That’s the claim made in the oil company’s commercials and by our politicians.
Weeks later, I sit in despair in front of my television, watching grown men, rugged sea-and-sun-scorched fishermen, weep about the destruction headed our way – with no end in sight.
None of us knows what will happen to our pristine beaches, fragile waterways, fish, shrimp, crawfish, alligators, birds, turtles, dolphins, or families. We know the price we’ve paid for this oil rig is too high already with eleven souls gone.
We have seen the loss of life. Now we are seeing the lost livelihoods of the families, empty bins at the seafood shop, the slipping economy of the area, the depressed mood of the citizens, and the murder of our protected wildlife.
When I walked the beach, I noticed a few other people walking slowly, almost reverently, observing the wildlife, the seashells washed ashore, the whiter-than-white sand squeaking beneath our feet, and the cool, clean water. The mood was subdued, quiet, watching the sun sink one more day over the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Maybe the last day we’ll ever see those emerald green waters.
The decades haven’t taught us anything. Clean, safe energy is achievable, but our greed has managed, once again, to overshadow everything else. Where are the safety checks, the regulations, the environmental studies that were supposed to have been done? Who gave the approval for a drilling operation that had none of these systems in place? When is the last time you walked or rode your bike instead of started your car? Where are all the alternative sources of energy? We’ve harvested the wind and the sun, so why aren’t we seeing wind and solar farms on the horizon instead of oil rigs?
Follow the money.
But, that’s enough of that.
I wanted to share a few pictures from my day at the beach – what a pristine beach looks like; what a Sandhill Crane looks like up close. Just in case these scenes disappear, I wanted to share them today.
Hi Patti and thank you for sharing your thoughts in the wake of such a tragedy. It is hard to comprehend just how silly humanity can sometimes get and I fear that we will one day be reminded of how we have tossed aside the sacred trust for a few dollars. I do ride my bike, take public transportation and walk instead of owning a car and as a way of living life by my own terms I practice Voluntary Simplicity…although some days are better than others…:)
I loved the images you posted and while I’m not a “beach person” I can definitely see the beauty of such a scene in your photos.
Thanks again and take care. be well.
Lyle
Thank you, Lyle, for your kind and insightful comments.
“Voluntary Simplicity” is a great term! I guess if everyone thought twice before engaging in an activity that uses finite fuels, we may see at least one alternative. Lord knows I have my wasteful side – “some days are better than others” is right! Our planet’s coastlines are indeed a sacred trust… one which, unfortunately, too many have gotten rich off of in very damaging, and damning, ways. Anyway, don’t get me started, again!
Thanks for reading and sharing.
Your thoughts are always much appreciated.
Well said. You need a newspaper column!! Can Nicole work on that for you??
You are a fine mix of head and heart…the good grammar is just icing on the cake. ! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Happy Mother’s Day!
Love, AMT