The Ballet of Purgatory

[H2O Man]

"One has to speak out and stand up for one's convictions. Inaction at a time of conflagration is inexcusable." -- Gandhi

There are times when, in such a large and multi-layered bureaucracy as our nation is today, an individual can feel frustrated by the numerous roadblocks that get in the way of communicating with our elected representatives. While there definitely are those few politicians -- or aides to politicians -- who are sincere in their desire to hear from members of the community, there are far more who have been reduced to cogs in the system, intent upon discouraging communications with the public.

Yesterday, for example, I called to speak with an individual within the Governor's Office in Albany, NY. I made clear to the person on the other end of the line that I was not calling to simply voice an opinion. That said, I was switched to a state agency distinct from the G.O. I again explained my purpose; I was again switched, back to the G.O. So I explained my purpose, only to be switched to yet another agency. Though I had not been connected to the individual that I hoped to speak to, I did find myself on the line with a high-ranking state official.

I started by identifying the topic of concer: hydro-fracking. I then took a couple of moments to state what, for lack of better terms, might be called my credentials. Next, I detailed my plans for a hunger strike in Albany, with the goal of a personal meeting with Governor Andrew Cuomo, to discuss some specific concerns regarding a proposed 180-day extension for comments/ study/ consideration of the stat's most recent report.

The individual that I was speaking with took me seriously. He said that in over twenty years on his job, he had never had a call quite like mine. More, he assured me that he had literally just gotten out of a high-level meeting where the growing tensions were discussed.

I dare say that, in well over 40 years of dealing with various government officials, over 90% have been outright liars. In fact, I am being kind. Such jobs require the ability to lie outright, without conscience. The better the liar, the higher the pay scale.

In my years of employment in human services, including but not limited to forensic work, I have become pretty capable of identifying honest people from liars. I apply those skills to my work in community organizing and as a grass roots activist. I knew yesterday that I was talking to an honest man. More, one who was opposed to the organized efforts to bury information on the extreme dangers posed by hydro-fracking, and the on-going efforts to abord meaningful dialogue on the topic.

He explained that, even in his position, he has difficulty in "getting Andrew's ear" as far as this subject goes. While he assured me that he will do his best, he asked me to get this information to Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Robert, of course, is not only Andrew's former brother-in-law (Andrew was married to Kerry Kennedy), but is on the state's "advisory board" for fracking. And it is safe to say that Robert is part of the Governor's private effort to organize for Cuomo's presidential run in 2016.

I've tried calling Robert today. Some numbers have been altered since I had better access, before our disagreement on he issue of fracking. But I was able to get through, eventually, to an office answering machine.

Once again, I am in need of the assistance of my friends on the Democratic Underground. If you could take a moment to e-mail Robert's top assistant, Mary Beth Postman, to ask her to tell Robert to please take the action that I've requested -- that he tell Andrew that I am preparing toengage in a huner strike outside of his office -- and that it might be best if we engage in a private chat, rather than this getting the media attention that it definitely will if Andrew attempts to ignore me.

Mary beth's e-mail is: [e-mail]

Also, if possible, can you comment on this thread to both let me know, and to keep it visible for other DU community members.

I thank you in advance for any and all support on this. It means a great deal to me as an individual, and as a DU community member. More importantly, it helps in the larger effort to protect our environment. New York State is now the focus of much of the nation in regard to hydro-fracking. This forum and its members can serve an important role in this struggle.

Peace,
Pat

[rosesaylavee]

1. I will send her an email again.

Earlier this year, when you posted a similar request, I was very pleasantly surprised to get such a polite and quick reply.

I am concerned about your hunger strike but am sure those closer to you have tried to dissuade you better than I could. They can be life-threatening and ... well, just thought I would say I wish there were other ways to get these people's attention other than to put yourself in harms way.

Be well.

[H2O Man]

6. Thank you.

I appreciate your help, very much!

And I have studied my Gandhi very closely, for many years. What I am attempting is difficult, but as the old philosopher Seneca noted, anything worthwhile is as exactly as difficult as it is rare. More, I will be accompanied by a select groupof women -- all at least 75 years old. Couldn't be in better hands.

[rosesaylavee]

8. Ah, good!

Somehow that seems better. A group of women will sense when enough is far enough. And you will at least know that point when you get to it if not by your own knowledge. If that makes any sense! Keep us posted on your doings and what else you need.

[H2O Man]

13. It makes sense.

One of the most important lessons that Chief Paul Waterman taught me was to keep the proper balance -- which includes the male & female dynamic -- in every social-political effort.

Years ago, I remember when an official from an upstate town board told Paul's sister, Clan Mother Audrey Shenandoah, to "shut up" at a public hearing. I am likewise aware that the ladies who will accompany me have had similar experiences -- officials refusing to listen to them, in effect telling them that their opinions are not worthy of being listened to. A lot of these women are, though not Indian, the very definition of "Clan Mothers." They have that level of wisdom. The opposition wants to shut them up, because they speak the Truth. And if people hear them, they will respond. A big part of my effort is to provide a platform for their voices.

[stevedeshazer]

2. Kicked and done.

Thanks for your efforts. Your persistence is key.

[H2O Man]

7. Thank you!

My family views that persistence as stubborness. Either term works.

And Friend Robert knows very well that I am far, far more persistent/stubborn than he. Andrew is about to find that out, too.

[Octafish]

3. C'mon, H20 Man! Look at things from the PTB's position.

Consider who our elected leaders would like to emulate: The Rich and Powerful. They also want to make them happy, perhaps in expectation of financial support for a campaign or a cushy job after they leave government, ah, service.



When representing the people of Wyoming in Washington, D.C., the dim yet dedicated servant to wealth, Richard Bruce Cheney obtained through legislation a special dispensation from EPA regulation for companies dealing in the extraction of strategic energy mineral resources. What a small world, but did you know he found a job working as head of a company dealing in energy mineral resource extraction just after he left government employment the first time? For those new and interested in the subject: Hydrofracking and the Halliburton Loophole.

Cuomo the Younger may be hiding behind the law as an excuse that prevents him from taking action. Personally, I doubt that, as these words may give him the "spin" needed to fashion a position that prevents him from actually having to hold responsibility for his actions and lack thereof. Either that, or all the Big Oil money Andrew might be counting on for the 2016 campaign is an astonishingly big amount. We'll see more at next summer's Party convention by when and how long he gets to yammer. And if it's a REAAAALLY Big Amount, who knows? Perhaps we've found Biden's replacement.

I'm probably completely wrong, but it at least seems that way -- when those in public office put the "needs" cough-profits of Big Oil ahead of the people, their nation and their health, time and time and time again. At least, that's the pattern I've noticed over the decades.

And to think, of all people, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., may not be standing in opposition to the practice on moral grounds is dismaying. Of all the people.

Hope this is not something else to worry about.

Count me as one calling to give Hell.

Good luck, H20 Man!

[Hotler]

5. Doing and kicking. n/t

[H2O Man]

10. In 2005,

VP Cheney tasked his "former" partners from Halliburton with going to Albany to lobby. My understanding is that this included bribes as well as pressure; the result was excluding gas companies from state and federal environmental law in our state.

In several of my public presentations, I have noted that Andrew Cuomo faces a choice: he can either run on the Cheney wing of the Democratic Party in 2016, or as a real Democrat. I am not so foolish as to not recognize that there is now an ugly growth on our party, and that it has lots of money. But he has virtually no chance of winning the White House that way.

[Octafish]

20. Wrote today asking to pass word to Mr. Kennedy and got a reply in the affirmative.

The gist of what I wrote:


These lines are in support of (H20 Man), a New York resident who stands in opposition to plans to expand the practice of "hydro-fracking" in the Empire State. Mr. (H20 Man) asked me to contact you in your capacity as a colleague of Professor Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., working together at the Pace Environmental Litigation Clinic on behalf of the people and environment of the State of New York.

We oppose hydro-fracking -- the practice of injecting highly pressurized water and chemicals into the earth in order to extract natural gas -- because the process represents a clear danger to public health. Hyrdo-fracking also pollutes the natural water supply with dangerous chemicals, such as benzene, and speeds the degradation of the natural environment by drilling through the water table.

Mr. (H20 Man) and I would like Mr. Kennedy to counsel New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to oppose the practice of hydro-fracking. Would you please forward our request to Mr. Kennedy?

...

Sincerely yours,

(Octafish)

Your kind contact wrote back and indicated she would forward the message to Mr. Kennedy.

[H2O Man]

21. Thank you.

I haven't had a return e-mail and/or phone call. I can appreciate that they might find me somewhat annoying at times. Butr such is my nature when it comes to conflicts such as this one.

[kentuck]

4. That quote by Gandhi defines my feelings perfectly about our condition today...

"One has to speak out and stand up for one's convictions. Inaction at a time of conflagration is inexcusable." -- Gandhi

[H2O Man]

11. I agree.

I've been re-reading a lot of my books by and about Gandhi. That quote definitely stuck out.

[Me.]

9. "he had never had a call quite like mine"

That I can quite well believe. The email has been sent though after I wondered if there was a date I should've put in it.

TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

[H2O Man]

12. It was a

productive phone call.

Thank you for your help!

[Me.]

14. k

[H2O Man]

15. kick

[Raksha]

16. K & R

[H2O Man]

18. Thank you!

[Uncle Joe]

17. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread, H2O Man.

[H2O Man]

19. Thank you!

I've been working on this issue this morning. All assistance from DUers is much appreciated.

[Beringia]

22. Best of luck to you n/t