Thoughts on Affirmative Action

Now that the Supreme Court has abolished Affirmative Action programs at U.S. Colleges and Universities, I thought I might opine on the subject.  While I have long supported Affirmative Action, I must admit to having had one significant reservation.

My primary concern was that the program addressed inequality of opportunity at a stage that was too late to produce a reliable impact.  I favored (and still do) intervention in childhood with free day care and improved early childhood education.  Of course, this must be followed by access to good primary and secondary schools and fortified by social support (including nutritional, recreational and cultural programs).

This is a complex but achievable approach to equality in a wealthy country such as ours.  Once Americans apply to college on an equal footing, affirmative action need not exist.  Unfortunately, that utopia has yet to evolve, partly due to entrenched racism.  For now, colleges must focus on improving diversity among their professors, employees and students and ensure financial aid for those who qualify.

Mulberry Stations

The mulberry trees on our Littleton farm are now bearing fruit and the wildlife know it.  Robins, house finches and cedar waxwings are the most reliable consumers though Bullock's orioles and gray catbirds partake as well.

Magpies and spotted towhees scavenge the ground beneath the trees and mammals are drawn to the fruit day and night; fox squirrels, raccoons and mice are the regular participants, joined by red fox during their years of residence.

Aside from the usual berry fans, other birds are attracted by the feeding activity and our mulberry stations are excellent and convenient sites for birding; I even join the feast during my vigils.  Furthermore, mulberry trees are drought tolerant, offering a reliable source of nutrition in this semi-arid environment. 

Rim of the Dome

A massive dome of high pressure, responsible for the extreme heat in Texas and neighboring States, stretches northward into the Central Plains and westward to the Front Range.  Far from its center we reached 90 degrees F in Metro Denver yesterday and may be a bit warmer today.

Nevertheless, there are signs that we are on the rim of the dome and should expect relief in the near future.  Last evening, clouds were drifting northeastward across the area, indicating that cooler air and lower atmospheric pressure are nearby.  Clockwise winds around the outer edge of the dome determine the movement of clouds and storms that develop at its rim (where hot and cool air masses interact).

As the dome of high pressure drifts eastward, we will be in that clash zone.  Indeed, we expect thunderstorms within a few days. 

Summer at South Platte Park

South Platte Park, in Littleton, Colorado, has entered its summer mode.  Especially lush this year due to the frequent and heavy June rains, the Park is bisected by the South Platte River, currently running high and fast.

By summer, waterfowl are primarily limited to Canada geese, mallards and common mergansers.  Double-crested cormorants are common and small flocks of American white pelicans may stop by or fly over.  Waders are represented by great blue herons, snowy egrets and black-crowned night herons while ospreys, great horned owls, kestrels and red-tailed hawks are the common summer raptors.  Birders are greeted by the songs and calls of yellow warblers, house wrens, yellow-breasted chats, gray catbirds, northern flickers and spotted towhees, among others.

Due to the intense Colorado sun, an early morning or evening visit is advised.  Hiking will be more comfortable and the wildlife will be more active.

Greener than Ever

Returning to our Littleton, Colorado, farm, we found that it is greener than ever before (at least since we bought the property, 33 years ago).  Thanks to a wet spring and early summer, even our "lawns" are densely carpeted with vegetation.

In most years, the farm has lost is spring verdancy by mid June, entering a hot, dry period until monsoon thunderstorms revive the plants in August.  As I discussed in a post last August, global warming may gradually alter the ecosystems of the American Southwest and the steady rains along the Front Range this year may be another sign of that effect.

After a few sunny days, thunderstorms are expected to return by the end of the week.  Whether the Southwest Monsoon is prolonged or just early this year will become evident over the next few months.  For now, our plants are enjoying the water and we appreciate the lush greenery.

Life, Adventure & Risk

Life is a balance of adventure and risk.  As young children, naturally adventurous but oblivious of risk, we must be closely monitored to avoid injury or even death.  Later, as we mature, our risk tolerance is determined primarily by genetic factors and our family dynamics.

Some humans are risk averse, shunning new experiences, foods or even relationships.  Unwilling to take on new challenges, they may be happy but their life is simple and relatively predictable.  Adventure is limited to slight alterations in their daily routine.

Others thrive on risk, engaging in activities that most of us would find unsettling (at the very least); rock climbing, sky diving and auto racing come to mind.  Yet, for the majority of humans, adventure is the spice of life and some level of risk is always involved.  Tragedies such as occurred in the North Atlantic this week are outliers, perhaps the consequence of radical and untested technology.  Life is too short to allow such incidents to derail an adventurous lifestyle.

What We Don't Know

We humans are often quick to judge others, basing our assessment on what we know about their lives.  Worse yet, we may share our opinions with others, thereby fueling and spreading observations that are superficial in nature.

In fact, we often know very little about a person's life, having learned only what they chose to share.  As a result, we interpret their behavior and decisions with an inadequate understanding of their reason or motivation; this unfortunate tendency most often occurs with casual acquaintances but may apply to close friends and family members as well.

Some of us seek counseling to understand our own emotional issues; yet, we may not hesitate to expound on the behavior and choices of others.  Judgments made in the dark are neither fair nor likely accurate.  

Flashback Post XLIII

The increasing hostility of Conservative Republicans toward LGBQT rights warrants republication of a post from June of 2015.  Religious beliefs cannot and should not affect our understanding of and approach to human sexuality.

See: Genetics, Gender & Sexuality

Weather, Climate & Politics

Severe heat, extreme tornado damage, catastrophic flooding and intense hurricanes have plagued the South-Central and Southeastern U.S. over the past fewf years.  No doubt, climate change is fueling the devastation.

Yet, political leaders in these Conservative, Republican States continue to minimize (if not deny) the threat of global warming, opposing efforts to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.  Since this is also a Conservative Christian region of the country, one would think they might heed God's regular warnings.

Unfortunately, Republicans seem to be blind these days, oblivious of climate change, gun violence, racial hatred and, most recently, the risk of mishandling classified documents.  Personal freedom is their mantra and woke liberals are their only concern.  

Gestalt Birding

Though I am a veteran birder, I would characterize my hobby as Gestalt Birding, craving the whole experience rather than focusing on the minutia of the excursion.  For me, the natural environment is of more interest than the individual creatures that inhabit it.

Some avid birders focus solely on their quarry, responding to every movement or shadow that draws their attention.  Often equipped with powerful binoculars and telescopic cameras, they are dedicated to both their species list and its documentation.  While they surely enjoy the fresh air and scenery, it is secondary to their primary activity.

I (and I'm sure most naturalists) appreciate the natural milieu, including the weather, the topography, the waterways, the component ecosystems and the role and interaction of the many wild residents that reside in or visit the preserve.  Of course, I encounter a variety of birds in the process but equally enjoy the other animals and plants that I come across.  Nature is all about the interdependence of life forms and witnessing that phenomenon is what draws me into her realm.  

The Past is Present

We often hear that someone has left their troubled past behind; they have "turned the page."  Of course, unless they had a brain transplant, that is impossible.

We are our past, from the moment of conception until this very minute.  We are the product of our genes and our experiences (physical, intellectual and emotional).  We are molded by love and rejection, praise and criticism, joy and sorrow.

Though we may wish we could change the past, we can only accept its rewards and learn to deal with its lessons.  The future may offer hope but the past delivers reality.   

If it's Green, Let it Be

In the interest of protecting natural ecosystems, some conservationists devote a considerable amount of time and energy to rid them of invasive species.  Unfortunately, their well-meaning zealotry both eliminates a significant amount of photosynthetic activity (i.e. carbon capture) and, in many cases, introduces toxic agents into the environment.

While homeowners certainly have the right to control "weeds," invasive vines and other undesirable plants on their property, nature should be left alone in protected and recovering ecosystems.  Furthermore, the use of toxic herbicides should be banned whenever and wherever possible.

In my experience, campaigns to eliminate non-native, invasive plants are rarely successful though some temporary emotional reward may be experienced by the warriors.  Let nature be.  We need all of the carbon capture that she can muster. 

Tree those Lawns!

Even though Columbia, Missouri, is a relatively small city, there are a disturbing number of massive lawns across the community.  Some are associated with homes while most front businesses and companies.  This scenario is surely duplicated in most cities across the U.S.

Most of these lawns are purely for show; they certainly serve no natural purpose, with the possible dubious exception of feeding Canada geese.  At the same time, they absorb an alarming amount of chemicals (fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides) while requiring excessive irrigation and regular mowing with gas-guzzling equipment.

Why not plant trees on those massive carpets?  They offer shade, wildlife habitat, beauty, relatively low maintenance and significant CO2 absorption.  No need for lawn masters; hire arborists!   

Western Rat Snake

On my birding excursion late this morning, the birds were not especially abundant or conspicuous.  However, I did encounter one of the largest black snakes that I have ever seen, stretched across a gravel road.

Officially, it was a western rat snake, found throughout the central portion of the U.S.; while guidebooks indicate that they may reach six feet in length, this one appeared to be a bit larger.  Sunning itself on the roadway, it moved off into tall grass as my vehicle slowly approached.

Since this is still their breeding season, the snake may have been searching for a mate; up to twenty eggs, which hatch in late summer, are laid by the female.  Western rat snakes are constrictors and feed on a variety of small mammals, amphibians and lizards; since they are excellent climbers, they also hunt for avian nestlings and eggs.  They, themselves, may be victims of hawks (especially red-shouldered hawks), fox, mink, coyotes and, of course, automobiles and tractors.  Those that survive the summer den in caves or deep rock crevices, often in the company of copperheads and rattlesnakes.   

Inciting Violence in a Democracy

Following the indictment of Donald Trump for his violations of the Espionage Act and for Obstructing Justice, violent rhetoric has echoed across the country, from Trump himself to his devoted followers, including a number of Republican politicians.

Democracy and the Rule of Law cannot function in such an environment and the willingness to incite violence cannot be tolerated.  This is not free speech and it must have consequences, including arrest, prosecution and imprisonment if necessary.

Civil debate and discourse are vital to our Democracy but threats of violence against those entrusted to run our government and enforce our laws weaken the fabric of society.  Those calling for an uprising in response to Trump's indictment should be jailed before civil unrest ensues. 

The Kingbird and Habitat Loss

This morning, I encountered an eastern kingbird in our front yard, the first I recall ever seeing in this suburban neighborhood.  As I discussed about eastern bluebirds last month, eastern kingbirds are common in central Missouri but generally prefer open country (grasslands, wetlands and farmlands); unlike the bluebirds, they are present only during the warmer months of the year.

We do know that grassland species have been especially affected by suburban sprawl and agricultural expansion and this morning's visitor, like the bluebird residents, may reflect that loss of natural habitat.  Indeed, the closest large grassland is about a mile to our southwest.

Many bird species are adaptable creatures, making use of human structures and new food sources when their traditional habitat is destroyed; this is especially true of those that prefer open woodlands, a landscape the we humans mimic with our suburban developments.  But grassland species appear to be most vulnerable and their populations have taken the greatest hit.  The kingbird is more than welcome on our property but I am sorry that his relocation was necessary. 

Justice in America

Now that Donald Trump has been indicted for hoarding classified documents and threatening our National Security, we might celebrate the fact that Justice is blind in America.  Of course, we know that is not true.

Had any other individual ignored and broken Federal laws over the past two years, they would already be convicted and imprisoned.  Neither would they have benefited from an outpouring of support from Republican politicians across the country who now blame the indictment on President Biden, not on Donald Trump.

Justice in America is relative.  If one is rich, white and well-connected, they just might avoid prosecution.  Donald Trump has legions of devoted followers, including the Speaker of the House and many powerful Republican Congress members.  Will Justice prevail?  Time will tell but I have faith in Jack Smith and his team. 

Professional Hypocrisy

A year after standing up for human rights and opposing cooperation with the Saudi-funded LIV Tour, the Professional Golfers' Association has decided that Saudi money is just too good to turn down, a slap in the face to loyal players who defended the grand traditions of the organization.

As I discussed in Choosing Money over Morality, the PGA initially took the moral high ground, criticizing those players who left for the LIV Tour and cutting them off from participation in PGA tournaments.

How the complexities of this appalling and reckless decision will play out remains to be seen but the PGA has lost any integrity that it once claimed to value.  Hopefully, they will lose many fans and sponsors as well; I, for one, will not support their hypocrisy.

Affection on Display

Last evening, a dolphin and her calf cruised past our condo on Longboat Key.  As I watched them move along the boat channel, they circled out toward an island of mangroves in Sarasota Bay.  There they engaged in playful behavior for nearly a half hour, their dorsal fins and tails breaking the otherwise calm surface.

While all wild mammals care for their young, their interactions are primarily instinctual, even as they can be ferociously protective.  In highly intelligent mammals however, true affection is often on display and I was fortunate to observe such a bond last evening.

We humans, inclined to feel superior to our wild neighbors, still admire such close relationships.  The dolphins certainly brightened my day. 

Flashback Post XLII

Black skimmers, among my favorite seabirds, seem to be especially common along Longboat Key this summer.  About to write a post on those interesting avian residents, I found that I had already done so back in May of 2008.

See: Black Skimmers 

Back in Hurricane Country

Returning to Longboat Key, Florida, to check on our condo, I brought my oldest grandson with me; we arrived on the first day of the Atlantic Hurricane Season.  Nevertheless, we have enjoyed relatively pleasant (though humid) conditions except for one torrential downpour that knocked out our internet for the past two days.

A number of severe storms have skirted our immediate area and we have enjoyed watching them develop and dissipate.  The ingredients are certainly present for hurricanes should they form in the Gulf or arrive from the Caribbean.  The Gulf of Mexico waters are already bathtub warm.

Of course, our focus has also been on the unique wildlife of this region, almost all new to my grandson.  Sea turtle nests have been roped-off along the beaches, shorebirds scurry across the sand and a large variety of waders and sea birds scour the bay and mangroves behind our condo; a large number of magnificent frigate birds and several manatees have been special observations.  Indeed, it is a natural paradise, at least until the storms arrive.