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Do You Remember the Bhopal Chemical Disaster?
Bhopal is just one of many incidents that should never have occurred…The following is an exert from Hush Hush, by Michael Jordan:
"During the night of December 2, 1984, the hospitals in Bhopal, a city in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, began to receive the victims of what was to become the world’s worst industrial accident. The medical staff was besieged by large numbers of dying people suffering from massive reactions to a cloud of gas that had erupted from a nearby chemical plant owned by the Union Carbide Corporation. Yet when doctors called the company’s medical officer asking how to treat their patients, the response was simply, "All you need to do is wash with water." From that terrifying night the death toll ran in the thousands.
History of Union Carbide India
The Union Carbide factory in Bhopal was set up in 1969 in order to produce the pesticide Sevin for the new Indian Market. For the first few years, the residents of the city welcomed the multinational corporation as it provided much-needed employment for so many people. But doubts began to surface and rumors began to spread following a few minor accidents and a more serious one that resulted in an employee’s death.
At first, the Bhopal plant produced Sevin from a multitude of imported chemicals. One of the major chemicals used in the manufacturer is methyl isocyanate (MIC), a highly dangerous substance that can break into an uncontrollable violent reaction with just a few drops of water or a little metal dust. For the first few years of production, up until 1979, Union Carbide India imported MIC from the USA, but after this time it began to manufacture its own. By this time, the Indian subsidiary was struggling financially, as the Indian Market for pesticides had failed to take off as predicted. Despite the design of the MIC unit being based on Union Carbide’s modern plant in West Virginia, corners were cut in the materials used to construct it, the safety mechanisms and the metering gauges.
With sales in decline, the corporation wanted to save money. Between 1980 and 1984, the number of staff in the MIC unit was halved. There was a high turnover and new employees were not trained to the same level as previous intakes. The plant stopped producing Sevin constantly and began manufacturing intermittently when there were the sales to support it. Huge vats of chemicals lay dormant and large stocks of MIC remained in their tanks. Safety was lax as the inadequately trained operators believed a dormant plant was not a danger. Safety systems were shut down to save money; the MIC refrigeration unit was closed to save electricity bills, despite the fact that MIC has to be kept at zero degrees Celcius at all times.
The Fateful Night
The disaster occurred during routine maintenance of the plant that manufactured MIC. Leaking valves and corroded pipes triggered a runway exothermic reaction that resulted in a massive 40 tons of this compound, as well as hydrogen cyanide and a cocktail of other chemicals, blasting out in dense clouds that rolled over half a million people, the closest of which were in the city’s three bustees, makeshift housing estates inhabited by the city’s poorest people. Within minutes, thousands upon thousands of people were suffering the horrifying effects of the poisonous gases, many of whom would die that very night. The toxins attacked the victims’ eyes, lungs, kidneys, livers, intestines, muscles, brains, reproductive and immune systems. People gasped for breath and staggered around on the verge of going blind. A spokesman for a leading pressure group, the Bhopal Group for Information and Action (BGIA), put the number of people who died immediately at not less than 8,000, although later reports suggest it is far more as the city’s hospitals could not count the dead fast enough. It was later calculated by an Indian government agency, the Council of Medical Research, that more than half a million individuals received poisons in their bloodstream resulting in damage to almost all of the systems in their bodies.
Need To Know Basis
The BGIA was established after some time went by and the issue of compensation had not been satisfactorily resolved. Originally, the Indian government had claimed more than $3 billion on behalf of victims, but after years of litigation, Union Carbide offered just $470 million in a civil settlement, less than one-seventh of the amount. Faced with threats that the company would stall the case endlessly, the Indian government accepted the offer in February 1989. In 1991, the Indian Supreme Court upheld the decision while allowing the criminal case to be reopened. Union Carbide stated that the amount paid represented a final settlement of all Bhopal litigation. Yet people continue to die every month from exposure related illness, and over 120,000 survivors still require medical attention. Union Carbide is said to have withheld vital information on the exact nature of the gas cloud that spewed from the plant, and its potential effects on the body, on the grounds that such information would breach its right to "trade secrecy." Doctors still do not know the proper treatments and in consequence, many of the drugs being used in local clinics may be causing more harm than good.
Taken To Court
In November 1999, against this background and in the face of claims that over 95 percent of claimants had received only derisory sums in compensation (less than $3,000 in the case of death), plaintiffs, including BGIA, filed a law suit in New York against the Union Carbide Corporation and its former chief executive officer, Warren Anderson. The suit cited violation of international law and the fundamental human rights of victims and survivors. It charged that "the defendants are liable for fraud and civil contempt of the courts of both the United States and India."
In August 1999, the Union Carbide Corporation was bought by the Dow Chemical Company, making the conglomerate one of the biggest in the chemical industry. Among Dow’s statements on its responsibilities to the public and the environment has been the recent assertion that "Dow is in the business of applying science and technology to improve the quality of life around the world…whenever Dow has experienced a serious or fatal accident, we have communicated openly and honestly with our people, our communities and local authorities explaining why the accidents occurred and how we can prevent them happening again." Sadly, the people of Bhopal may not wholly see eye-to-eye with this sentiment.
Getting Away With Murder
Those responsible for this catastrophe have never been brought to justice. Union Carbide did not send a disaster relief team to Bhopal; it has never disclosed the full compositional details of the deadly gas to the medical teams who have treated the survivors; it has not fully compensated the survivors and the families of the dead; and it has not cleaned up the polluted factory to allow current residents of the city to rebuild their lives and their communities free of toxic hazards.
At the time of writing, the factory at Bhopal lay abandoned, a decaying epitaph to gross mismanagement or, as the lead counsel for the plaintiffs, Kenneth McCallion, put it, a "demonstration of a reckless and depraved indifference to human life in the design, operation and maintenance of the Union Carbide of India Ltd (UCIL) facility." The civil suit is still pending in the United States. Its claims also concern the contamination of soil and groundwater from the toxic chemicals, a situation which Union Carbide is said to have responded inadequately by merely covering the area with topsoil. A spokesman for the action groups has revealed that Dow "keeps bringing out this public relations line about how they’re not responsible and Union Carbide is a separate entity. While it is a separate entity in form, it is still a wholly owned subsidiary of Dow Chemical." The Bhopal case is by no means the only illustration of multinational companies attempting to avoid direct public liability by arguing that mistakes are the responsibility of their subsidiaries."
~From Hush Hush, a book by Michael Jordan
This is a tragedy that, sadly, many Americans have not even been informed of it’s existence! How can we stop such atrocities?
It is very important to buy products that are green and have a low impact on the environment. It is the consumer who controls the buyers’ market. We have the power to change the world!
It is apparent that our consumer choices impact the environment. When alternatives are available, there is no genuine excuse. Sevin is a pesticide designed for one purpose: to kill. If you have not read Everyday Revolution’s article, BIOCIDES: A No-Brainer, Really…, please visit www.everydayrevolution.info
Alternatives to Pesticides:
http://www.refusetousechemlawn.org/alternatives_to_pesticides
Recommended Reading:
Dominique Lapierre’s Five Past Midnight in Bhopal
http://www.american.edu/ted/bhopal.htm
http://www.bhopal.org/whathappened.html
For more information on Everyday Revolution, check out our Myspace website:
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everydayrevolution@hotmail.com
EVERYDAY REVOLUTION EVENTS
Please checkout the Local GREEN Events listing after our Sponsor list!
SULTAN'S DREAMS at STRATOS
Thursday August 6th
8:30pm
Dallas, TX
Come see the Dancers of Sultan's Dreams perform at Stratos!
Come eat the divine Greek Cuisine of Stratos while you watch the show!
More information and directions:
http://clubstratos.com
GIRLSHOW 2009
Presented by
ARTLOVEMAGIC
AUGUST 7th and 8th
The Mokah Lounge, Deep Ellum
"With over 40 visual artists in mediums from painting to sculpey to sandpaper to terrariums, the beautiful Artistas of GirlShow will shake up your ideas of traditional visual art.
In the coming days and weeks I (Melody) will be highlighting some or our artists for a sneak peak of what treats await you at the show.
Remember there will be two shows going on during girlShow weekend. One on Friday, August 7th, which will include a concert series in Mokah Lounge along with 2-4 visual artists. Then there’s the massive girlShow production Saturday, August 8th with over 25 live visual artists performing and over 40 pieces of live art hanging in the gallery." ~Melody Hay
Full BLOG may be read at http://artlovemagic.com
Visit and support artlovemagic at http://artlovemagic.com
BELLYDANCE HAFLA at ANCIENT TRADITIONS
Saturday August 8th7:30pm
SCINTILATING BELLYDANCE HAFLA at ANCIENT TRADITIONS Cultural Center in Grand Prairie!!!
You can't miss this show! You will melt in your seat before the BEAUTIFUL Dancers of SULTAN'S DREAMS! They have a wonderful show lined up for you as well as a FANTASTIC RETAIL area filled with Costumes and the GOODS of the LOCAL Community!
Also a snack bar is available if you get hungry! ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT Ancient Traditions so that they can bring the OLD WAYS to you and keep them alive! HAFLA is $10 for non-members and only $5 for members. All are welcome! For directions and more information about Ancient Traditions, please visit: http://ancient-traditions.org
Please be prepared to ~make noise~ Opa!
BLAMING GRACE With GAYDENLEE and PARALLEL PLAY at JGILLIGANS!
Friday, August 28
9PM
400 E Abram Arlington, TX 76010
Come celebrate the end of the August heat with some cold brews and sweet music!
BLAMING GRACE enters a COMPETITION at THE CURTAIN CLUB!!!
Join Blaming Grace Friday, September 6th, 2009 at
THE BATTLE OF THE BANDS!
Deep Ellum, Dallas, Texas
http://blamingrace.com
http://myspace.com/blaminggrace
EVERYDAY REVOLUTION IS PLANNING
THE HEARTH h)FESTIVAL for 2009!!!
THE SELECTED DATE FOR THE HEARTH FESTIVAL is SEPTEMBER 5th, So Mark Your Calendars!
Volunteers for this fundraising event are most welcome! Event lineup includes musicians, dancers, artists, and craft vendors! Email everydayrevolution@hotmail.com if interested in helping!
For more information on Everyday Revolution, check out our Myspace website and our blogs: http://www.myspace.com/everydayrevolutionaries Add us as a friend!
Everyday Revolution has a New Web Space! www.evrev.webs.com
Our ARCHIVES page is available here: www.everydayrevolution.info ***Provided by Nebt Anhai Productions***
To be on our permanent mailing list, please send your request to: everydayrevolution@hotmail.com We will personally respond to you!
Looking for a writing outlet? Want to get your voice out there? Become a volunteer writer for Everyday Revolution! If you are interested, please send us a message at: everydayrevolution@hotmail.com
ADSPACE AVAILABLE:
Emailer Ad Package
For a $25 donation, we can give you or your business a Six Month Sponsor Spot. Your ad will be included on our emailer sponsor list (newsletter), our myspace site, and our website.
Please visit www.myspace.com/everydayrevolutionaries or http://evrev.webs.com to make your donation.
OUR SPONSORS:
Frozen Glory Energy Group
For the Best Rates Possible, contact Frozen Glory. They provide a free service to find you the best Green rates available for both residential and commercial. Seriously.
Contact: thehockeybiker@yahoo.comStarfish Jewelry
Follow Your Lucky Starfish!
Unique, One-of-a-Kind pieces handmade with love.
www.starfishjewelry.etsy.com
Natural Gnostics and Mystical Misfits
Discover the Misfit in you!
http://www.meetup.com/naturalgnostics
www.mysticalmisfits.net
Sarasvati Bodhisattva
Need a Sitar Player for an Event?
Book Sarasvati Bodhisattva!
She Can Take You To Another World!
www.myspace.com/sarasvatibodhisattva
New Website:
http://sarasvatibodhisattva.webs.com
Jael's Jewels
Handmade Pendants
www.jaelsjewels.etsy.com
Wild Sky Tribal
An Exotic Blend of Music and Dancing
Have you experienced it?
Watch the Latest Wild Sky Performance!
Click Here: www.myspace.com/wildskytribal
For belly dance and dreadlock installations, visit:
www.wildskystudio.net
Official Website: www.wildskytribal.com
The Curious Biologist
Unusual Assortment of Art, Terrariums, and Viewing Glasses
www.thecuriousbiologist.etsy.com
The Curious Biologist Now Carries Insects!
Visit: www.thecuriousbiologist.com
Nebt Anhai Productions
Artistic Website Design and Logo Creation, Video, Marketing and More!
www.nebtanahi.com
nebtanhai@yahoo.com
Blaming Grace
Musical Magic Amidst Sensuous Sounds
Listen to the Latest LIVE Performance!
www.myspace.com/blaminggrace
www.blaminggrace.com
Zoology Pet Sitting Services
The Experienced Pros Who LOVE Your Pets!
Contact now for the Best Rates in Town!
Mention Everyday Revolution and get a 10% Discount
www.zoologypetsitting.weebly.com
Wings-Pizza-N-Things Franchises Available
Looking for an Investment Opportunity?
Order up some Buffalo Wings and Pizza!
www.wingspizzanthings.com
Deb Driscoll
Vocal and Instrumental Talent
Lessons Available!
http://www.myspace.com/debdriscoll
http://www.theshantytowncollective.com
Druid's Eye View
News views and commentary from the grove
organizer of Eagle Mountain Protogrove, ADF:
http://www.druidseye.blogspot.com
Eagle Mountain Protogrove, ADF
Dedicated to serving the greater Neopagan
community by providing quality open ceremonies:
http://www.eaglemountainpg.org
Ancient Traditions
Claiming our Future by Reclaiming our Past
Bellydance, Tai Chi, Hooping, and Swordfighting Classes Available
http://www.ancient-traditions.org
The Celtic Grove
A Smattering of Unique Gifts!
http://www.thecelticgrove.com
Delphi.
The Magical Muse of Music!
Visit:
http://www.myspace.com/justdelphi (Myspace)
http://www.delphinations.com(Blog)
http://www.youtube.com/DelphiPianoGirl
Free Album download at http://drop.io/delphinator
Vision Home Décor
Handmade Candle Holders, Clocks and Tobacco Peace Pipes!
http://www.visionhomedecor.etsy.com
Salvia Light
An Amazing Apothecary of Delights!
http://www.salvialight.com
White Wings Aloft
Make your wedding or event extra special!
LIVE DOVE RELEASE
http://www.whitewingsaloft.com
The Alexandrian Market
Actually, Business and Pleasure CAN go together!
http://www.thealexandrianmarket.com
Franchises Now Available!
Wild Bohemian
Welcome to the World of Bellydance!
http://wildbohemianworld.com
ArtLoveMagic
http://artlovemagic.com
Old Half Moon Designs
Uniquely Designed Rosaries and Jewelry
http://oldhalfmoondesigns.etsy.com
*We Accept Donations*
If you wish to make a donation or purchase an ad with us, please contact us at: everydayrevolution@hotmail.com or visit our webpage at: www.evrev.webs.com or our archives at: www.everydayrevolution.info.Thank You!
DFW Earth/Food/Animal/Green Newsletter and Calendar
July 2, 2009
Easier to read online at:
http://dfwnetmall.com/news/x2009-july.htm
GOOD News
Dogs Save Humans--Again! Some dogs can smell odors given off by humans with bladder cancer and diabetes, researchers say. In some cases, the canines warn of oncoming attacks. Rob Harris, Dog trainer: "Dogs have a highly-developed sense of smell. Their nose is in use every day. We just use that part of their nose to help us identify the odor of cancer."
Animal Labs Required to Post Data. Animal research facilities will be required to disclose more information online about their experiments. A settlement iwth US Humane Society will require the Agriculture Department to post annual reports from those facilities, including what they call "pain and distress information," on its Web site. The settlement will now be submitted to the federal district court for the District of Columbia for final approval.
Stricter Auto Emissions Granted. The Obama administration granted California permission Tuesday to begin enforcing its stricter auto emissions standards. Under an agreement reached among the governments, industry and environmentalists, the federal government will adopt the California standards and begin enforcing them nationwide in 2012.
ASHRAE Introduces Building Energy Label. The good news is that a prototype label for the ASHRAE Headquarters in Atlanta was recently unveiled. ASHRAE is working with major real estate developers to implement the label prototype this fall with a widespread launch of the full program in 2010. The Building Energy Quotient program, which will be known as Building EQ, will include both asset and operational ratings for all building types. The bad news is that is does not include residential. Click to view image.
BAD News
Silk Soymilk Is No Longer Always Organic. Check Silk cartons before buying as most of their soymilk is no longer organic. This opens the way for genetically modified soybeans to be used.
Silk Uses Neurotoxin in Production. According to The Cornucopia Institute, Silk's Light soymilk, as well as its "Heart Health" soymilk, is made with hexane-extracted soy flour instead of whole soybeans. Hexane is a highly explosive volatile solvent that is a byproduct of gasoline refining and a neurotoxin, which is listed as the main ingredient in these Silk products.
FIRST SUNDAY BUFFET: July 5
After years of a wonderful monthly vegan buffet at Thai Jasmine in Bedford, we moved to a new location in May where the food is equally as good and as abundant plus we have much more space: Papaya Garden, 1201 W. Airport Frwy #100, 817 684-9378, Euless 76040. Sunday, July 5, 11:30 am - 2 pm and every first Sunday thereafter.
Actually, the current owner, Kim, started the idea of the vegan buffet many years ago when she owned a restaurant on Magnolia in Fort Worth. She not only knows how to put the finishing touches on vegan, she also keeps the food fresh throughout the 2.5 -hour buffet. The June food was fantastic.
Come with your friends and family and sit together or please sit with us. Ask for Terry at the door and they will direct you to an interesting group of folks.
Papaya Garden is on the southwest corner of Airport Freeway (Hwy 183) and Industrial (FM 157--which is Collins in North Arlington). It faces Industrial rather than Airport Fwy. First Sunday Vegan Buffet hours are from 11:30 until 2 pm. $9.95. This location will continue into the future every first Sunday.
Questions? Call Terry at 817 545-0140 or 972 251-1532.
ORGANIC FARMERS at Saturday Markets
There is a certified organic farmer at the McKinney Market. The market is at Chestnut Square from 8 am until 12 noon. The rest of the market? This is from the rules and regs of the McKinney market, "Vendors shall be subject to inspection of their farm or place of production at any time to assure that at least 60% of their produce is homegrown or their products are homemade." I assume this means the farmer can buy and resell 40% of products at this market.
There is also a certified-organic farmer at the Coppell Farmers Market each Saturday.: Starts at 8 am at the corners of Bethel and South Coppell Roads in Coppell. Coppell does try to limit the produce sold there to farmers who grow their own or bring a neighbors produce. Although I saw produce that were far out of season for North Texas, the head of the organization said the volunteers would try to inspect farms in the future to stop that.
If you know of other certified organic farmers that grace our local farmer's markets, please let me know who, where, when, and what time so I can spread the word.
PHOTOS
Taken by Hubble Space Telescope and supplied by Peggy LaPoint.
Remarking in an article from the Daily Mail, reporter Michael Hanlon writes the photos "illustrate that our universe is not only deeply strange, but also almost impossibly beautiful."
To me... It also shows how insignificant we are and how easy it would be for humans and most animals to cease to exist if we don't take care of the earthship that takes care of us and the other inhabitants of this planet.
Photos online at http://dfwnetmall.com/news/x2009-july.htmQuick RESTAURANT REVIEWS
online for Bliss Raw Care, Hericoh's, Southpaw's Organic Cafe, and Veria Natural Cafe.
Quick RECIPES
online for Stuffed Squash, Berry Breakfast or Dessert, Hummus-Veggie Appetizers.
http://dfwnetmall.com/news/x2009-july.htm
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Calendar:
July, 2009
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Tue, Jul 14 - Dallas Sierra Club Meeting, 7 pm; come early for food. Avarita Williams from the Texas Workforce Commission will provide an overview on green jobs in Texas and their impact on the environment and the economy. The Sierra Club meets at The Center for Spiritual Living, near the northwest corner of Inwood and Spring Valley in north Dallas (see map below). From the Tollway and Spring Valley Road, go west past Inwood Road and the train tracks. Take the next right (north) on International Parkway (called Arborview on older maps). When the road bends to the right, look for the entrance way and Sierra Club signs.
Wed, Jul 15 - General Meeting of the Greater Fort Worth Sierra Club, 7 pm. Brief business meeting followed by speaker Lucy Harrell of Arlington, Texas Certified Nursery Professional and expert on Texas landscapes and organic gardening specialist. Location: Ft Worth Botanic Gardens, Main Garden Center, 817 871-7686, 3220 Botanic Garden Boulevard at University, north of I-30, Fort Worth.
Wed, Jul 15 - Dallas Sierra Club Outings Committee meets at 7:00 pm at REI, 4515 LBJ Freeway, Farmers Branch, TX 75244 (north side of LBJ between Midway and Welch). All outings leaders, future outings leaders, and interested Sierrans are welcome.
Thu, Jul 16 - Sierra Club Night Hike Chisholm Trail. Meet at 7:00 pmin front of the Starbucks/Barnes & Noble (north side of 15th just west of US 75). We will walk 5 miles on a paved path. Bring water. No reservations, just show up. Leader: Judy Cato 972-238-5738.
Sat- Jul 18 - Black Vegetarian Society of Texas White Rock Lake outing and potluck picnic. 12 noon -3 pm, Flagpole Hill, 3100 Doran Cr, Dallas. Contact Angelica at 214 577-5840 for more information and for contributions to the potluck.
Sun, Jul 19 - All-vegan, all-you-can-eat buffet from 12 noon until 2 pm. Regularly $9, $1 off for Sierra Club, Dallas Vegetarian Lunch Group and DFW Vegetarian Education Network members.. New Start Veg, (972 243-0507) 2330 Royal Lane, ste 900, Dallas 75229. Just west of I-35 on the south side of Royal. Call for info: James Bisby 469-371-1938.
Sun, Jul 19 - Dallas Trekkers group walks at White Rock Lake at 8 m. Meet at Doctors Hospital, 9330 Poppy Drive, Dallas. 972-489-3072 for more information. Small charge.
Thu, Jul 23 - Dallas Organic Gardening Club Monthly Meeting. Fretz Recreation Center, Dallas. 7 pm. Free.
Thu, Jul 23 - Arlington Organic Gardening Club Monthly Meeting. Bob Duncan Community Center Garden Room, 2800 S. Center St. in Arlington. 7 pm. Free.
Thu, Jul 24 - Sierra Club Night hike on White Rock Creek Trail. Meet at 7:00 pm at Moss Park on the SE corner of Greenville and Royal. We will walk 5 miles on a paved path. Bring water and bug repellant. No reservations, just show up. Leader: Judy Cato 972-238-5738.
Sun, Jul 26 - Black Vegetarian Society of Texas monthly luncheon at Spiral Diner, Magnolia at 6th, Fort Worth. 1:30 pm.
Sat, Aug 1, - Fort Worth Vegetarian Society monthly dinner at Spiral Diner, 7 pm. 1314 W Magnolia at 6th, Fort Worth. No reservation necessary; look for FWVS sign.
Sat, Aug 1 - SPCA of Texas' Pet Grief recovery program for those grieving the loss of a beloved companion animal. Meet at 1 pm at the conference room at SPCA of Texas, 2400 Lone Star Drive, Dallas. Free.Sun, Aug 2 - Sustainable Sunday: Vegan Buffet every first Sunday at Papaya Garden, 1201 W. Airport Frwy #100, 817 684-9378, Euless on the corner of Airport Fwy (Hwy 183) and Industrial (FM157 also known as Collins in Arlington). Thai, plant-based, and all-you-can-eat buffet is served from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm. There are several groups here including DFW Veg Ed and Sierra Club, Larger restaurant means more room for families and other groups Ask for Terry at the door to meet/converse with an interesting group of people. Or sit with your friends and family . Organizer: Terry Jensen 817 545-0140 or 972 251-1532.
NOTE: There will be no Mid-Suburban Sierra Club or Collin County Sierra Club meetings during the summer months. Have a great summer.