I'M BACK!!!!!!

Sorry guys, it has been a crazy (very crazy) last couple of weeks, but I haven't been silent. I have followed all the editorials closely and have made some phone calls and sent some letters. One to Midlothian Mayor Boyce Whatley (cc: City Manager Ron Stevens) requesting a meeting. Surprisingly, after being told "absolutely" I would be given the opportunity to meet with the mayor and city manager, after I faxed my letter - NO RESPONSE! What burns me even more is in my 30 minute phone call with Ron, I explained to him that I simply wanted answers from our representatives, and he assured me that was what they were here for and would gladly talk with me. All I needed to do was fax or email him a request. Well 6 days later, still no contact. Below you will find a copy of my letter:

June 14, 2005

Dear Mayor Whatley and Mr. Stephens,

Thank you for putting the numerous studies that have been performed on behalf of Midlothian, its citizens and the environment on the website and also at the two locations indicated in your news release dated June 3, 2005.

I want to clarify several issues that I and many other citizens of Ellis County and across the state are still concerned with. First, the environmental issues in Midlothian have been of great concern for many years, NOT when Erin Brockovich became involved (reference the first paragraph of the news release). There are many residents of Midlothian and the surrounding area that have always been concerned with the potential risk that we are faced with concerning the release of potential health hazards from the industries that are located in this area.

As you stated it is VERY IMPORTANT that the residents know the facts and have access to all the information so that they can make an informed judgment about the safety of their families. The comment about “rally – type” settings, is very inappropriate. This country was founded on people with common goals coming together to make the world a better place, fair, honest and without fear of reprisal, health risk or any other potential problem that would rob us of our freedom. We do deserve the truth and that is why the citizens of Midlothian, Ellis County and other residents in Texas have come together to have our voice heard.

Our concern is great, regardless of the studies that were presented in the news release and are on display at the two locations. The epidemiological studies that are on the web site are being reviewed in total, and I have several initial comments regarding them. Before I do that we must remember that the results of the regulatory agency overseeing the emissions from these plants are what the US EPA state are within acceptable limits. Need I remind you that basically the reason for them meeting these requirements is that they have “sophisticated pollution control equipment” REQUIRED in that industry. And also they are petitioning the agency to shut off those controls. Is there a study that demonstrates that by doing so it would NOT affect in any way the health of the concerned citizens?

The 26 studies that are sited on your website range from October, 1995 through May/19/2005. We are evaluating in detail each of these studies, Summary reports, risk analysis and risk assessments to enlighten ourselves, government employees elected to protect our rights and the rest of the population. Many of the risk assessment studies on first blush have very limited scope of the risk assessment, do not address the kiln residues that are emitted and the risk not only to the workers but the ones who live around, near and far from these stacks, and most are done from AN ESTIMATED RELEASE OF TOXINS.

The particulates that are released from these stacks vary in size from extremely small to larger particles and can be deposited within fat storage areas of our body (called xenobiotic contaminants), they blanket the area downwind and get into our water supply, on the food that is grown and then shipped to stores or the consumer, and can even be found in farm animals and household pets.

For the vast majority of chemicals, we have little or no long-term toxicity data. Therefore the studies or reports that are presented contain no specific data as to what is potentially the real threat. Either way, pro or con, I would like to meet with you concerning these studies and their sufficiency or insufficiency. My father who is retired was an environmental physician and has great insight and actual studies that may broaden our understanding of the impact that cement plant pollution may have on all of us. I want what is ours, freedom to live in a healthy manner and raise my children without fear of morbidity or mortality in the place I choose. Thank you for your time.

I requested a copy, in full, of the environmental study they quote on the City of Midlothian Website. I was given the option to purchase the study, however quoted them that is available for review, and they allowed me to check it out and take it home. Thus far, I have read nothing that comforted me in any way, mainly because the studies are old and there are a lot of in conclusions. In my opinion, the city has no leg to stand on if this is all they have to back themselves up. Maybe that is why there has been no returned phone call.

Listen, many of you already know this, but if any of "you" are following this blog - here is my promise to you:
I am not going away!!
You might as well humor me with scheduling meeting so we can talk things over, or send me an email, or give me a phone call - if not, don't be surprised when I show up unexpectedly, and very unhappy. There is absolutely no excuse for being ignored and it simply speaks volumes about you and your case!
See you soon!

Politicians vs. Representatives

I know this post does not exactly fall under the initial reason for this blog, however, I have increasingly become aware that this is so much more than an environmental problem - there are tax abatement issues, school district issues, political issues, and I believe, ethical issues. I sincerely hope that those of you reading this blog, will educate yourselves on all of the issues related to this matter and tell others about it as well. I beleive the more who understand exactly what is going in our city and our community, and fully understand some of the injustices taking place, then more will be inspired to help us create effective change for our family, friends, community, etc...
Let me first start with the definition of the title of this blog (Politician/Representative):
politician: one who is actively involved in politics, especially party politics; one who holds or seeks a political office; one who seeks personal or partisan gain, often by scheming and maneuvering; who tries to gain advantage in an organization in sly or underhanded ways; one who is skilled or experienced in the science and administration of government; a leader in a civil administration.
representative: (n)one that serves as an example or type for others of the same classification; one that serves as a delegate or agent for another; a member of a governmental body, usually legislative, chosen by popular vote; a member of the U.S. House of Representatives or of the lower house of a state legislature; (adj.)representing, depicting, or portraying or able to do so; authorized to act as an official delegate or agent; of or characteristic of government by representation; like or typical of others of the same class.

Unfortunately, a lot of politicians have been voted into office in our city and county; representation is virtually non-exsistant. It seems there are some "elected" officials who are more interested in profit, economic developement, protecting their investments, and doing favors.
And they absolutely DO NOT want to answer questions about TIRZ or the railport, TXI pollution controls, health issues in our community, etc...
They come up with really pathetic attempts to try and brush you off....if they only knew....
I CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY NONE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE JUNE 7TH HEARING AND OUR CONCERNS?
Can anyone explain this to me?

Chaotic Catechism

I can't help but wonder why it is so hard to have my questions answered. What is it they don't want me to know?
Can someone tell me again exactly how the railport and TIRZ and all that other TXI crap is benefitting me? All of this money we are allowing them to save - for why? - one more time... Oh yeah, so the rich can get richer and our kids can suffer not only the financial burdern but the health burden as well!
Sure seems fair to me!!
TXI and others are saving millions of dollars while we the taxpayers are carrying burdens we shouldn't have to.
Why don't we have a public library?
Community Center?
Seat belts on our buses?
A rich school district?
Better roads?
etc....
Developers want to keep packing in the families ( no doubt for the tax paying benefit) but no extraordinary facilities or accomodations to offer that would say - see this is what we get for doing our big corporations favors!
Can somone out there name some way we the community are personally benefitting?
{Obviously many of you out there have jobs from some of these businesses, but the community as a whole}
Some of us could say we are getting sick, or even sicker.
I keep trying to find some small something that will help this all make sense only to become further enraged with my discoveries.
I am hoping this week to get some answers....I will keep it touch...

The Blindness is Deafening...

I sat astounded at the meeting Sunday evening...choking back tears, emotion, disgust, and fighting off the choice words I would have loved to allow to spew from my mouth. Most of this coming from within, how could I have not known?
The more entrenched I become with learning, educating myself, discovering, searching, and praying for answers, the more dedicated I become. The more I talk to people and hear their comments about there being nothing I can do, or that I do not realize what or who I am trying to take on, the more convinced I am to dig my heels in even deeper ~ they have no idea who they are talking to (I tell myself)! I am just so unsure of where to start. {Lord, help us.}
Looking at the map of all the families with health problems I have a hard time grasping why it is so hard to bring this to people's attention and why more do not know, much less how anyone would even allow a hearing to lift regulations! Come on!
Yes, June 7th there is a hearing scheduled for TXI wanting to have restrictions lifted on one kiln for a six month period - to save $...poor things...
Absurdity! I will be at that meeting, or whenever it is rescheduled - apparently these hearings change frequently, and I am sure it will if people get wind of an uprising. Everyone involved knows that these toxins are harmful - if TXI was so environmentally friendly, why would they even consider this?
I have been reading on the EPA website about the toxins : http://www.epa.gov/iris/carcino.htm
benzene increases risks of cancer: http://www.epa.gov/iris/subst/0276.htm
mercury - respiratory issues: http://www.epa.gov/iris/subst/0370.htm
toluene - effects on kidney and liver: http://www.epa.gov/iris/subst/0118.htm
red blood cells and liver effects: http://www.epa.gov/iris/subst/0104.htm
And many, many others...
Dear bloggers, please note - I have not taken this venture lightly. I have done my homework, and continue. I am not being manipulated into thinking anything - I think for myself!
I am still amazed at how many are willing to just stick their head in the sand, believing this to be a political issue, or environmental, or just too big to take on.

Time for Change

It is with a heavy heart that I create this blog, having never imagined myself needing to do something like this, but having no choice. My words and emotion and most definitely my passion, may offend - truth often does, especially to those who blindly go through life believing and understanding in no real cause - so consider yourself warned.
This blog is intended to educate, inspire, motivate, and organize in order to create change for the residents of Midlothian, and all others effected by the wasteful practices of the cement factories. Due to the big friends (in political places) these companies have acquired over the years, they are not always made to play by the rules and the health and livelihood of Midlothians has seriously been placed in jeopardy.
There are unusually high numbers of residents with cancer, chromosome disorders, respiratory ailments, allergies, and over all poor health - yet I, among others, have discovered it is taboo to talk about these things, much less get anything done about it. Most will not even respond to a letter, email, or phone call. No one wants to hear it, (even if they think it) especially the cement plants who claim to be environmentally friendly. For instances see the link that follows that expounds the environmentally friendly company that TXI says it is, or is it?
http://www.txi.com/company_overview/txi_&_the_community/environment.html
Ok, you have cut costs ( and increased profits) and received awards from your friends in the EPA, but at the cost of what?
It is important to say, I am not a tree hugging liberal, rather a conservative Republican through and through. Not only do I claim this, I act on it - I have pounded pavement, passed out information, attended meetings, made phone calls - all in support of my party. *These comments are bound to make some scratch their heads, because apparently Republicans are not supposed to care about environmental issues. Why is that? It boggles my mind! How is it that that right is reserved to liberals or environmentalists? Why are you expected to stay quiet about environmental issues if you are a Republican?
Well guess what folks ~ not this Republican! (Did you hear that Joe Barton?!) That is the beautiful thing about this country, I have every right to think and speak outside the box, and this is necessary for there to be any change! If there hadn't been people all throughout history who thought, dreamed, and aspired for things to change or be different - we wouldn't be where we are today. Heck - women wouldn't even have the right to an opinion much less a vote!
Something has to be done, and I have promised to do everything in my power to help change the practices of big business and politicians in Midlothian - first by making people aware!
Now, did you know...