Here it is the beginning of May, and the people I talk to and even I am somewhat surprised that the weather has turned cold with rain and snow. I don not know why we were surprised, I am nearly 62 and like all of us who have lived in Utah for a time know, April is NOT summer. Still, the early spring thaw draws us outside, and tempts us to enjoy the weather and for us gardeners, to plant early. I enjoy growing some of the things I eat. There is nothing better than a tomato fresh off the vine from your garden.

I think the practice that is being renewed in this country of having cooperatives is a good idea, as are farmers markets. I think we should all try to eat and buy local when possible. It is good for the local businesses obviously and better for the environment if the items are not shipped from far away.

I must at this point change the subject from the pleasantness of gardening to the horrors of the oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico. As it unfolds, I am getting a little depressed and at the same time angry. It is such a huge disaster, and one that grows even larger each day. We can only hope that they will be successful soon, in getting the flow stopped! As I write this message the best guess is at least several more days if not a couple of weeks and perhaps a couple of months if early efforts are not successful. The potential is almost too horrid the think about. There is the prospect of a continuing flow of oil, eventually getting into the Gulf Stream and being carried around Florida and up the east coast. Plus the historical knowledge that usually only a small percentage of oil from spills ever gets removed from the environment. It is devastating to say the least.

If the reality of the situation is not grim and depressing enough, idiots, (mostly conservative) are making outrageous statements. Rush Limbaugh has said that environmentalists might have blown up the rig, and Texas governor Rick Perry calling it "an act of God."

That is about it folks, blame it on someone other than the owners of the business enterprise, even blame it on God. How utterly ridiculous, the idea to drill was a human one. The business, the rig, the technology to build and use the rig, the maintenance, and day-to-day functioning of the rig are all human endeavors, pure and simple. What a sick, petty, and malevolent act it would be for a God to do such a thing; and for what reason?

Unfortunately there are a lot more of these statements out there, and in their midst is Sarah Palin pitching for off shore drilling while this is all happening. You would think that these clowns could get with the reality of this situation and at least shut up for a while. But no, it is time for them to make it political and also to start posturing in defense for the poor oil industry.

I also believe that much of the blame for this disaster can be placed on the business creed to always maximize profits. Profits are a good thing, except when they cause humans to make unethical, immoral and greedy decisions in their pursuit. These corporations lobby against safety regulations, are cutting corners here and there, obfuscating, etc. It is hard to know for sure, but it appears to me that in this case safety may be the victim of the pursuit of profits. It is nothing new, as we can note that pollution is another example of profits first.

Well, I better end this rant before I get carried off into pollution issues. I will save that diatribe for another time. Right now, most of us can only watch and hope for the best for the near by residents and businesses that will be affected, not to mention the planet. It is nice outside so I think I will go work in the garden for a while. Hope to see you soon.

--Robert Lane
President, HoU