"How we treat our land, how we build upon it, how we act toward our air and water will in the long run tell what kind of people we really are." - Laurance S. Rockefeller, 1965
How are you dealing with what is happening in the Gulf? Frustrated, completely disgusted, heartbroken? What will it take for things to change, how bad do things need to get? The news is continuously dismal and downright depressing. Reports of failure, inefficiency and insurmountable losses to people's lives and our environment are reported daily. It's actually hard to get through the day without a sinking feeling about the direction of our country. I think it is important for each of us to get through our veils of complacency and to do something. Not just complain or sulk, but to take action. Join groups on Facebook, write letters and emails, raise money, spread the information. I'm thinking of taking a road trip out to Pensacola so I can see for myself what crude oil looks like on a sandy beach. Sometimes reality doesn't set in until you can see, touch, and smell a situation (sorry the taste part will not be an option). For the majority of Americans, this calamity is off the radar screen and life goes on. It's hard enough to keep food on the table for some. Each individual seems to have their personal 
tipping point for action. I can accept that. If you are reading this, I ask that you examine your own feelings about what is happening in the Gulf and how significant it is as a indicator of what we value as a country.
On July 10, a local gallery in Jacksonville, 323 Modernism, is holding a silent auction to benefit the Audubon Society. It is a small but important action for people to step forward to say we care. The details can be found here. I made 5 - 11x17 prints last night that I am donating to the cause. Hopefully people will turn out, buy some great art and help a worthy cause. One image that I printed for the first time is shown here. It is a sunset at Point Reyes National Seashore in West Marin, CA. It reminds me of the overpowering beauty of nature and the need for responsible stewardship of our land. To imagine these pristine shorelines covered in crude oil...well that reality is upon us in the Gulf.