Wind-powered Casino?

Okay, few think of "green" when they think of gambling, but patrons will be welcomed by a wind-turbine come August. Xcel energy ( coal and nuclear power ) is their primary source of energy , which I believe is supplemented by a hydrocarbon-based generator during peak demand. The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux have been very wise in building up their community's infrastructure (i.e. their fire station, water systems, wetland restoration, health-care ). Now they are getting into the energy business, and doing it in an environmentally sound way.

I have been a patron of Xcel for many years, and a member of their Windsource program. So I am supporting wind even if I am not able to install one in my backyard. Many Minnesotans probably think this is too expensive, but it costs me less than $5 a month! Now when I initially started using Windsource in 2002, it cost my almost $8. But wind energy is cheaper now in comparison to oil, natural gas, and coal.

They will be installing the 2-megawatt wind-turbine during their annual Pow Wow known as Wacipi which will be August 15,16, and 17th. Unfortunately, the previous years I always had my National Guard drill during this time. Last year, it was Josiah's birthday and we had other plans. But this year, I would really like to see this. I live near Little Earth Community in East Phillips and go to Mother's Day Pow Wow, but SMSC has a much bigger venue.

While it has been said that the wind-turbine energy will be used by residents of the community residents, it could be a model for replacing the inefficient/expensive oil-powered generators at Mystic Lake and Little Six casinos and hotel. What is obvious by all of these positive developments in the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is that this is only the beginning. A more sustainable business built on renewable resources and local assets are key to SMSC's long-term prosperity. Too bad the rest of Scott County has chosen an opposing route.

A lot of Minnesotans do not realize that they can support renewable energy for pennies a day. I have been a member of Windsource since 2002. It was the same year I switched over all my light-bulbs to CFLs. I moved to Minneapolis and started to use the bus system more consistently, preparing my way to go carfree.

I encourage anyone that can support renewable energy based on their energy consumption to do so!

Media Parrots

Am I the only one irritated by these people? I know they are well meaning, but they are those who always bring up the news headlines but have nothing to actually say about it. Well, they do have something to say: exactly what the pundits and analysts say. Usually word for word, or summarized even further.

So, silly me, I think perhaps the media parrot might want to actually talk about the subject at hand. But usually they reserve their opinion for the next time they hear something about it from CNN or other broadcast media. Are they walking sheep or what? Honestly, they have no opinion, and usually when they do it is quite simplistic.

And yet, these are the same people who can easily be swayed to your way of thinking - merely by explaining your perspective. But as soon as the media tells them an opposing opinion, they will go with that. It is sad that we have those in our society who do not think for themselves. Are they the "sheeple" of America?

Fortunately there are those who do think. But only those who are the loudest make any impact on media parrots. I could give paragraphs of examples regarding times when I stated something and media parrots would dismiss what I had to say. Then they changed their mind when "reality" came in line - AKA the media agreed with my assessment.

Before Barack Obama even announced his candidacy, I had told many that if he were to run he would win. The media parrots refused to listen, giving me simple reasons like "he's black" or "Hillary will win no matter what." Very simple, until you actually hear the guy speak.

Of course, he would stand no chance at all if the Democrats were fearful of winning this year. Instead the 2006 election landslide has energized their enthusiasm, giving them a sense of hope they thought unthinkable until then. Had they not won so much ground then, Obama would not have a prayer today. But the Democrats believe they will win and don't focus on an "electable" candidate as much as one who more represents the values they would prefer to convey.

Though I have identified numerous amounts of media parrots and those with varying degrees of character agreement with them, I have yet to find a cure. There probably isn't one. Media parrots need to awaken and change themselves by choice. I cannot fathom living like a lemming on autopilot indefinitely, so choose to foster dissent at every opportunity.