Education
This summer, Virginia Organizing has been working on getting the mindfulness pilot program implemented into Norfolk Public Schools. The Norfolk Chapter has been going door to door and tabling at community events, letting residents of Norfolk know what the mindfulness program will look like and how residents can take a part in making this change happen. Norfolk residents can help the mindfulness pilot program come to be by signing pledge cards in support of it. We have a goal of getting 500 pledge cards signed by Sept. 1 to present to the School Board. We have about 175 pledge cards signed so far.
The mindfulness pilot program would be a three- to five-minute video played at the beginning of classes to help kids stay grounded. This gives them the ability to enter a lesson with a clear mind, which can improve their retention in learning and can allow them to learn at their full potential. We have already seen positive results with Portsmouth and Roanoke public schools where officials have implemented the mindfulness program into their schools.
After speaking with many residents of Norfolk, a lot of residents have similar opinions when discussing the mindfulness program with us. Residents say they would like to “stop the violence in Norfolk,” and some have experienced what a lack of mindfulness looks like on their own children.
With your efforts, we can make a difference for our future; which ultimately is the children. For further information, please contact Cassandra Waters at 434-282-8805.
Makida Gosaye, Virginia Organizing Norfolk Chapter intern, Norfolk
Climate change
Re “In 50 years, Hampton Roads could feel more like Louisiana, new climate map reveals” (July 20): The article on the changing climate zone of Virginia was disturbing. Even more disturbing was the fact that regions closer to the equator will see their summer temperatures rise accordingly — and this means that outdoor survival for humans will come into question there, resulting in desperate migration. Technically, this date is 56 years away, not 50. But our granddaughter will still be younger than I am today.
The heat waves of 2023 were bad, and the heat waves this year are likely to be worse. Insurance becomes unaffordable due to extreme weather disasters, yet we blame the insurers rather than the carbon emissions that drive it. We focus on inflation and immigration rather than climate change, though we now know that climate change is helping to drive both inflation and immigration, by reducing the success of agriculture. It also drives the constant sea level rise in Hampton Roads, by melting the ice on Greenland and Antarctica — though we try to ignore it.
There actually is hope. Environmental scientist and writer Dana Nuccitelli notes that the global carbon emissions of the human race seem to finally be peaking this year, after 200 years of steady rise. If we accelerate our transition from fossil fuels to zero-carbon energy, we may be able to avoid the worst consequences of climate change. If we choose to take a break, the consequences for our future generations will be grave. The choice is ours to make, locally, nationally and globally. How do we express our choice? We vote.
Chris Wiegard, Chester
Messaging
I am a lifelong Democrat who is concerned about the way things are going for the party. I am not writing out of concern for who will represent us at the top of the ticket. My concern is that we are right on important issues facing our nation, but we are losing public opinion to the GOP. The GOP is wrong on the issues but is consistent and strong with its messaging. The GOP sends its message with a bullhorn, while we send our message in a whisper.
Two issues that prove my point include energy policy and tax fairness. Those who challenged the cigarette companies found success when they aroused the people by informing them that the cigarette executives knew their product was killing their customers. The Democrats should be proud of their increase in renewables, but they have failed to vilify the Big Oil executives who have lied to hold onto their profits at the expense of our planet and our people.
In regard to funding for the IRS and the issue of spending versus revenues in dealing with a nearly $35 trillion national debt, the Democrats are allowing the GOP to pretend to be working for all Americans; but in fact the GOP is taking care of the wealthy like it always does. To those who communicate on behalf of the Democrats, please make your points more forcefully.
Richard Korn, Virginia Beach
Trump presidency
Look what climate change has done in Texas this summer. It has been reported and documented by every agency charged with watching and reporting on the weather.
Former President Donald Trump continues to deny man-made climate change.
If we continue to experience what has happened this summer with increasing hot temperatures, what do you think it will be like after four years under Trump? I would love to hear that answer.
Janice Aleck, Norfolk
