Highlighting what’s important
I appreciated the April 5 article about KBCS, explaining its history and mission. While I do enjoy listening to some of the music (especially the music of Hawaii, my birthplace, and folk music), I was surprised that the article failed to even mention the programs which are on every weekday morning. Many of us were extremely disappointed when some years ago a previous host station for the Thom Hartmann program switched to all-sports broadcasting, and have been thrilled to have KBCS hosting both Thom (9 a.m. to noon) and Amy Goodman’s Democracy Now (8 a.m. to 9 a.m.). These programs are nationally produced, and highly informative and meaningful. Thom Hartmann’s is a live call-in show, where local residents are able to interact with Thom and special guests. Amy focuses on special topics, and conducts in-depth investigations on site. All KBCS programming can be accessed on 91.3 KBCS, on radio or online.
Our Bellevue community benefits greatly from all the programming options offered by our community radio station, KBCS, and we are proud to support their work with regular financial contributions. We hope you will fully inform our Bellevue area of these options.
Carolyn Reid
Bellevue
Earth Day
April 22 marks a half century of celebrating Earth Days, but do we observe it? Beyond Earth Day there is a growing national debate over the Green New Deal. We can each do our part by reducing our driving, use of electricity and consumption of animals.
Why the attack on meat and dairy? A recent article in Nature argues that animal agriculture is a major driver of climate change, air and water pollution, and depletion of soil and freshwater resources. Oxford University’s prestigious Food Climate Research Network reports that solving the global warming catastrophe requires a massive shift to plant-based eating.
Carbon dioxide is emitted by burning forests to create animal pastures and by operating machinery to grow and transport animals. The more damaging methane and nitrous oxide are released from digestive tracts of cattle and animal waste ponds, respectively.
Moreover, meat and dairy production dumps more animal waste, fertilizers, pesticides and other pollutants into our waterways than all other human activities combined. It is the driving force behind wildlife extinction.
In an environmentally sustainable world, meat and dairy products in our diet must be replaced by vegetables, fruits and grains, just as fossil fuels are replaced by wind, solar and other pollution-free energy sources.
Let’s celebrate the observance of Earth Day at our supermarket.
Frank Edwards
Bellevue
