"Independence" Day

I say it with a sad sense of the disparity between us. I am not included within the pale of this glorious anniversary! Your high independence only reveals the immeasurable distance between us. The blessings in which you, this day, rejoice are not enjoyed in common. The rich inheritance of justice, liberty, prosperity, and independence bequeathed by your fathers is shared by you, not by me. The sunlight that brought light and healing to you has brought stripes and death to me. This Fourth of July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn.

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China: Environmental Disaster

Chinese government economists estimate that environmental pollution last year cost China approximately 10 percent of GDP. Last year, China's economy grew 9.9 percent in real terms, not accounting for environmental externalities. Yes, that's actually a net loss of 0.1 percent of GDP. Is this the end of the Chinese growth miracle?

It Takes an Ecovillage

Shaw EcoVillage and its Chain Reaction Youth Bike shop, former pet projects of mine, are now reopenned in a new improved location at 1416 North Capitol St. in Washington, DC.

Went in on Friday and man is it great. Those of you in the area should stop in and check it out. Also, stay posted to their website for upcoming schedules of events like Adult bicycle repair classes, volunteer opportunities, fun rides, bicycle polo, and more.

Also, what a great time to make a tax deductible donation to this innovative and growing community non-profit! St. Columba's Church has generously made a $10,000 challenge grant to match donations to Shaw Ecovillage dollar-for-dollar. Why not donate online now by clicking to Network for Good? You know its the right thing to do.

Tiananmen + 17

Why 17? Why not?

For you yearlings who don't remember the Tiananmen uprisings (actually, happenned all throughout China--not just in the infamous public square), read the first-hand inside account (shit, it's only $0.43 used) or get the podcast from PBS.

More on China's Economic Enigma

If capitalist China can regulate prescription drug prices, why can't socialist America?

Xinhua reports:

"The Chinese government has cut the retail prices of 67 drugs used for the treatment of cancer by a range of anywhere from 23 percent to 57 percent in a response to public complaint over soaring prices for drugs and medical services....Of the 67 drugs, 23 used to have their prices determined by the market. They were included on the list of drugs whose prices are fixed by the government last year."