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Wednesday, April 16, 2014
The Journal
OPINION
www.journalpress.com
VIRGINIA VIEWPOINTS
The case of the purple squirrel Squirrels. They are just about my favorite outdoor creature, and almost every spring I like to write about them. I am fond of a lot of other animals, but squirrels with their amazing acrobatics, their ability to find things, get into things, and most of the time, get out of things, is remarkable. However, it’s that ability to get into things David S. Kerr that occasionally causes them trouble. Take an incident in Fort Wayne, Indiana last week. A squirrel got into the electrical system of a community center and managed to short out the heating and cooling system. Fort Wayne now has a bill for $300 thousand. I doubt their city council is feeling all that warm and cuddly about my cute little friends, but fortunately, this column doesn’t run in Fort Wayne. Here in Virginia, we’re used to
what’s called the Eastern Gray Squirrel. For most of us, they’re the only squirrel we’ve ever seen. There are some variations, however. As close as Fairfax County, there are black squirrels that are descended from Canadian squirrels released in Washington D.C. by the Smithsonian Institution in 1909. They’re moving south, but at their current pace, they probably won’t reach Fredericksburg or the Northern Neck until the early part of the next century. They’re not in a hurry. However, I have to admit, that I am so fond of their coloring that I’ve thought about catching one up North and releasing him closer to where I live. But, that probably wouldn’t be fair, and besides, there are enough factors disrupting the balance of nature as it is. In addition to gray and black squirrels, there also red squirrels, but they all appear natural in their natural coloration. But, have you ever seen a purple squirrel? Most likely not. And no, I don’t mean the substanceinduced purple squirrel you saw on spring break in 1969. You know, that trip to Clearwater Beach in the VW
Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, Dr. Lorey’s brisk response to David Kerr’s ponderings about climate change ended with, “(l)earn some science before you jump on the Global Warming Bandwagon.” What science does he mean? Climatology? Statstics? Probablity? Lorey’s Phd is not one of the above relevant disciplines. He also asks where Kerr got the info about the dire changes we can expect while simultaneously agreeing that, yes, the earth is warming. After scientists began reporting suspicions about changing climate, a gradual heating of our planet in the 1970’s, our government began supporting climate research in 1990 and now has 12 agencies working on various aspects of the threat. A simple Google search reveals massive amounts of data and thousands of reports and articles articulating the changes, their causes and the probable results of those changes. Kerr has, quite obviously, availed himself of such sources. Remaining ignorant in light of all that data is a choice. Science demands that cherished beliefs be discarded when evidence proves them to be wrong. He also implies that climatologists are cooking the data, conforming to the desired results. Fame and fortune in science comes from disproving accepted science. All attempts thus far have only further emphasized the human contribution to climate change and to support Dr. Mann’s hockey graph. Probability, a mathematical science, now shows humans as the primary cause at 95%, a stunning number. The question is no longer why it’s happening, but what can we do to stop or slow it down? Never before in the history of our planet has climate changed so rapidly. We are already in a period of extinction, one of the most severe in eons. The last time our planet was this warm and with this much CO2 in the atmosphere was at the end of the Permian Age, 290 million years ago. That one took thousands of years for the increase that humans have caused in 200-300 years. The result of that was the extinction of 97% of the life on earth. We, as humans, are subject to the same impact as were the creatures of the Permian Age. Climate change is the most profound challenge we have faced - our own possible extinction. Yet Dr. Lorey encourages us to ‘follow the money’, a fallacious argument since research scientists at top universities make a pittance compared to coaches. The largest amounts of money are being spent by climate deniers who have a lot to lose - the purveyors of fossil fuels. I suggest, instead, that Dr. Lorey follow the science to the truth. Marci Shaver King George
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Dear Editor: I’m writing this in the hopes of garnering support for the residents of Bayberry Estates in King George County to the seemingly unreasonable activities of the Board of Supervisors (BoS). We, in the Bayberry Estates subdivision within King George (Facebook: BayberryAgainstRezoning), reached out to the King George BoS this past week to have an open dialogue on our current dilemma, but they refused!!! Mr. Grzeika only stated that when the issue is on the agenda he would make his position known. Mr. Sisson stated that he is still “thinking” about how both sides can be appeased. We have to wonder if Mr. Sisson and Mr. Grzeika think they have the power to decide what is best for the residents of Bayberry WITHOUT listening to our concerns. They work for the citizens of KG County, not the other way around. The rezoning of this piece of property owned by Walnut Hill LLC, and the blatant disregard by some of the Board of Supervisors in keeping the best interest of the residents in mind (counter to 2007 campaigning by Mr. Sisson and Grzeika) is nothing more than a hollow promise. Mr. Sisson, Howard, and Grzeika have insinuated that a compromise between the residents of Bayberry and the Land Developer Walnut Hill LLC, represented by its operating manager Mr. Jarrell, is in the best interest of the county. But, in truth, the rezoning only benefits Mr. Jarrell and Walnut Hill LLC, with the Bayberry residents left dealing with the ramifications of the rezoning decision; no site or development plan was submitted by Walnut Hill LLC. The property in question only represents a small fraction of the commercial land already available up and down the Rt. 301 corridor in King George. Mr. Jarrell has NO vested interest in the county other than making as much profit as possible and moving on, leaving the residents to deal with the aftermath. Most of the proffers that accompany this rezoning request only apply IF VDOT approves. If VDOT doesn’t approve, then the new landowner will be under NO obligation to comply with stated proffers. Mr. Jarrell has steadfastly refused to sell the aforementioned property to anyone until it’s rezoned so he can
The
bus with the flowers on it. But, I am not kidding. There have been some genuine sightings of purple squirrels. And this isn’t just some odd shade of gray; these squirrels are purple. Authorities considered the first purple squirrel sightings to be fakes, but there have been enough reports, including one in England, for naturalists to speculate that some kind of chemical pollution, bromides perhaps, might be causing the change in their coloration. It’s not natural, probably not healthy, but the squirrels appeared in good shape at least, and the hope is that these are isolated occurrences. It’s a mystery, and don’t be surprised if you see more reports about purple squirrels. On a less bizarre note, another type of squirrel with remarkable coloring has recently gotten some notice because it only exists only on a few thousand acres on the south rim of the Grand Canyon. Its natural habitat is the Ponderosa Pines that grow in the area, and apparently the species hasn’t moved beyond that very small area. They have dark coloring, and this is the part that’s unique; with
bright white tails. They’re a sight, and fortunately, they’re under the federal government’s protection. For some people squirrels are a nuisance. I have a policy of feeding both the squirrels and birds. That way, everybody is happy. But for bird lovers, squirrels are generally not welcome, and birders are always on the lookout for squirrel-proof birdfeeders. It’s kind of a passion. One I found relies on a remotely controlled electrical “zapper.” This gadget requires a lot of vigilance, and when a squirrel makes his move to steal some bird food, you can give him a zap through the electrified mesh. The ad (and I’m not making this up) said it was great for retirees. Just sit back in the old easy chair and click on the old squirrel zapper. As a recent retiree, I rather resented that comment; I do have better things to do than sit around and zap squirrels, so I think I will pass on that new product. But, disturbingly, I do know some people who just might enjoy it. —Reach David Kerr at kerr@journalpress.com
maximize his profits. The property is currently for sale pending rezoning for $995,000. We, the Bayberry residents, are starting to wonder if the deliberation of this request by the BoS, borders on unethical and immoral, as the request by Walnut Hill LLC goes against the very comprehensive plan the BoS approved, is counter to residents’ wishes and, only benefits the landowner. The BoS have used the comprehensive plan as the basis of their decision to review the rezoning request from Walnut Hill LLC. But according to that comprehensive plan, the property in question is zoned A-2; Walnut Hill LLC knew that when they purchased the property. Rezoning is NOT a right!! For King George County residents, please express your concerns to your district representative! Thank you for your time, Faron Kendle King George
ness or crime. Walnut Hill is NOT developing this land, they’re only interested in selling it. If they wanted commercial land, they could have purchased across the street, which is not next to anyone’s home. I don’t understand why this issue even merits a rebuttal. This is not bringing in business to the county, this is only benefiting one person, while destroying our quality of life and property values. The residents are only interested in that land staying zoned A2 as it currently is. Walnut Hill does not have the right to rezone their property, I do not have the right to rezone my property. Rezoning is not a right. Sincerely, Maura Martinez, MLIS King George
Dear Editor: I implore each of you to consider the Bayberry Rezoning from the eyes of the residents. There is no doubt in my mind that none of you or your spouses would want to live that close to a large business. No one wants their children raised in that environment. We purchased our home in one of the oldest subdivisions in King George because it’s an established, peaceful neighborhood and putting 10 acres of commercial land would bring an increase in crime to the Dahlgren area that already has a 30% increase according to Sheriff Dempsey. I don’t want my children to be raised that close to a large busi-
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I.M.H.O.
TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, a few kinks still need to be worked out, but your master plan will soon be in place. Start putting the wheels in motion and your work won’t go unrecognized. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, you are great at creating a good time out of nothing at all. Get together with a few friends and let the good times roll. Others may envy this talent. CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22 You have a rare opportunity to show off your skills this week, Cancer. When your talents are on display, don’t worry about hogging that spotlight. Enjoy your time in the limelight. LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23 Take some time for quiet inspiration, Leo. It is just what you need after a busy week in which your stamina was put to the test. Rest and recharge for a few days. VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22 Tasks at work have certainly tried your patience, Virgo. Just when you are settled in, you get pulled in another direction very quickly. Save up those vacation days.
LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23 It’s time to lighten up, Libra. Throw a party, take a trip or hang out with friends. Just be sure to focus on fun and let other concerns fall by the wayside for a little while. SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, do your best to get all of your ducks in a row this week. Keep distractions at bay and don’t allow social engagements to take precedence over more pressing matters. SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, you will have to remain two steps ahead of everyone else to get a project done this week. Things are moving quite quickly now, so make every minute count. CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20 A challenge is on the horizon, Capricorn. But remain calm and you will handle every challenge that comes your way. Aries provides some extra help. AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, some may call you stubborn, but “dedicated” might be a more appropriate term. Once your mind is set, it is hard to pull you off course, and this week is no different. PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20 You have plenty of energy to carry you through to the weekend, Pisces. A big surprise is in store in the coming days.
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
(in my
humble opinion) How ignorant and a waste of money and resources is the current construction (uh, destruction) at the intersection at Owens? Irresponsible even. Too many wrecks in the county that close roads & block intersections. Not sure if it’s driver error, vehicle failure or road failure. You know, bad intersections. I wonder what the count will be at Owens with new & improved intersection. Be careful out there.
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