we pay for the corn
In an article about the environmental benefits of adding corn-based ethanol to gasoline, reporter Patrick Cooley rightly mentions the need for life cycle analysis. (October 25, “Unleaded 88 fuel is often cheap, but should drivers use it?”)
more:Unleaded 88 fuel is popular in Ohio, is it good for your car and the climate?
But any discussion of the environmental impacts of corn-based ethanol must account for facts he omitted. It also has implications.
Changes in land use caused by federal laws encouraging corn production have an impact on the environment.
Corn production due to poor agricultural practices results in massive loss of topsoil and farm chemical contaminants flow down the Mississippi River into the Gulf of Mexico, where there is a large dead zone.Chemical herbicides and pesticides Widespread use of is causing harm to wildlife and water quality, including the loss of important pollinator species, along with risks to human health.
more:Ohio farmers work to keep algae-causing nutrients out of water
Members of parliament and other officials have encouraged corn production because it is politically popular in rural areas and enjoys strong profits from large corporations.
The price we paid includes increased obesity and diabetes. Sugar derived from corn is a common ingredient in processed foods.
America needs and deserves energy, food, and agricultural policies driven by the best available science.
David Scott, Past President of the Sierra Club
We would like to thank the 12 members of the Ohio Board of Education.
In particular, I would like to thank Board member Tim Miller (District 10) for preparing the motion of introduction.
more:Ohio Board of Education Resolution Says A Person’s Gender Is An ‘Invariable Fact’
With District 10 elected to vote in 2022, we are encouraged by the compassion and courage Miller has shown. He and his 11 other board members recognized that this resolution would have a lasting and adverse impact on the funding of students, educators, and school districts.
more:Faith Leaders: Members of Ohio’s Ed Commission Should Study the Bible and Stop Anti-Christian Attacks
Resolution author Brendan Shay (District 5) specifically mentions Christian faith in his biography (religious language appears in the resolution), but Miller does not. I think it is important to emphasize To better understand the commandment of our Christian tradition to love our neighbors.
Ohio is a better place to be as a multi-religious, multi-ethnic democracy, and we believe that our duty to love our neighbors requires consideration of the wants and needs of everyone.
Share your thoughts:How to submit a letter to the editor of The Columbus Dispatch
Knowing that the Executive Committee will meet on October 31st will not help ensure that committee members are focused on doing what is right for all students in Ohio and not trying to score easy political points. , I sincerely hope you never use their opinion. Faith as a litmus test for what is right for all Ohioans.
Pastor John Osmanson, Hilliard United Methodist Church, Hilliard, Pastor Hank Osmanson, Unitarian Universalist Justice Ohio & St. John’s United Church of Christ, Columbus
Mirroring Connie Schultz
I was so happy to read Connie Schultz’s October 22nd column, “SpongeBob Helped Me Find Love for Guardians.”
My love for the Guardian mirrored hers. My husband is a baseball fan, so I became part of the Ohio State team as well.The Guardians gave us a thrilling season. I’m looking forward to next year!
Carol Mydell, Westerville
