Each week, the Orlando Sentinel asks two questions of 100 community leaders in Central Florida. Those with access to the online Sentinel can read all of this week’s 100-word responses when there are published online, usually late Saturday. For those without access, my responses are below. Selected responses appear in the Sunday print edition. This week my 9/11 response (slightly edited) appeared in print.
What was the biggest story of the week?
The overlap of the 15th anniversary of 9/11 with the 3-month anniversary of the Pulse nightclub shooting causes me, once again, to consider what difference a response makes. With the attention and sympathy of the world, you can build a better future, or you can squander the opportunity. In 2001, the United States could have nurtured relationships and explored what goodwill and cooperation could make possible. Instead, we alienated much of the globe and went to war. Orlando chose another path. Our leaders have championed unity and love. This has served us well. What a difference a response makes!
What will be the biggest story in the coming week?
Protests and court challenges far from Central Florida should be of interest to those who care about our environment, Native American rights, and honoring treaties. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in the Dakotas is struggling to protect both sacred lands and water quality. The pipeline under construction by a Dallas-based corporation would cross the Missouri River adjacent to their reservation. Questions exist about the approval process used by the Army Corp of Engineers. Precedent is being set about how we value quality of life and local concerns. Pay attention – these questions may be coming soon to an aquifer near you.
The series focuses on state and local news.
Read the Sentinel’s introduction to the series
Read my first post on the series.
My posts related to this can be found using the categories in the right sidebar. Click either Central Florida or Current Events.
Growing in Place 