Insincere Intentions - assignment 4/22

Earth Day Observances was not a very enjoyable essay to read. I believe the reason for this was because of the way the story was told. It was more of a report than an entertaining story. None the less, Joseph Lelyveld brought up some controversial issues. I agree that politicians’ only interest in saving the Earth is to only benefit their self-image and to increase their popularity. By reading the preface, it seems that this political pressure has actually helped pass more environmentally friendly laws. Putting this pressure on law makers to support environmental issues may be the best way to preserve the Earth.

The Mystery of Flight - assignment 4/20

As I read through Jack Turner’s, The Song of the White Pelican, I was surprised to be fascinated by pelicans. Turner obviously had researched and studied these animals for quite some time. The little facts about pelicans kept the story moving and gave it its flow. Relating the pelican to other animals like the sea gull made it easier to comprehend the story. I found it interesting to read about biologists’ view on whether animals could possess human-like emotions or not. I believe that, although we are more advanced than animals, sometimes we are more similar than you might think. Just because we classify some feelings as “human-like” emotions, does not mean that animals do not have any emotions similar to ours.

Calling for Awareness of Nature- assignment 4/13

Aldo Leopold brought up some controversial issues such as soil conservation in, A Sand County Almanac. I did not care for the way he explained the issues. He heavily supported only one side of the issues and did not give much for suggestions on how to resolve the issues. The essay had a hard time catching my attention because of this lack of argument. I believe if Leopold would have debated the issues more, the essay would have been more exciting to read.