Tom Robinson, a trusted friend for 45 years
"I know someone who works at Canaveral. He says that after each launch, workers circle the launch area, picking up dead birds. It's the shockwaves from such a large explosion. This is one aspect of rocket launching not publicized. If birds are killed, just imagine how the fragile bird eggs in the nests fare," Juan told us.
On the drive home from the Crescent Moon, I mentioned to Nena: "You know who we should go see about the environmental impact of SpaceX?" We replied in unison: "Tom!"
Tom Robinson has been our close friend for nearly half a century. His father taught math at TSC, while his mother taught etymology, a long, long time ago. At an early age, Tom shared his mother's love for all creatures, making frequent trips to the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador to study the unique ones.
Tom once stood in front of earthmoving equipment off Oklahoma Road to protect the migration trails of the ocelot, trails he himself had traced and documented across the Rio Grande. According to Seth Patterson, author of the El Valle volume, detailing the Rio Grande delta wildlife, the last documented jaguarundi sighting in the Rio Grande Valley was by Tom Robinson. No one knows more about the living things in our area. No one knows more about Boca Chica.
With that background, Nena and I approached the Southmost Public Library where Tom works.
"Tom," I started. "Nena and I came by to see how you feel about SpaceX, a rocket launch pad being built near Boca Chica beach."
"Well, why don't they just build it in the middle of Yellowstone?" Tom replied.
"Tom, what we need from you is some commentary on the hazards, the risks, the catastrophic consequences if any, of locating this launch pad near the beach. It doesn't have to be 3,000 words, just something concise."
"Ok, Jim. But I need to know EXACTLY where they plan to put this thing. I will definitely work something up."
Nena and I know he will.
Tom is a sweetheart. :)
ReplyDeletecant wait for his input on this matter save boca chica!
ReplyDeleteCrooks are everywhere. Any unilateral mgt types in(Feds, states, counties, cities, political associations, non-profits, universities, boards, etc, etc)are afforded the perfect oppurtunity to better themselves instead of the membership. I had wanted to complain about the parking ticket I got when I visited my home town (1947) Brownsville in Feb. While 3 vehicles parked on the side walk two houses down didn't get one. While accidentially surfing web I came across Mr. Mean, and see your concerns affecting people there. Como vala pelella? Its all on the backs of our labor. Keep up the struggle.
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