Opinion: Sterilizing Those Pesky Humans: Earth Day with Paul Ehrlich

By Dr. Paul Kengor

Every April 22 is Earth Day. As one who studies Soviet Russia, I can’t help notice that the day coincides with the birthday of Vladimir Lenin. The inaugural Earth Day occurred April 22, 1970, no less than Lenin’s birth centennial.

This is most ironic. Lenin is a decaying symbol of central planning, which, regrettably, is the ideological preference of many of those filling the streets on Earth Day. Although Lenin was a collectivist, not an environmentalist, he is frequently recycled, as mortuary specialists from Russia’s health ministry regularly re-embalm him in his tomb.

Lenin had no respect for life. He declared certain people “harmful insects.” In Lenin’s deadly worldview, pesky humans were not precious, special, unrepeatable; they were disposable.

That brings me to a living symbol of Earth Day: Paul Ehrlich. Dr. Ehrlich’s explosive bestseller,The Population Bomb, inspired the freshman class that first Earth Day, embodying the wildest fears of apocalypse mongers. The great Johnny Carson was, sadly, one of Ehrlich’s dupes, giving him a platform on “The Tonight Show” dozens of times.

Much has been said about Ehrlich’s book. But as author John Berlau reports, one item has been conveniently sunk into a land-fill. “He [Ehrlich] flirted with a proposal to require adding contraceptive material to all food items in the United States,” writes Berlau in Eco-Freaks. “But Ehrlich’s most drastic—and contemptuous—measures were reserved for the third world. Ehrlich advocated that all men in India who had three or more children be forcibly sterilized.”

Really? That was something I needed to see for myself, certainly never learning this in my public education. So, I tracked down a September 1971 edition of The Population Bomb.

What Ehrlich wrote is jaw-dropping. Dealing first with pesky Americans, he wrote (pages 130-31):

"[T]he first task is population control at home. How do we go about it? Many of my colleagues feel that some sort of compulsory birth regulation would be necessary to achieve such control. One plan often mentioned involves the addition of temporary sterilants to water supplies or staple food. Doses of the antidote would be carefully rationed by the government to produce the desired population size. Those of you who are appalled at such a suggestion can rest easy. The option isn’t even open to us, since no such substance exists. If the choice now is either such additives or catastrophe, we shall have catastrophe. It might be possible to develop such population control tools, although the task would not be simple. Either the additive would have to operate equally well and with minimum side effects against both sexes, or some way would have to be found to direct it only to one sex and shield the other."

As for pesky (non-white) folks in places like India, Ehrlich was less patient. On pages 151-52, he favored “sterilizing all Indian males with three or more children,” and with the direct help of the U.S. government. “We should have volunteered logistic support in the form of helicopters, vehicles, and surgical instruments,” advised Ehrlich. “We should have sent doctors to aid in the program by setting up centers for training para-medical personnel to do vasectomies.”

Was this “coercion?” asked Ehrlich. Of course, but it was “coercion in a good cause.”

Immediate action was imperative, assessed the professor. It was, after all, 1970, and the human race had precious little time. Ehrlich warned of humans metastasizing all over Mother Earth. He said stoically:

"I wish I could offer you some sugarcoated solutions, but I’m afraid the time for them is long gone. A cancer is an uncontrolled multiplication of cells…. Treating only the symptoms of cancer may make the victim more comfortable at first, but eventually he dies—often horribly…. We must shift our efforts from treatment of the symptoms to the cutting out of the cancer. The operation will demand many apparently brutal and heartless decisions. The pain may be intense."

To borrow from other scaremonger imagery of the era, such as the hysterical propaganda filmSoylent Green, it was only a matter of time before the helpless masses started consuming one another. Only government action by anointed elites could save us from Armageddon.

Today, Ehrlich remains an icon, holding a plum spot at Stanford as the Bing Professor of Population Studies. Because he’s a liberal, a “progressive,” the 78-year-old has gotten away with this, much like Margaret Sanger, Planned Parenthood matron, who ran a “Negro Project,” spoke at a KKK rally, labeled certain pesky people “human weeds” and “imbeciles” and “morons,” and preached “race improvement.”

For icons of the left, there’s no need to say “I’m sorry.” The sins of the fathers and mothers of the progressive left are buried with the trash, never to be recycled, especially at Earth Day.

— Dr. Paul Kengor is professor of political science at Grove City College and executive director of The Center for Vision & Values. His books include "The Crusader: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism," and the newly released "Dupes: How America’s Adversaries Have Manipulated Progressives for a Century."

Black Cutworm Flights Indicate Need for Scouting

Corn growers should start scouting corn fields May 4 and May 13 for Black Cutworm. There have been two intensive moth flights and given the dates of flights, these are suggested dates to scout for black cutworm in corn fields.

One trap is located north of St. Joseph on the 102 River Bottom and the other is south of Oregon on the Missouri River bottom. The catching of moths indicates when growers should examine fields but does not mean that we will have widespread cutting. Both traps picked up the two moth flights during the same time period. Also, statewide trapping of insect pests can be viewed on MU IPM Pest Monitoring Network website.

Black cutworm do not over winter in northwest Missouri but migrate from the Gulf of Mexico on strong spring winds northward. Typically, injury occurs from April to May as corn emerges.

Black cutworm passes through six to seven larval stages or instars. Larvae must be at the fourth instar to be large enough to feed on corn. Black cutworm can cut from the fourth instar to pupation which may last from two and one half to three weeks. Corn can be cut through the 5-leaf growth stage. Rarely, corn can be injured past this stage as they will feed into the base of the stalk damaging the growing point.

For more information, contact Wayne Flanary at 660-446-3724 or Heather Benedict at 660-425-6434, Regional Agronomists, University of Missouri Extension.

A Moment with Mike -- Final Three Weeks of Session

There is a feeling of urgency in the final three weeks of session as we track bills that we have sponsored or issues that have yet to be resolved. The budget, which is of highest priority, is on schedule to be completed soon and several of our original goals for the year that help make Missouri more business friendly are on track.

An issue we hoped would be resolved by now is the redistricting of the congressional districts. The map that was originally drawn and passed by the House was not accepted as drawn by the Senate, and negotiations to reach an agreement between the two bodies on a map that can be agreed upon have not happened. Late night conferencing last week failed to bring agreement and the pressure builds as session nears completion. The House and the Senate must agree, pass a bill accordingly, and send it to the Governor for his signature. If he signs the bill it becomes law. If he does not sign the bill, it can come back to the General Assembly for an override attempt. If this would fail, the redistricting map would then be drawn by the courts. This brings much speculation on the final decision.

A piece of legislation that passed in the Senate last week would further cloud the issue; however, I believe that the chances of this being passed in the House are very close to the proverbial “slim to none” category. The bill would bring a resolution before the people that would let them vote on whether to cut the number of Representatives in the House from 163 to 103. The rationale is related to saving money; however, the amount saved would be very small in the big picture and representation of the people would be reduced. Representation is divided by population and those in the rural areas with sparse population are already at somewhat of a disadvantage. The area I represent in Northwest Missouri covers over 2,000 square miles, most of 4 counties and approximately 31 communities. This initiative would increase the size of rural districts tremendously, thus making it more difficult to keep in touch with constituents.

A bill that received approval in the Senate last week will allow us to use $189 million in Federal funding to bolster our education system. This bill, which was passed out of the House in February, will help bridge the gap created by shortfalls this year and the remainder will be used next year to maintain level funding for K-12 education. This was good news to those schools who were watching this closely. The addition of $20 million added back to transportation money was another step in the right direction. Another $20 million was added back to the Higher Education funding, making the cut to our colleges and universities less than 5%. We will continue to look for ways to support our education system at all levels.

We hope to resolve as many issues as possible before session comes to a grinding halt on May 13.

If you have questions, you may reach me at my Capitol number 573-751-9465, at the local district number, 660-582-4014, by email at mike.thomson@house.mo.gov or by mail at Room 401B State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101

Casey Guernsey -- Marathon of Legislative Activity

This week was a ‘marathon’ of legislative activity that benefitted our rural district tremendously. I was also thrilled to see the Proposition B reform legislation sent to the Governor and a positive response from his office indicating his support of the necessary reforms. As a result, around 1,500 people showed up to rally the Governor and ask him to sign the bill into law as soon as possible. I would strongly encourage you to contact his office asking him to sign the ‘Prop B reform’ legislation into law. We also passed out of the house three bills of particular benefit to our district, they are as follows:

HB 828 – Prevailing Wage Reform

Prevailing wage is the requirement that employers pay employees a specified hourly wage higher typically higher than a normal rate. In Missouri it applies to certain categories of work, determined by statute, rules, and regulations. One of these categories is construction. Prevailing wage was never meant to apply to maintenance of buildings and simple repairs; for instance, things like repainting an old building. Recently, the Missouri Supreme Court determined that employees repainting old buildings were actually doing construction work, so they should be paid prevailing wage. This bill fixes the court case, to bring “prevailing wage” back to where it was intended – without this fix “prevailing wage” could be extended to a ridiculous point where you can’t even legally hire a neighborhood kid to paint your shed without having to pay them upwards of $20 an hour.

HB 1008 – Highway Construction Contracts

The Missouri Department of Transportation is not like a business – it can’t always build projects the cheapest way possible because there are limits on how state agencies can spend money. Most of the time this is good, state money is public money and there should be restrictions on how it is spent. However, sometimes the protections get in the way, and make projects cost more than they should. This bill simply allows MODOT to enter into a type of payment agreement that it normally could not. This payment agreement would be flexible, allowing for changes in highway revenues, but also allowing private contractors and MODOT to work together more efficiently through greater public-private partnerships.

HB 708 – American Law in American Courts

Unless you’re a lawyer, going to court is often bad. It’s a confusing and stressful time – under American laws. Now imagine you go to court, and instead of using American law, the judge decides that he’s going to try your case under New Zealand law, or Brazilian law, or even a religious law like Sharia. Good luck. It’s hard enough for the average citizen to figure out what’s going on under American laws. Worse – courts across the country have begun to use these foreign laws in their cases, and if we don’t do something, this might become the norm instead of an exception. We have seen a startling emergence of judicial activism applying Sharia law to settle court cases. That’s why we passed HB 708 – a measure to make sure that Missouri courts use Missouri and American law when they decide cases. They can still look at foreign laws that are the same as ours, but they can’t use a different remedy or outcome than would happen under our law. It just makes sense. In a Missouri law, you should be subject to the laws of Missouri and of the United States. New Zealand, Brazilian, or Sharia law has no place here unless it’s the same as ours.

May is National Stroke Awareness Month

National Stroke Awareness Month takes place in May every year. On May 11, 1989, President George Bush signed Presidential Proclamation 5975 designating May as National Stroke Awareness Month at the urging of National Stroke Association. Since then, National Stroke Association has been honoring this special time of the year to increase public awareness of stroke in an effort to conquer it.

Up to 80 percent of all strokes can be prevented by working with a healthcare professional to manage risk. Although stroke can happen to anyone, certain risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes can increase chances of a stroke.

Stroke is an emergency and must be responded to urgently so a doctor can evaluate whether or not treatment will help. To make sure you and others act FAST and call 9-1-1 immediately at any sign of a stroke.

NOTE THE TIME WHEN ANY SYMPTOMS FIRST APPEAR. If given within three hours of the first symptom, there is an FDA-approved clot-buster medication that may reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke. There are also two other types of stroke treatment available that might help reduce the effects of stroke. Learn as many stroke symptoms as possible so you can recognize stroke as FAST as possible.

Stroke symptoms include:

SUDDEN numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg - especially on one side of the body. (F-Ask the person to smile. If one side of the face droops, this is a warning sign of stroke.)

SUDDEN trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination. (A-Ask the person to raise both arms out in front of his/her body. One arm drifting down is a warning sign of stroke.)

SUDDEN confusion, trouble speaking or understanding. (S-Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Slurred speech or strange speech is a sign of stroke.)

SUDDEN trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

SUDDEN severe headache with no known cause

It is important to act immediately if any of the signs are present. Time (T) is essential when a stroke is occurring.

Recovery from stroke is a lifelong process. For many people, recovery begins with formal rehabilitation, which can restore independence by improving physical, mental and emotional functions. It is important for you and your family to know that no matter where you are in your recovery journey, there is always hope.

General Health Clinic encourages you to learn the signs of a stroke. The Clinic welcomes most major insurances along with Medicare and Medicaid. Payments by cash, credit cards, and debit cards are accepted. The clinic is located at the junction of highways 148 and JJ in Hopkins, Missouri. The office will be open Saturday, April 30. Appointments can be made by calling 660-778-3209.

Source: http://www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=awareness

Allendale Arrows Host Livestock Clinic

On April 20, 2011, The Allendale Arrows 4-H club hosted a goat, lamb, and pig showmanship clinic at the Worth County fairgrounds. Experts were brought in to help area youth and families to learn proper showmanship techniques and care of there projects. Tim Louden, of B-Good livestock of Creston, Iowa came in as the goat expert. He demonstrated how to clip a goat, proper hoof trimming techniques, and showing tips. Trish Dalby, of Purple Bound Feeds, was the lamb and hog expert. She gave many showing tips to the exhibitors. In addition, Miss Dalby had the kids get there hands on some lambs and actually try the tips she was talking about. After the showmanship part of the clinic, Miss Dalby gave the exhibitors education on nutrition for there show animals. The kids had a great time learning about what there show animals needed for proper nutrition and getting there hands dirty in the feed. To end the night, door prizes were handed out. Orschlens of Bethany donated 2 goat/lamb feeders, Funk Show Cattle donated halters and pig brushes, and BTC Bank donated hats and sorting poles. The Allendale Arrows then provided refreshments for all the families attending. Over 32 people from Worth and Nodaway Counties attended the clinic. Next year, the Allendale Arrows hope to expand this clinic to cattle and possibly horses and make this an annual event. The Allendale Arrows would like to thank everyone who donated there time, door prizes, snacks, and livestock for this clinic.

Tiger Girls 3rd at Warrior Relays

The Worth County girls were third at the Warrior Relays in Albany Thursday. East Buchanan won the event with 123 points, followed by Stanberry with 103.5 points and Worth County with 84. North Harrison followed with 72.50 points and Nodaway-Holt with 68. Albany had 67.50.

Katie Mullock continued to show she had some Mullock blood in her as she placed 3rd in the 100 with a time of 14.60, one of her best times of the year. That was .70 of a second off the pace set by Chandelar Carey of North Harrison. Katie Mullock was also third in the 200 as she got a time of 28.98. That was one of her best times of the year along with her performance at Worth County of 28.75. It was 1.04 seconds off the pace set by Chandelar Carey of North Harrison. Katie Mullock continued to run well for Worth County in the speed events as she finished 3rd in the 400 with a time of 1:06.38. That was also one of her best times of the year in that event and was 1.06 seconds better than her time at the Tiger Relays the day before. It was 2.25 seconds off the pace set by Carey for the day.

Lauren Null, who had shown some promise in the 800 at the Tiger Relays, continued to do so as she placed 4th with a time of 2:54.75. That was 3.74 seconds off the pace set by Kaitlyn McNeely of Gallatin.

Brooke Gilland was 2nd in the 100 Hurdles with a time of 18.56. That was .06 of a second off her time at Worth County and .40 of a second off the time of Chelsea Andrews of East Buchanan.

The 4x100 Relay Team of Claire Andrews, Jessica Garrett, Kiley Reynolds, and Brooke Gilland finished 3rd with a time of 57.35. That was 1.96 seconds off the pace set by East Buchanan and .29 of a second better than what they did at the Tiger Relays. The 4x200 Relay Team of Kristen Andrews, Jessica Garrett, Brooke Gilland, and Kiley Reynolds had a tougher field at Albany, but took some time off their performance as they finished 4th with a time of 2:03.06. That was 7.26 seconds off the pace set by East Buchanan and .61 of a second better than what they did at the Tiger Relays.

The 4x400 Relay Team of Kristen Andrews, Claire Andrews, Liz Novak, and Kiley Reynolds was 4th with a time of 4:53.03. That was 9.79 seconds off the winning pace set by East Buchanan and 1.24 seconds off the pace they set at the Tiger Relays.

The 4x800 Relay Team of Kristen Andrews, Liz Novak, Lauren Null, and Kiley Reynolds was 2nd with a time of 11:39.90. That was 12.87 seconds off the pace set by Gallatin and 16.01 seconds off the pace they set at the Tiger Relays the day before.

Claire Andrews matched her vault at Worth County, but missed out on tiebreaks and finished second with a vault of 8'6". Lauren Null was 4th with a vault of 6 feet.

Katie Mullock continued to move up the standings in the Long Jump, this time finishing second with a jump of 14'8 1/4". That was 1/4" better than what she did at the Tiger Relays and 2.25" off the jump of Megan Rosenbohm of Nodaway-Holt.

Rebecca Moore kept coming close and kept falling just short in the Shot Put. She had a throw of 24'8", which was 8 1/2" off the throw she would have needed to place in the event. That was 7'3 1/2" off the throw of Sydney Stoll of Stanberry. But Rebecca did much better in the discus than she did at Worth County. At Worth County, she had finished 6th with a throw of 84 feet, which she was disappointed with and which prompted her to do some extra throwing after all the field events were over. The work paid off as she finished second at Albany with a throw of 89'11", over five feet better than what she did at the Tiger Relays. That was 11'3" off the throw of Leslie Grier of East Buchanan. Brooke Gilland was 10th with a throw of 65'5".