One way to solve methane problem
The Obama administration recently announced a major initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions including those from cattle. One goal is to cut dairy-sector methane gas emissions by 25 percent by 2020. Especially in the Midwest, it is apparent we have a lot of naughty “Moo-Moo’s.”
From a dairy farmer perspective and as a practical matter, the president might have better success in achieving his goal if he would concentrate efforts on reducing methane gas emanating from the US Senate office building and the White House.
A.L.Kleinke
Nevis, Minn.
ADVERTISEMENT
Violence is an urgent health problem Violence is an urgent public health problem in our communities. Far too many Americans, both young and old, have witnessed or experienced violence in their homes, schools or neighborhoods. April is recognized as Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month and a time to reflect how children experience violence and how we can protect the children who will become our future. Child development is a foundation for community and economic development and the healthier the children of our country, the better our society will be.
The brain develops before birth and continues through adulthood. The environment a child experiences through interactions with others and the world around creates the foundation from which she lives the rest of her life. Toxic stress - such as abuse of any kind, neglect, isolation - lethally affects all of us, but even more dramatically the younger we are. The ability to change the brain diminishes over time, and therefore, providing the healthiest opportunities as a child matures not only enhances the life of the child but our communities as well.
During Child Abuse Prevention month consider how you can be a part of the solution of ending child abuse. Consider:
Reaching out to a parent who needs extra support during a trying time.
Ask for support for yourself if you need a break from parenting.
Volunteer in a program that enhances the lives of children or works with abusive issues. i.e. Someplace Safe, mentoring programs, scouting, youth groups, etc.
Nurture children you may come in contact with and affirm they are special.
Report suspected abuse or neglect.
Working together to bring positive change in situations where abuse is already happening and taking action to prevent abuse from happening in the first place transforms the lives of children, adults, families, our communities and the whole world.
Tanja Richter
Someplace Safe
Wadena
