The Cold War

Good news for a new year.

A local grass-roots coalition has just defeated a utility’s plan to march high-tension wires across a bucolic portion of our state. Not to benefit us. The plan was to sell electricity to California until we “needed” it here. The people said no.

The people — and the land — won.

 photo by Dannelle Lobmeir Tomarchio

And in California, a new law takes effect today, one that the New York Times calls “the most significant animal welfare law in recent history.” Now chickens can spread their wings. “Gestation crates are on their way out, and battery cages will soon join them. With this measure, the table is set for similar action in states all over the country.”

Let us hope so. We in Arkansas are still fighting a “concentrated animal feed operation” currently fouling the waters of our pristine Buffalo River.

photo courtesy Oakley Originals

Here at home, we may have resolved the Cold War.

Barney was first to stake out the top of the new fridge.

Bugs soon followed.

Disputed territory.

Maybe not such a good idea after all.

Wait a second. Why do I have to put up with this?

Showdown.

The human bought a bed. That probably helped.

Uneasy alliance.

Two-Pronged Peace Plan.