Blog Archive

Friday, March 13, 2026

Yes, Another Ides of March Enviro Show


[ Listen to our podcast of the show HERE ] 

Greetings Earthlings. It's that time of year once again when we remind tyrants that all is not what it appears to be. The Fates move in strange and mysterious ways. Also, the Spring Equinox or Ostara a Pagan solar holiday honoring the spring’s warmth, light from the sun, and the awakening of the earth is upon us. Diana Reeves, Founder & Executive Director and Luan Van Le, Development & Communications Director of GMO/Toxin Free USA joins us to discuss "The Revolving Door" that allows corporados and other such dark side low-life go from one bad situation to another. We hope they get their comeuppance. As always, we will also bring you along to meet our Fool-on-the-Hill where we often ask ourselves "Who Left the Door Open" and "Those Whose Brains Were Small" as well as our "...of the Week" segments and way more but first it's time for......Revenge of the Critters! When Squirrels attack - Not the kind of activity seniors had in mind.  

This week's Fool-on-the-Hill is Repugnican Senator Tom Cotton once again. Poor Tom, he looks and acts like a fool. You'd think he might be aware of that but he keeps putting his foot in his mouth bringing more attention to his foolishness. In his recent March 5th appearance on Faux "News" he was asked about His Malignancy's unprovoked attack on Iran. Tom said: “Iran has been an imminent threat to the United States for 47 years. The President was right to act.” Really?  Iran was busy having a Revolution 47 years ago. The only threat they posed was to our embassy and its people. Not exactly "an imminent threat" to the nation.  As for the President going to war? Which one?? Stay tuned!

Last week Kristie Noem was our candidate for "Who left the door open?" This week she was booted upstairs and appointed to be in charge of.....are you ready? "The Shield of the Americas [that] will be guided in part by the president’s foreign policy initiatives dubbed the “Donroe Doctrine,” [insert eye rolling emoji here] fashioned after the Monroe Doctrine." Sounds like yet another cosplay op for Kristie. Does it come with a red, white & blue spandex bustier? What will Kristie do with her shield? "Since Trump returned to office last year, he directed the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America,” announced plans to “take back” the Panama Canal, and pushed efforts to acquire Greenland and make Canada the 51st state." We guess another door is open for Cosplay Kristie to do......what? Dare we ask? 

Our Doublespeak of the Week is happily handed over to Stephen Colbert: "“Folks, I really didn’t want to start the monologue by talking about the war, but in honor of this administration, I went into this without a plan,” said Stephen Colbert on Wednesday, five days after the US military, in conjunction with Israel, bombed Iran and killed its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. "I say ‘war’,” he continued, “because it sure looks like a war, and Trump keeps calling it a war, but Congress never declared it a war, and MAGA was promised no new wars, so the White House sent out a list of talking points to all the congressional Republicans telling them in no uncertain terms that if a reporter asked ‘Can you promise the American people this will not be a long-drawn out war?’, the answer to give is ‘These are targeted, major combat operations. “So … it’s worse than a war,” said Colbert. “It’s a war that got a thesaurus for Christmas.”

Actually, our Doublespeak of the Week could just as easily been bestowed upon His Malignancy for his so-called Board of Peace?  That said, it might have to be a Double Doublespeak since, "An Intercept analysis finds that every single Board of Peace member state has been rebuked for human rights violations." But wait, there's more! At the first "meeting of his self-styled Board of Peace [His Malignancy] declared peace in the Middle East while simultaneously threatening to plunge the region into devastating conflict by again attacking Iran."  It turns out The Mad King's (#NoKings) "unprovoked attack on Iran has sent oil prices surging, and it’s already hurting Americans at the gas pump." Soon it may affect your utility bills as well. His Malignancy "so far has not outlined any end game for the war he started, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday boasted that the Trump administration was “playing for keeps” by delivering “death and destruction from the sky all day” on Iran."  That's an apt description given Hegseth's penchant for tough guy cosplay. According to Ro Khana "Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth tried to strong-arm Anthropic into opening its AI for unrestricted military use."  Game on? Nah! According to a recent MSNOW headline regarding attack on Iran it is instead : "Mutually Assured Dysfunction" Stop the fucking war!  O, and definitely DO NOT START ATOMIC BOMB TESTS!  How about another blunder?  "The administration is slowly dismantling the federal disaster management system that protects the nation from chemical catastrophes, such as fires and explosions at high-risk facilities." Mutually Assured Dysfunction, indeed! Did we forget efforts to mess with the Midterms?

Since we've uttered the name Pete Hegseth it's only fitting we include him and his ilk in our "Their Brains Were Small.." segment. These dinosaurs are apparently hoping to bring back .......The Crusades? "Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has initiated monthly prayer services throughout the Pentagon and sponsors a weekly White House Bible study. He entered office with "deus vult," a crusader motto, tattooed on his body, which he describes as a symbol of a "modern-day American Christian crusade." He recently invited Douglas Wilson, a self-described Christian Nationalist who preaches that the United States should be governed as a Christian theocracy, to deliver a sermon in the Pentagon's auditorium. This is the culture being built at the top of our military."  Reactionary reptiles anyone? (with apologies to actual Reptiles of course). 

And, with that in mind, we now turn to our Critter of the Week: The Madagascar day gecko has a long, green body with orange accents on its head and along its back. Their petite facial features and mouth that almost come into a smile make them a great contender for the cutest lizards list.  As their name indicates, these geckos are native to the island of Madagascar. They spend the majority of their time awake while the sun is out, which means they are diurnal animals. These adorable lizards are also omnivorous and enjoy a diet of insects, plants, and nectar. These geckos are among the largest geckos on their island. They can grow to be up to 8.7 inches long as adults. Also, while not reptiles, the Spotted Salamanders of Cushman in Amherst, MA may soon be on the move headed for their favorite vernal pool. Go to the link to learn more or Join the Facebook Group: Hitchcock’s Big Night Migrations Group.

In The Enviro Show Echo Chamber we note the passing of one of the most dedicated activists for peace & justice we have ever known. Paki Wieland, presente'. She will be missed. With that in mind, we have an Act-o-rama of action links on a variety of issues we cover on the show. You might want to pick & choose? Are you ready? Go!  Urge Congress to Protect Our Waters From Oil and Gas Drilling. HERE.  Tell Your Senators to Oppose the Fix Our Forests Act. HERE.  Stop the FDA’s food dye bait-and-switch. HERE Tell Your State Legislators to Investigate the Epstein Files. HERE.  Tell the IEA: Ignore Chris Wright’s Threats, Follow the Science on Climate Change.  HERE.  Maintain protections for the forests of Western Oregon. HERE. Tell Your Secretary of State: No ICE at the Polls. HERE Hold Corporations Accountable for ICE Violence. HERE.  Tell Congress: No Additional Pentagon Funding for Trump’s Illegal War Against Iran. HERE.  Save MA Forests to Avoid a Drinking Water Crisis. HERE.  Stop Private Jet Expansion at Hanscom or Anywhere. HEREHad enough? Is it starting to look like your own mailbox? Sorry. We get it.  

Our reminder that "It's the Climate Crisis, Stupid" starts on a lighter note: "Jeffrey B. Clark [who] oversaw the dismantlement of government restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions and water and air pollution [and] also faced a criminal probe in connection with the 2020 election" has left the White House (perhaps he was recalled to the Pit of Eternal Stench). The NY Times notes: "He also helped design the recent repeal of a determination known as the endangerment finding that since 2009 had underpinned the federal government’s ability to fight global warming. The repeal was a long-held goal of Mr. Clark, who has called climate rules a “Leninistic” plot to seize control of the economy."  One of THE creepiest of all MAGA slimeballs, Clark was "a former official in the Justice Department during President Trump’s first term, had also faced a criminal investigation in connection with Mr. Trump’s effort to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia. The president preemptively pardoned Mr. Clark in November."  Clark will get no such pardon from the likes of us. He is both a climate criminal and a traitor to this nation and the planet. 

That said, the worst of the worst is His Malignancy himself who happens to be perfectly exposed in our Quote of the Week:

"...at this moment in history, the fate of virtually everyone on the planet is being impacted by the toxic cocktail of character flaws, insecurities, and pathologies that are shaping the actions of the President of the United States."

-  David Rothkopf  

After our conversation with our guests it's on to the Bus Stop Billboard:

First Here's Indivisible Northampton — Swing Left Western Mass's complete daily listing of all the pro-democracy events in WMass:  https://in-slwm.org/wp-content/uploads/Calendar/cal.html.  If you're looking for an easy weekday way to jump into the climate movement, you'll love the State House Stand Out! We gather at the Massachusetts State House in Boston between 10 am and 2 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Volunteers stand together for 2-hour "shifts," either outside or inside depending on weather, and talk with visitors and State House staff about the Climate Crisis. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 3 – 4pm.:  Indivisible's What's the Plan with Leah and Ezra. Go HERE. Fridays, 1:30 to 3pm: De-ICE Hanscom Airfield Stand Outs, Hanscom Rotary, Lincoln, MA. Go HERE. Saturdays, 11am to 1pm: No Fear w/Street Theatre, Burlington ICE Facility, Burlington Mall Rd. @ District Ave., Burlington,MA Go HERE


 
Wednesday, March 25 – Friday, March 27, 1:30 – 2:30pm.  Pre-No Kings Day Standout at UMass Amherst, MA.  PLEASE DO NOT REGISTER UNLESS YOU KNOW YOU'LL ATTEND! No-show signups have limited our ability to carry this message. DON'T BE A NO-SHOW!  No Kings Day (March 28) is coming up soon! Our signs and QR codes encourage UMass students and others to plan or join a No Kings Day event, and to join the resistance in other ways, too. We'll be standing outside holding signs, offering QR codes for folks to scan, and talking with anyone who stops to engage with us.Please register for location of standout. Attendance is limited due to limited number of signs. Go HERE.

  

Wednesday March 25, 4 pm.   Hummingbirds are a true wonder of the Americas – from their bright colors and speedy flight to their astonishing diversity (more than 360 species!) and incredible migrations. Join us for a FREE webinar  to learn more about this beloved family of birds and the many ways American Bird Conservancy is working to conserve them, including protecting and restoring habitat, preventing collisions, and educating bird lovers like you on how to help ensure a future filled with these tiny wonders.   

 

Wednesday March 25,  5pm.  What do the yellow flags mean?: A Talk with Dr. Rosemary Malfi. Join us for a talk on everything you've ever wanted to know about commercial pesticide applications. Find out what are your rights pre- and post-application as a customer and neighbor. Dr. Malfi will present on enhancements to the application notification process that have been proposed by state Conservationist Pesticide Advisory Council (CPAC). Go HERE

 

Thursday March 26, 9am. No New Nukes Lobby Day in MA. We begin at 9:00 with a press conference in front of the Governor's office. Press release will go out before. Then lobby hours 9:30-1015, 10:30-11:15, 11:30-12:15, etc. to accomodate how many people are going to lobby. At least 2 per visit.  How is nuclear affordable? Would you want a nuclear reactor and high level waste in your community? We know this is a national effort by the nuclear industry to repeal the state laws on nuclear.  Contact: Diane TURCO tturco@comcast.net

Thursday March 26: 5 -7p.m.  Attleboro Pocket Forest Reception & Info Session.  

Attleboro Area Industrial Museum, 42 Union Street, Attleboro, MA. We’ll be joined by community members, activists, and Attleboro High School as we learn about the city’s first steps toward reducing flood and stormwater damage and increasing drought resilience by creating a “pocket forest” with a great diversity of tree species that will collaborate to deepen soils that absorb and hold water, many times that of a stand of a single tree species. Go HERE



Thursday, March 26th, 7:00 - 8:00 pmLearn about and support the critical work of the LUCE immigrant justice hotline and rapid response network by attending this virtual event   (1) Register to attend HERE.  (2)  Forward THIS FLYER  to your contacts with a personal note about why you support LUCE!  (3) Sign up to be a co-host or co-sponsor HERE. (Co-hosts invite family, friends, and colleagues to attend and donate to this event; co-sponsors do so on behalf of their organizations.)  

 

Friday March 27, 2:30 - 4:30 pm.  The UMass Energy Transition InstituteSchool of Earth and Sustainability, and Clean Energy Extension invites you to the Campus Decarbonization Forum. At this event we will explore the challenges and look at what a few Universities have done, or plan to do, to transition their campus to clean energy. We're expecting a strong turnout, so please RSVP here to ensure we have adequate space for you!  Gunness Student Center, Marcus Hall (subject to change if we need a larger space - we will contact those on the RSVP list if there is a location change). 

 
 
Saturday March 28, All Day.  No Kings Day 3   History is on our side. On June 14, 2025, five million people rose up to say “No Kings.” On October 18, 2025, seven million more made it unmistakable: America does not do dictators. On March 28, we rise again — stronger, broader, and more united than ever.  Every No Kings event is rooted in nonviolent action. We de-escalate conflict, act lawfully, and never bring weapons. When People Power United says “fight,” we mean fierce advocacy — never violence. Our work is grounded in peaceful protest, free speech, voting, and collective action to defend our rights, freedoms, and democracy. Go HERE.
  At least 20 other Western Mass communities have No Kings Day actions scheduled.  Look here for locations and times. List of Massachusetts No Kings events.

 

NO KINGS... NO NUKES! The partial core meltdown at Three Mile Island on March 28, 1979 shattered the myth that American nuclear plants were safe.

The Clamshell Alliance is calling a national action this March 28!

March 28 is the next No Kings Day. Let’s bring this message to millions of people: Remember Three Mile Island. Deadly radiation and mass evacuations from the March 28, 1979, nuclear power meltdown in Pennsylvania alerted the US and the world to just some of the lethal consequences of nuclear energy. Now federal and state governments (from Massachusetts to Kansas) and the oligarchs and authoritarians we resist are forcing new nuclear power on the American public. For more information: https://clamshellalliance.com/statements/statement/

 

 

Sunday March 29,  2-4pmThe Reproductive Justice Task Force of FCCPR  & Amherst Feminist Generation are pleased to host a book event, including a discussion with the authors, a brief Q & A and book signing with noted reproductive justice activists and scholars, Marlene Gerber Fried and Loretta Ross, educators, authors and feminist social justice activists.  Their new book is Abortion and Reproductive Justice: An Essential Guide for Resistance Mt. Toby Friends Meetinghouse, 194 Long Plain Rd. (Rt. 63), Leverett, MA.

 

 

Wednesday April 1, 4:30pm. Harvard Voices on Climate Change: Measuring Forest-Based Carbon Emission Reductions The Salata Institute and the Harvard Alumni Association invite you to the latest installment of Harvard Voices on Climate Change, a virtual series featuring Harvard faculty and fellows on different dimensions of the climate challenge. Go HERE. 

 

 

 

Thursday April 2, 6 - 7:30 pm.  Film Screening: Salamanders of New England. The film will give us a close look at every salamander species that inhabits New England. We’ll see examples of the typical complete salamander life cycle, from egg to larva to adult, as well as some interesting behaviors. Timelapses will show larvae developing in their transparent eggs.  All 12 New England salamander species will be featured, with scenes we promise you’ve likely never witnessed. There will be a Q&A session following the film, and UMass herpetologist Alan Richmond (retired) will be with us to answer all those questions you’re bound to have. Register HERE

 

 

 

Wednesday April 8, 8am to 5pm.  2026 MassEnergize Community Climate Leaders Conference — a powerful one-day gathering bringing together 250+ passionate climate leaders from across Massachusetts. After two consecutive sold-out conferences, we’re back and bigger than ever at Bentley University in WalthamGet inspired, learn what’s working in other communities, and connect with the people driving real climate impact. Expect a full day of dynamic sessions, practical tools, and unmatched networking with organizers, municipal staff, students, advocates, and partners committed to accelerating local climate solutions. Go HERE. 

 

 

 
Thursday April 9,  3:30 to 7pm.*  Join us for a conversation with journalist Abby Martin, host of The Empire Files and director of EARTH'S GREATEST ENEMY. The discussion will begin promptly at 4pm in Science Center E212 at Amherst College, Amherst, MA. Enter through the main entrance on the west side of the building, and head up the staircase to your right. Head right, and the room is at the end of the hallway. Street parking is available in town.  The second documentary from journalist Abby Martin uncovers a shocking blind spot in the climate conversation: the U.S. military. Go HERE. *Other venues: 

  • March 25th 6:00-8:00 West/East Lecture Hall in Franklin Patterson Hall, Hampshire College
  • April 6th 4:30-7:30 McConnell Hall, Smith
  • April 7th 7:00-9:00 Keefe Theater, Amherst College
  • April 8th 4:30-7:30 Beneski Museum 110 (Piano lecture Hall), Amherst College
  • April 8th 5:00-8:00 New Africa House, UMass  
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    Thursday April 9, 5pm.   The Plastic Detox: A Conversation About Plastic & Health. Plastic Pollution Coalition, in collaboration with the Oceanic Preservation Society, will host a webinar with the film’s co-director, Louie Psihoyos, environmental and reproductive epidemiologist Shanna H. Swan, Ph.D., and environmental justice leader Reverend Lennox Yearwood Jr. Together, they will discuss the latest science about plastics and human health, the far-reaching impacts of the plastic pollution crisis, and the practical steps people can take to “Unplastic Your Life.” This webinar will be moderated by Dianna Cohen, Co-Founder and Chief Vision Officer, Plastic Pollution Coalition. PLEASE RSVP HERE and please help us share broadly with your networks and community!

     

    Saturday April 11, 1:30 to 4pm.  ART for the EARTH coming to Leverett Crafts & Art, Leverett Center, MA. Beginning the first Saturday in April, this month-long exhibit will feature more than 40 artists – painters, illustrators, poets, musicians and dancers – offering
    their work in honor of the Earth in all its glories and complexities. The highlight of the exhibition is the Celebration and Reception on April 11, from 1:30 to 4 pm, which will be as diverse and wonder-inducing as Mother Earth herself. Festivities will begin with a group of friends from Wendell singing just outside the galleries, followed by introductions to the local Plastics Action Committee and Andre Strongbearheart Gaines, a representative for the Native Land Conservancy, and a grounding Qigong exercise offered by Roxanne Bogart.
    Attendees will then be invited to browse the art in the galleries and enjoy bites and beverages while listening to poet and author readings from Roxanne Bogart, Rema Boscov and Don Ogden. Show Contact: Sue Kassirer, suekassirer@gmail.com, 978-239-6746

     

     

    That is all but do remember to listen to your Mother, OK?

     

     

     

     


     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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