2/10/12 THE CHINA SYNDROME

OPEN WATER OFF THE ONION RIVER

MOUTH OF THE ONION RIVR

SUMAC IN THE SUN

Thursday, 8:00 AM.  25 degrees F, wind SW, very light.  There are a few high white clouds in a blue sky, but the barometer is trending down, predicting snow, although that seems unlikely to me.
        Last evening was beautiful; clear skies, almost full moon, gentle breeze and moderate temperatures, great for walking Buddy.
        Yesterday afternoon we stopped to take a look at the mouth of the Onion River, the smaller stream at the north end of the beach (the Sioux River is toward the south end).  Its feeble flow into the bay speaks volumes about the lack of snow melt in its watershed, and the possibility of drought this spring.  Unless we get significant spring rain the lake level will be down considerably.  Lack of ice also increases evaporation from the lake, although I have my doubts as to its significance.
        Commentary: As the controversy over the Health and Human Services ruling on Catholic institutions providing birth control and abortion continues, including the support of the ruling by the President, I leave you with this thought. 
        If our government  has the power to force Catholic employers to provide contraceptives and abortion pills for their employees, does not that government also have the power to force those same employees to use those products against their will?
        One has to look no further than Communist China and its one child policy and forced abortions for an answer.  I'd call the administration's policy The China Syndrome.