tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5211670216140060946.post8764574456764280844..comments2024-03-17T18:37:36.377-07:00Comments on Geotripper: A Call for Education About SerpentineGarry Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00531226195147986457noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5211670216140060946.post-80912027340302860692010-08-09T20:54:35.320-07:002010-08-09T20:54:35.320-07:00Thanks CB, I have been saying this a number of tim...Thanks CB, I have been saying this a number of times now. This legislation won't save anyone, won't educate anyone, and will only propogate fear about asbestos with no scientific basis. Not many people are unbiased when it comes to the flood of "peer-reviewed" journal articles that support everyone's legal viewpoint, but geologists, biologists and teachers who aren't involved in lawsuits may come closer to being objective than most. It's a shame that no one ever thought to consult with the people who work with serpentine the most. I had hoped that our voices would be heard in Sacramento on this issue when we started getting media attention, but I'm not so sure now. Most of the legislators give little evidence of caring about the issue, even though it may cause problems down the line.Garry Hayeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00531226195147986457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5211670216140060946.post-9223474421800141862010-08-09T20:45:04.661-07:002010-08-09T20:45:04.661-07:00I am thrilled to see this joint push for education...I am thrilled to see this joint push for education. It's very important for all of us to understand what real environmental risks we are exposed to, and to correct misunderstandings about what does or does not pose risks.<br /><br />However, as an environmental scientist and an environmental activist, I am concerned about this legislation for an additional reason: aside from the geologic inaccuracies, it allows legislators to pat themselves on the back for a bill that, in fact, does nothing to actually decrease environmental health risks to the public.@cbdawsonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5211670216140060946.post-85228146158595615252010-08-09T14:56:49.586-07:002010-08-09T14:56:49.586-07:00Ms. Reinstein states that serpentine is "a ro...Ms. Reinstein states that serpentine is "a rock that represents pain and suffering for many patient and families who have been affected by asbestos-caused diseases in California."<br />With respect, I have to point out that one can feel that any rock represents whatever you want. To me, granite represents "pain and suffering" because I was once conked in the head by a chunk of granite. And quartzite has always seemed to be a cute and cuddly rock, because when I was a kid I made a "pet rock" out of a quartzite clast.<br />I do not expect the legislature to vilify granite or elevate quartzite just because of my feelings -- and Ms. Reinstein should do the same.<br />She also needs to learn that serpentine and asbestos are not the same thing!Randy A.noreply@blogger.com