Much news this week
January 19, 2009 (MONDAY)
There is a lot of news this week. For 155 people aboard an airliner taking off from LaGuardia airport Thursday, the big news is that they are still alive. If the pilot had not handled the situation by landing in the Hudson River, we would be talking today about the many people killed in the air disaster at New York City that killed all on board and untold numbers on the ground. Hats off to Captain Sullenberger and crew. He’s originally from Dennison, Texas.
The news about the new president is big news throughout the world. Even Putin in Russia is warning us not to put President Obama on the spot with expectations of miracles. When we expect too much of someone, we downplay legitimate successes. The election of an African American as President is a newsworthy event in all countries of the world. He faces many challenges: a faltering economy, war in two or three countries, worldwide terrorism, and global warming.
Not to put pressure on the new leadership, but Nasa scientist Jim Hansen, head of the Goddard Institute of Space Studies, is telling the world that unless something is done to turn around the climate trends, sea levels will rise more than four feet seven inches by the end of the century. The floor of the old First Baptist Church in Rockport is about 5 ½ feet above sea level. At least it was when I checked in 1967. Many areas in Harris and surrounding counties deal with the problem of land subsidence, meaning that areas prone to flooding have been enlarged through the years. Of course, this is only one of the many problems presented by global warming, the existence of which is denied by many.
Every day the news is full of new developments in the current financial crisis. The predictions are ominous. It is a very serious situation.
And, oh yes, has anyone mentioned to the new president that much is being written these days about the end of the world in 2012?
Congratulations, President Obama. You have walked into quite a situation. We promise to pray for you.