Light Pollution Reflection / Refraction Number 15

Posted July 1, 2008

WARNING:

I guarantee my reflections and refractions will create controversy and confrontation; and quite likely I'll step on many toes, but it's time to be brutally honest.

Declaration of Dark Skies

July 4, 2008! The countrywide celebration of America's Independence may be the main theme of the coming weekend, but why aren't we also celebrating our independence from light pollution? Why aren't we Americans celebrating dark skies?

How many Americans know what we celebrate on lndependence Day? Do you? Can you answer these questions: Independence from what? Whom? When? Why? How?

Revolution! Freedom in America is yours to enjoy because some very courageous, clever, and creative Americans long ago set about to revolt, to rebel, to resist, renounce and defy the then Powers-That-Be (PTB), to stand up and fight for the freedoms they desired. Are you willing to stand up to the present PTB, the developers, mayors, city councilors, big business rulers, the GIs (growth industry), etc., and resist and renounce their bogus bellowing that "bigger is better" just so they can continue to consumerize, corporatize and control America and you, it's citizens?

So, when will we be free from light pollution? Will it be this year (2008)? 2009? 2010? When can we claim a day, set it aside as our day to celebrate our freedom from the light pollution that conceals OUR starlight? Is not starlight our right? Do we need a Constitution or an amendment to it to affirm our right to starlight?

Must we write and publish our own document proclaiming our demands for liberty from light? And then must we literally fight for it?

What will you be doing on this Friday's Fourth of July to mark the country's independence? Fireworks? BBQ? Parade? Sporting events? Picnics? Homemade ice cream? Americans have a list chock full of choices from which to choose how to celebrate our freedom from colonialism and control. But what choices do we have to celebrate our liberation from light pollution?

How do we celebrate freedom from the murky light pollution that defiles our Milky Way? Whilst you are watching the fireworks, will you look beyond those colorful "bombs bursting in air" to the stars fading from the night sky? Will light pollution have all but destroyed the grand cosmic fireworks display visible on any clear night of the year from any location in the world?

Doubtless, this July 4th, there'll be the endless calls for patriotism and flag-waving activities, but will there be a single moment when Americans stand in unison, waving a Dark Sky Flag, standing up to the PTB, to reclaim the Milky Way from light pollution? Will you be reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America whilst the dark night sky succumbs to light pollution?

Or will you include in your weekend's celebration a recitation of the Dark Sky Pledge?

What will you do to free starlight from the tyranny of light pollution this holiday weekend? How many outdoor nighttime lights will you personally and permanently turn off in your community this July 4th? Will you step up after the glow of the fireworks has dimmed to ashes and proudly recite the Dark Sky Pledge publicly, and commit to do what you must to promote dark skies over your community and the nation?

More importantly, will you stand up to the PTB in your community and demand the sky be restored to darkness by the time July 4th 2009 arrives?

Have the courage to stand up for our right to starlight and recite the Dark Sky Pledge. Teach it to your children, repeat it proudly with your spouse, relatives, friends, etc., and then act to make dark skies more than just a pledge!

I pledge devotion to the stars of the majestic milky way galaxy and to the dark night sky in which they shine; one cosmos, overhead, clearly visible with liberty from light and dark skies for all.

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