[CPEO-MEF] SAY NO TO FORT ORD TOXIC BURNINGS - A HEALTH ISSUE!

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SAY NO TO FORT ORD TOXIC BURNINGS - A HEALTH ISSUE!

On Saturday, January 20, 2001 an event called Say No to Fort Ord Toxic 
Burnings took place. Almost 40 community members were there to actively 
protest the burning planned by the Army and local officials. We gathered at 
the Ord Military Community Chapel outside where the Army was holding it's 
Community Cleanup Open House. A petition was signed by the protesters as well 
as military attendees in support of banning the toxic burnings. "It is 
important for people to see the facts that have not been openly available 
about the burnings. These facts reveal that the burnings are dangerous" said 
Life 2000 spokesperson, Vienna Merritt Moore. Merritt Moore went on to say, 
"The Army's own maps say the land slated for burning is the same land 
designated as hazardous and toxic waste sites".

The issue is: Do you approve of over 20,000 acres contaminated with Hazardous 
and Toxic waste being burned in the middle of your community? It is a health 
issue. It should not be an US vs.THEM issue, ie: CIVILIAN vs MILITARY, We all 
will suffer if this is allowed to continue.

"Don't take away any of our Birthdays" was the theme for the gathering. We 
were celebrating all the extra birthdays our children and we will have 
without the burns. A good time with balloons, cupcakes, and beautiful 
sunshine was had on that day. The spirit of our gathering was one not of 
conflict but one of enlightenment to the values that our children and our 
health are indeed what matter most. What good is developement if large 
portions of the population are made critically ill as a result? Who wants to 
buy a home on another Love Canal?

This event was the first of many that Life 2000 is sponsoring to raise 
awareness of the adverse health effects of the Toxic Burnings on Fort Ord and 
to give community members a platform from which they can have some real say 
in what happens in their community.

The next event is "Have a Heart  - Stop Fort Ord Toxic Burnings". Celebrate 
the Valentines Holiday with food, games, face painting and fun, what a combo! 
It will be held February 17, 2001, from 12:00 noon until 3pm at Laguna Grande 
Park in Seaside. Open to all that care about our community's health. For more 
information Call Vienna Merritt Moore 831-384-7658.






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