John Blair, Legendary Pulitzer Prize-Winning Environmental Health Activist

In this episode, we are beyond grateful to have in our presence a living legend, a forty-five year, environmental health activist, John Blair…a commercial mortgage banker turned Pulitzer Prize winning photojournalist.  See the photo:  https://cdn.ebaumsworld.com/mediaFiles/picture/677914/85339150.jpg

He founded and still serves as president of Valley Watch, Inc. whose purpose is "to protect the [public health and environment of the lower Ohio River Valley. He also published, for three years a monthly newspaper called the Ohio Valley Environment during a really activist surge in the early 1980s.

A believer in active civil disobedience, he gained notoriety when he stole the groundbreaking shovels at a Union Carbide hazardous waste facility in Henderson, KY in 1985.  Watch the video:  https://youtu.be/_V-BvOlXoNY

In 1997, John, had an epiphany regarding the need to eliminate coal as an energy source.

During the early 2000s, he was instrumental in stopping a number of new coal plants as well as helping establish new rules for national air quality standards and helping to establish a number of small community-based organization that usually successfully fought local environmental issues.

Since 2018, he has been working with one of those groups-SW indiana Citizens For Quality of Life in Spencer County, IN to stop a bizarre proposal to build a coal to diesel refinery.

•  We learn the 3 "C's" of environmental activism: Confrontation, Cooperation and Civil Disobedience.
• Find out one of the best ways to stop a polluting, poisonous behemoth is sometimes to just...steal the shovels...at the groundbreaking...right in front of them...live on the air.
• We deepen into the powerful mantra "Think globally act locally." and how vital that is right now!
• Learn the key is Perseverance. The only thing that wins is outlasting the other side.
• We cheer each other on…Don't give up – Get up!  Don't get depressed - Get Determined!
• Have the epiphany…You get fired when you speak your mind and when you stay quiet…so you might as well speak your mind.
• Learn to discern fiction from fact.
• Set out to change the world and fight injustice.
• Ask the question…what can I do to help fight for a healthy, viable planet?

John says, “Freedom is like a muscle. It atrophies if it is not exercised.”  We know our conversation with this living legend will strengthen us to fight this good fight!

Personal Website

http://valleywatch.net

Social Media link

facebook.com/ecoserve

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A podcast...a blisscast, a variety show for the soul by Troubadours of Divine Bliss, Aim Me Smiley & Renee Ananda, a touring folk music duo, inspirational speakers, retreat leaders, and advocates for this planet and its people.

On this podcast, we have heart-to-heart conversations around freeing our dreams and amplifying love in all things. Enjoy an exhilarating mélange of exchanges where the arts meet awareness to champion and elevate the love of yourself, others, and the Earth.

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