Commencement
Today I watched the hope and dreams of America come to life again. I am referring to the inauguration. How much it means. The words spoken and how they apply to the work I do.
Like most Americans and much of the world, I was glued to the TV; chills coursing up and down my spine, I watched my own young daughter as she watched the historic moment in history. I saw and shared the sense of pride and inspiration at the commencement of a new era.
I was spellbound by the inauguratory address of the forty-fourth president of the United States, and entranced as well by the enthusiasm of the diverse crowd as our President Barack Obama was sworn to office.
We are about to roll up our sleeves and get down to hard business of the price and the promise of citizenship.
I heard the words of our new president about where we could go. He promises to deliver better schools, renewed science, improved and more economical health care, solar and green energy. He promises that government will "spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do business in the light of day."
I hope Industry is listening to that message.
Especially, I hope Industry was listening when our president said "To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history."
Those words ring true for me because of the line of work that I am in. I face the silencing of dissent all the time. The corruption and the deceit perpetuated by industry. Deceit is the root cause of so many of our problems. Deceit robs us of information. Deceit robs us of choice. Deceit eats away at our freedom. Deceit undermines our value system and our intrinsic worth as human beings. For what is the value of a deceitful man?
So how do we stop the deceit? How do we educate those whose reckless pursuit of profit cheats us out of our money, our homes, our health, our lives?
One truth at a time. One step at a time.
I am inspired to continue in my avocation, shining the light on deceit.
I am inspired to continue working toward sharing awareness. Most of the cases I deal with begin with revealing deceit--in seeing that the light of day is shined on those dark secrets--just as it was in Hinkley, California and perhaps now in Kingston Tennessee. When these malevolent and unhealthy secrets are uncovered, then changes can be made. Once the truth is known, the problem no longer festers and escalates; no, that is when healing and remediation begins, Sometimes it means we do have to roll up our sleeves and pitch in to get it all cleaned up--but we will clean it up. And perhaps like our president promises, we “will not falter. Perhaps with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, you and I too will carry forth a gift--one of a clean and healthy country--safely to future generations."
Currently, I am the President of the consulting firm, Brockovich Research & Consulting, where I am involved in numerous major environmental cases 
Comments
Wonderful piece Erin. Thank you.
Shedding light on deceit has been my life's work as a writer, parent, and psychological fitness facilitator as well.
There is an expression that describes what appears to be happening on a global scale ie., the takers are being taken down.
I am now engaged in a process that will expose a drug company who sold/sells a drug designed for chemotherapy. They took that same drug and sold/sell it to doctors and dermatologists to treat acne. At least 152 side effects have been perpetrated on healthy bodies of young men and women. The body receptors have been impacted and sexual, mental and digestive symptoms abound.
It is time for the drug company's profits to be shared with the victims of this lie. It is time to stop this travesty.
I will stay in touch and ask anyone who would like to join me to contact me.
Thank you for your attention.
Lenna L. Fisher
Yes, my 19 year old son is a victim as well.
Posted by: Lenna L. Fisher | January 21, 2009 8:24 PM
I welcome the changes.
I'm tired of hearing about incidents where a US oil company was facing a $350 million fine for releasing 91 metric tons of very toxic benzine, but it was reduced, after some campaign contributions that somehow coincided with the case, to just $20 million.
I have friends who live near a natural gas compressor station in Georgia that spews many tons of toxics out each year, but the pipeline company doesn't have to do anything about it, since the compressor engines were "Grandfathered" in pollution regulations.
I see news pieces where Cities are trying to get Homeland Security funds to prevent attacks at places like donut shops & minature golf courses. Yet, while we waste time & money to shore up unlikely targets, Al-Qaeda has just been found tinkering with "Black Death" Plague in Algeria! 40 Terrorist died when their testing got out of control. A real WMD threat, but one that just got on the radar after thousands of lives and billions of dollars were lost in Iraq.
There's a lot of things that we need to get back on track on.
Posted by: Mike H. | January 22, 2009 12:42 AM
I too was mesmorized by the site of the Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States. Perhaps, his administration will be one that will direct the media outlets to report the truth, implementing a new fidelity that will cultivate a growing trust.
To achieve that end, the past should be revisited and corrected to some degree as stated by Chairman Conyers and Mr. Krugman in their respective articles. It is difficult to move forward without a true indication of where you have been.
On a personal level - I would like to see the Obama administration investigate the pre-war run-up: specifically Libby's antics: Plame, Project Anabasis, etc. Additionally, those that comprised OSP should also be investigated: their willingness to sacrifice US servicemen and women for fraudulent policy (Bush Doctrine) is blatantly wrong.
I would also like to have someone look into the Astra-Zeneca cocktail mix that is being prescribed to our returning veterans - several have died and my understanding is that the Charleston WV VA is refusing to give grieveing parents the medical file.
There's the medical report of US use of White Phosphorous and Depleted Uranium in Fallujah - damning Iraqis in a 180 mile radius to decades of cancers, grotesque tumors, and birth defects. How does this action by US troops promote a fledging democracy? How many generations have we traumatized; giving them reason to hate?
When do the lies end? When does fidelity reign?
Posted by: Stephanie - seartangel | January 27, 2009 12:04 PM
Agriculture is the number one polluter. Agriculture destroyed the wells here in Brandonville Schuylkill County Pa. Health problems are door to door here. This farm family has no love for there neighbors or the environment. Intentional spraying at bus stops and ride in a circle spraying. Its all being covered up here by the newsmedia and politicians. Cancer, heartdisease and blue-baby syndrome continue because are lawmakers refuse to pass legislation for a compusary nitrate testing for the home buyer and rentee just like 36 farmbelt states. EPA blames sewage and Dep blames smoked meats. Combine polluted wells with high nitrates , then mix in Radon caused by the cancerous nitrates, then dirty air from the coal barrons and now river dredging being trucked in from Philly. Stay out of Pennsylvania and shut the windows in the plane if you fly over this dirty state. Amen
Posted by: Dennis | February 8, 2009 11:35 AM
So pleased to be able to connect Erin!!
Saw you on the Hour with George S last night here in Kitchener, Canada and was re inspired with my seemingly impossible task. So Thank You and God
Bless.
It is the 20th Ann. of the Exxon Valdez Spill and the human tragedies of divorce, addiction and suicides (12 !!!) were brought to lite by David Suzuki in "Black Wave" It got my mojo going and it is like the energies of Obama, Brokovich, Suzuki ( on and on ) have reached a tipping point. Critical Mass soon to be achieved when we all realize that people really do have the power.
Much has been said about the parallels between Lincoln and Obama and i suggest that people are really slaves to the greedy immoral few. Trillions of $ aside, what Obama really represents to me is Hope and with that anything is possible. We have been without it for so long and i think a lot of rats will run for their holes now that light has been shed on the Bush years. The takers will need to somehow give back.
We live in interesting times. Back to surfing your site.
Posted by: Deborah | February 14, 2009 11:26 AM
Erin...I'm watching the movie for the first time, today. I just wanted to say, I've become an instant fan. Not of Julia, but you, because of the importance of what you did. I love hearing of inspirational people. I love hearing of people who try to make a positive difference in this world, for no other reason than that it is the right thing. I just wanted to say thank you and good job. I'll enjoy following your blog to see what you are up to...
Posted by: Ginger Barritt | March 26, 2009 2:21 PM
Obama represents oppression and hypocrisy, sponsored by the financial elite, acting for the financial elite.
To those who were "mesmerized" by the inauguration, with some belief that Obama was the new saviour: snap out of it. A slick talker sponsored by Wall Street is not the friend of the people.
Posted by: Bradfield Resident | August 17, 2009 11:42 AM