The Earth is Hurting

Merry Meet,

CNN has just reported that earthquakes have hit the Solomon Islands for the second straight day. Read the news story "Quakes hit Solomon Islands for Second Straight Day" on CNN.com.

The Solomon Islands, if you must know are a British protectarate. They have been so since the 1890's. Some of the most bitter combat of World War 2 occurred on these islands. In 1978, the Solomon Islands recieved independence after recieving self government in 1976. In June 2003, the then Prime Minister Sir Allan Kemakeza sought the assistance of Australia to put an end to the ethnic violence, endemic crime, and the government malfeasance that have undermined the civil society of the Solomon Islands. In July of 2003, an Australian led multinational force arrived and disarmed the ethnic militias. Clearly there is much trouble in the world, but there are competent leaders in the world to promote peace. The RAMSI has been effective in stopping the bloodshed. for more information, I suggest you look in the CIA World Fact Book

The Solomon Islands are slightly smaller than the state of Maryland in area. Its terrain is composed of rugged mountains with some low coral atolls. Its highest point is Mount Makarakomburu which is 2447 meters high. Its lowest point is the Pacific Ocean. Less than 1 percent of the land is farmable.

595,613 people call the Solomon Islands their home. The median age of Solomon Islanders is 19. The life expectancy is 73 years, 71 for men, 76 for women. Male babies have a higher mortality rate than female babies. The average number of children born to each woman is 3.52.

The majority of Solomon Islanders are Melanesian, with Polynesian and Micronesian minorities. The main religion appears to be Christianity. The language spoken in the Solomon Islands is a lingua franca, English is spoken as well as 120 indigenous languages. English is spoken by only 2 percent of the population. Its flag is posted above.

As a Green Witch, I have a special connection to the Earth. Right now, the planet is howling in pain. In the Solomon Islands, the major environmental issues are deforestation, soil erosion and dying coral reefs. Most of the coral reefs are dead or dying due to the excess Carbon Dioxide that the United States is pushing into the environment. We are poisoning the planet and the planet is reacting. Most of the Solomon Islands are covered in rocky soil. Most of that soil is put into place by trees. The roots hold in the soil. If you kill the trees that live on the island, you kill the planet. The Solomon Islands have signed the Kyoto protocols, but they have not been ratified. The Solomon Islands are in danger of being swallowed up by the sea due to Global Warming.

If you are a Divinity School Student I suggest you post a prayer for the Solomon Islands. If I particularly like it I will give you 10 points. This post is open to all Mystery School students

Blessed Be

Nancy Gore