Rick
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Fresh Boarder
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Why we need regulation and education. - 2008/08/04 01:42
This year marks my 40th year in the effort to educate people about Astronomy and Dark Skies. The problem is education fails in the ever growing face of immorality and abasement. As the ills of society increase it becomes necessary for decent citizens to take action. Who complains about laws except those that break them? Think of this; the lack of rules and regulations most benefit the filthy rich and powerful.
This is a nation of laws and was formed in the face of tyranny which is just another form of anarchy. Under aristocratic rule, there were no laws and no rules which protected the common person. Only the rich had rights. When this country was formed it was done so on the basis and concept of equality. The intent was everyone had as much right as another and that anyone's rights only ended when they infringed upon the rights of others. Always passive rights exceed active rights and thus is the legal principle of "Quiet Enjoyment". This is in fact a property right and it means that you have the right to enjoy your property in a quiet manner and with respect to your right to privacy. Further, a neighbor does not have a right to disrupt your quiet enjoyment. It is a moral principle, a Christian principle and an American right. The purpose of the Kern County Ordinance is merely to bring existing law into local practice. This ordinance is a step towards preserving property rights.
I have a neighbor that knows and has been educated. He was granted a CUP to have 12 nights a year to turn on his lights for roping rodeo and practice. He turned them on 28 times the first year. Where was my protection? He decided to breed dogs without a license and at onetime he owned and boarded for hire 15 dogs that are frustrated by being kept in exposed 4x6ft. Pens with out ever being let out. They yap all night long even though there is only about 5 now. They keep all the dogs within a mile, agitated and fussing all night long. Where are my rights and where is concern about the well being of the dogs. When I have Star Parties over where school children are being taught astronomy my neighbor has turned on his lights only to ruin my party and the children’s education. Where are my rights? When I had a custom built telescope set up well inside my fenced yard so handicapped children in wheelchairs could look at the cosmic wonders my neighbor ordered one of his cowboys to climb over the fence and destroy the telescope. Where are my rights against trespass and vandalism? M neighbor also put up two lights that are left on. They did not want to be bothered by the lights themselves so they put them on post between the lights and their bedroom window. Yet these lights are a bother from almost any point on m place. After I had rescued another animal of theirs off the Highway I asked if they would reduce the wattage and shield the lights, they just laughed in my face. Where are my rights?
Lights are only a way for the impotent to gain a sense of power over someone else. I have had several tell me they want to kill an intruder and hope to catch one with their lights.
It is in fact only education that has brought the more intelligent people to the crossroads of understanding the importance and our rights to clean, clear, dark skies…with the need to protect them.
Clear Skies,
Rick
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