'He summed it up succintly with these vicious words:
It's your pay cheque or your planet, the loggers or the birds!'

Listening to the lyrics of great songs by revolutionary U.S. singer/songwriter and poet David Rovics help one understand the brutal conflicts bred by capitalist powerhouses against those concerned about environmental degradation throughout the world. On November 18th I happened to learn what these lyrics meant in a bit more depth when it came to Polish environmental campaigners 15 year struggle to save the Rospudy river valley. Rovic's words encapsulate in part the scene I recently witnessed in a small town of 30,000, close to the Belarussian border where the Baltic Highway promises to leave a concrete-laden, vehicle-polluting hell in it's wake, destroying the beautiful natural habitat in the nearby Augustow forest.

One eco-system, many colours
The following article will be a little bit light on analysis as a) it is the first time I have been to this area and to find out about the issues involved b) there will be others who can do more justice to the ins and outs of the current political context in Poland that is facilitating this infrastructural development c) my Polish is still at pre-intermediate level. Nevertheless, I hope it can help the international English speaking community to keep in mind and provide solidarity with those in Poland who are attempting to prevent another instance of humanity's blind habit of killing that which it proclaims to love – the environment, upon which our very existence depends. In the area we visited today, another micro eco-system may very well be facing an early headstone due to our obsession with cars and concrete, speed, capitalist convenience, and our inability to think about future generations' needs. An injury to one is an injury to all.

On the 24th of April 2001 Uachtaráin na hÉireann Mary McAleese officially opened the Crèche in The Coombe Woman’s Hospital with much applause ribbons and publicity. However on the 24th of October 2006 the children, their parents and the employees of this Crèche were informed it is now to close with much disappointment, upset and disruption, on New Years Eve.

We the parents have been advised the closure is to facilitate the Hospital’s Expansion Programme, which we note will not include any further childcare facilities on its publicly funded and owned campus. The unacceptable and untimely short notice period of two months We, the parents have been advised is a result of a failure of the crèche operators Tots & Co to fully inform us of the expiry of their operating lease and their communications with the Hospital Administration on the matter. We, the parents formally request your support to help us secure an additional 4 months notice period; We are not against the improvement or the development of the Coombe Women’s Hospital; We are not in dispute with the owners and operators of this Crèche Tots & Co; We are just endeavouring to secure safe and secure childcare for our children with as little disruption and tears as possible.