The Navajo resistance to uranium mining

It could just be my usual over-thinking, but I find self-promotion a tricky path. Maybe I’m too pessimistic. For example, is it wrong for Bono to speak out on political issues even though it has the side-effect of free publicity for him and U2? Or is it a great thing that he uses his fame to give a loud voice to a struggle that the powers-that-be would rather kept quiet?

I tend to think it’s a good thing, and Bono a great guy for using his fame to promote justice. So, I’ll err on the side of being criticized as a self-promoter if it means I can get the word out for people who truly need assistance or attention to their cause. I guess the way of thinking of it is, Bono is a singer, he doesn’t have to speak out to survive, yet he does speak on behalf of justice. Though my fame level is a tad bit less than Bono’s, I’ll apply the same standard to myself. I’m a writer. I could blog about my novel only, but including something important is a choice I make.

With all that angst aside, let me alert you to a struggle that was brought to my attention because of its similarity to the fictional plot of my novel, Where Did This Come From?

The Navajo nation (if you’re like me you didn’t even really know there still was one) is resisting uranium mining on their land. Here’s the link to the LA Times story: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-navajo22nov22,0,6236667,full.story Mining firms again eyeing Navajo land, Demand for uranium is soaring. But the tribe vows a 'knockdown, drag-out legal battle.' By Judy Pasternak, Times Staff Writer, November 22, 2006.

Now I don’t know what we can do about this as consumers, except perhaps begin with the usual items: learn about it, spread the word, contact the appropriate government reps and companies, etc. Boycotting uranium doesn’t seem as easy as boycotting veal. Still, the key is always doing something, no matter how little, because doing nothing is when the world goes bad. So please read the story at the link above and spread the word.

Are stories encouraging people to think about their impact on the world a trend or perhaps a sub-genre? I don’t know what to call it, but I’m glad to be a part of it. Though some might say movies like Blood Diamond, Syriana, Traffic, or An Inconvenient Truth are preachy, or trying to make people feel guilty about what they buy, I find them empowering. Everyone is a consumer and therefore everyone can relate. We have the power to be villains or the good guys and gals.

So keep in mind the Navajo resistance to uranium mining. As with all movements, this one has been going on for a while, but is likely gathering momentum, especially with the role that uranium acquisition (or rather, false claims thereof) played in the Iraq War. More details: http://www.sric.org/uraniumsummit/index.html.

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Larry Nocella is the award-winning author of the novel Where Did This Come From? available at Amazon and Xlibris and other fine online book stores. Also, for a limited time, Where Did This Come From? is available as an eBook for only ONE DOLLAR. Visit Larry Nocella's website at http://www.larrynocella.com/.