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Thanks, Steve, for your contribution. I agree with it in some ways and disagree in others.

Here in PA, we have the best state legislature that money can buy, as they say. But there are occasional individual legislators who become true leaders of necessary grassroots efforts. They are in a position to actually do something about it, as are Backer and Duff in CT.

I have even less faith in the ability of local government to get involved. The community leadership that Steve discusses will come from individuals who care enough to push it.

Large scale action, however, will require government involvement. That seems more likely to start at the state level than the national level. Local governments are too small to have much influence, except for a few major cities/counties.

Fred Bortz -- Science and technology books for young readers (www.fredbortz.com) and Science book reviews (www.scienceshelf.com)