WHAT ABOUT THE BIRDS?
Your recent article on animals suffering car encounters brings to mind those creatures killed even closer to home: our wondrous birds. There are many free-roaming cats which exact a terrible toll on our struggling avian friends. Bird numbers are down, in decline, and cats are estimated to take 1 to 4 billion birds a year. Owners equipping cats with brightly colored collars and bells (such as the “Birdsbesafe” collar) can really help (audubon.org/news/how-stop-cats-killing-birds and more here, allaboutbirds.org/news/faq-outdoor-cats-and-their-effects-on-birds/). Also, it will help distinguish feral cats from those cats who have “people” so the former can be spayed and neutered. But restraining your cat to your home is best for its health, its safety and this beautiful avian world around us which we are rapidly losing.
G. Bruno
GEN Z MUST LEAD NOW
In the wake of an election that has once again propelled Donald Trump to power, a palpable sense of urgency grips our nation—not just to act, but to lead. This is more than just a political setback; it signals that now, more than ever, it’s our turn to step up. History teaches us that every generation faces its crucible, a defining challenge that summons its collective spirit to action. Ours is no different, and the battlegrounds are dauntingly clear: climate change, soaring rents, global genocides and a fragile peace are not mere issues but calls to arms.
This moment must be our awakening, a catalyst for intense, action-oriented engagement. Our generation—interconnected, digitally native, and socially conscious—is uniquely equipped to challenge the status quo. We must channel our frustrations into mobilization, turning our online discourse into substantive real-world impacts.
It’s time for more than tweets of frustration or ephemeral protest marches. Why not us? Why shouldn’t we run for office, lead the charge, and make the decisions that steer our lives? We are the architects of new forums for dialogue, crafting platforms where truth outshines misinformation and where diverse voices aren’t just heard but are leading the narrative.
The plan is simple but ambitious: Dive into the fray. Run for office. Take those leadership spots we’ve been told to wait for because our challenges won’t wait. We need to channel our collective anxiety about the future into reimagining American politics, transforming our digital fluency into a tool for broad societal impact.
From advocating for climate resilience to demanding economic reforms, from championing civil rights to promoting global peace—our energy, our innovation, and our relentless spirit are imperative. We must step into the arena, not as spectators but as champions for humanity itself. This isn’t just about participating in democracy; it’s about transforming it.
We will be the ones historians write about—the young leaders who dared to step up when the world seemed stacked against us. Let this be the era where Gen Z doesn’t just inherit democracy but redefines it, driven by a relentless pursuit of justice and equity. Let’s harness this moment with everything we’ve got to forge a future that will not only be remembered for the challenges we faced but for the innovative and bold ways we overcame them.
Ayo Banjo
