<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"> <head> <meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=us-ascii"> <meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 12 (filtered medium)">  <style>  </style>  </head> <body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=blue id="role_body"> <div class=Section1> When in a hurry I don’t always express things fully.  Such was the case earlier, so permit me to elaborate.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Political activity can take many forms.  Educational and informational activity falls under the scope of the GOSA charter and is not prohibited.  Nor is advocating for a cause specific to the interests of the organization as long as it does not favor or oppose candidates for elective office.  That is, since GOSA is a “subject matter expert” our opinions can be expressed publicly when discussions over geothermal things like powerplants are made.  Of course individuals can do and say as they please independent of the organization.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Let’s say a company wishes to build a plant in Island Park, which is quite likely (pick the low hanging fruit first) since it’s already been studied.  By the time an EIS is done, it’s probably too late – the discussion is basically over.  Opinions opposing such a plant should be brought up long beforehand, even before a preliminary EA is being put together.  That’s what I meant by becoming politically active.  Find out who’s doing what, when and where and basically cut ‘em off before they get too far.  If solid opposition is known to exist, firms are less likely to waste time and money even on the early stages of a project.  However, once a sizeable investment is made they are far less likely to let go.  Although I’m not an attorney I do think that can be done entirely out of the scope of supporting or opposing political candidates for election, which would cause the IRS to rescind the non-profit status.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Since the organization is still relatively small and has limited resources I think aligning ourselves with other larger organizations would be beneficial.  Cooperation with an outfit that has a publicist and perhaps an attorney would be ideal, providing they agree with our viewpoint.  Yellowstone Association, Yellowstone Foundation, National Parks Foundation, Sierra Club(??) are some that come to mind.  I think it would be wise for GOSA to put together a policy statement with facts and figures that irrefutably support the position.  Then publicize it however best we can – website and other media.  Right now there are Wall Street firms pushing investments in geothermal corporations.  This seems to be in concert with the administration’s effort to “go green.”  BTW, I am all for going green, just don’t mess with my geysers in the process!  What I’m saying is the opponent will likely be well financed and well supported politically.  However, David did slay Goliath.  We just need a solid rock, a great slingshot and proper aim.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> IRS website states: “Under the Internal Revenue Code, all section 501(c)(3) organizations are absolutely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office. Contributions to political campaign funds or public statements of position (verbal or written) made on behalf of the organization in favor of or in opposition to any candidate for public office clearly violate the prohibition against political campaign activity.  Violating this prohibition may result in denial or revocation of tax-exempt status and the imposition of certain excise taxes. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Certain activities or expenditures may not be prohibited depending on the facts and circumstances.  For example, certain voter education activities (including presenting public forums and publishing voter education guides) conducted in a non-partisan manner do not constitute prohibited political campaign activity. In addition, other activities intended to encourage people to participate in the electoral process, such as voter registration and get-out-the-vote drives, would not be prohibited political campaign activity if conducted in a non-partisan manner.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> On the other hand, voter education or registration activities with evidence of bias that (a) would favor one candidate over another; (b) oppose a candidate in some manner; or (c) have the effect of favoring a candidate or group of candidates, will constitute prohibited participation or intervention.”<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <div> Udo Freund<o:p></o:p> GOSA Store<o:p></o:p> <a href="www.gosa.org">www.gosa.org</a><o:p></o:p> </div> <o:p> </o:p> <div> <div style='border:none;border-top:solid #B5C4DF 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'> From: geysers-bounces@lists.wallawalla.edu [mailto:geysers-bounces@lists.wallawalla.edu] On Behalf Of Paul Strasser Sent: Monday, April 27, 2009 9:36 PM To: 'Geyser Observation Reports' Subject: RE: [Geysers] Yellowstone Science article<o:p></o:p> </div> </div> <o:p> </o:p> As a group, GOSA can express scientific opinion.  We cannot engage in political activity or we lose our 501(c)(3) status.  <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> This does not stop any individual who subscribes to the Sput from expressing his or her opinion as vociferously as they choose. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> I personally cannot imagine the Obama Administration from even beginning to consider anything that would affect Yellowstone.  As much as they want to consider alternate forms of energy, the environmental movement, which is a huge supporter of this administration, would vehemently oppose any such idea of tapping Yellowstone.  <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> I will concede, however, that certain “environmental” groups have been known to sacrifice environmental sensibilities for political expediency.  But Yellowstone’s geysers?  Them’s fightin’ words.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Paul Strasser  <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <div> <div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'> <hr size=2 width="100%" align=center> </div> From: geysers-bounces@lists.wallawalla.edu [mailto:geysers-bounces@lists.wallawalla.edu] On Behalf Of Freund, Udo Sent: Monday, April 27, 2009 8:11 AM To: Geyser Observation Reports Subject: RE: [Geysers] Yellowstone Science article<o:p></o:p> </div> <o:p> </o:p> Here's Tami Blackford, the editor's, response to my mentioning the reversal of that image to her: "Yes, that image was transposed. Thanks for noticing!"  Sad that those who live in Mammoth don't notice these things beforehand.  Either they don't know better or don't look at details carefully, both are poor excuses when portraying science.  But we humans do make misteaks (sic).<o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> As for the content of the article, I too found it greatly under-researched.  If I recall correctly it is a condensed version of a master's thesis, probably written some time before being reproduced in YS.<o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> But at least this type of info is getting published, hopefully leading to more media attention on the subject.  Which brings up a point.  Media are portraying geothermal as a green energy source with seemingly little adverse impacts.  The Obama administration is pushing this agenda and they are essentially the boss of those who might object, namely NPS and USGS.  I'm sure most of you are aware that using geothermal aquifers kills geyser activity.  That proven fact should be brought to the media's attention whenever the subject comes up.  In the USA we've already lost geysers at Steamboat and Beowawe in Nevada and Mammoth in California.  In my opinion, since few others will advocate for this cause, GOSA and its' associates should take up the task.  In other words, I believe that it's time for GOSA to become politically active rather than being a passive hobby club.<o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> Thanks, Udo Freund Blessed are those that run around in circles for they shall be called big wheels! <o:p></o:p> <div>  <o:p></o:p> </div> <o:p> </o:p> <div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'> <hr size=2 width="100%" align=center> </div> From: geysers-bounces@lists.wallawalla.edu [mailto:geysers-bounces@lists.wallawalla.edu] On Behalf Of TSBryan@aol.com Sent: Saturday, April 25, 2009 12:54 PM To: geysers@lists.wallawalla.edu Subject: [Geysers] Yellowstone Science article<o:p></o:p> <div> The Curmudgeon here, at least for item #1... this e-mail will also respond to some off-list stuff, on which I've been a bit delayed because of my step-daughter's surgery for a badly herniated disk. (She's much better today, thank you.)<o:p></o:p> </div> <div>  <o:p></o:p> </div> <div> 1. The first 2009 issue of "Yellowstone Science" contains a nice article by Alethea Steingisser and W. Andrew Marcus, titled "Human Impacts on Geyser Basins" (<a href="http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/upload/ys17(1)p1.pdf">www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/upload/ys17(1)p1.pdf</a> and click on the top (part 1) link -- the article starts on page 7). Good enough (except for a couple of minor comments below)<o:p></o:p> </div> <div>  <o:p></o:p> </div> <div> BUT... how about that title photograph. If I was the authors I'd be severely disappointed; if I was anybody with the NPS who has anything to do with Yellowstone Science, I'd be really (really) upset. If you haven't seen it, here's a scan of that image (small jpg, embedded and attached)<img border=0 width=480 height=263 id=MA1.1240689235 src="cid:image001.jpg@01C9C83A.7A657E60" vspace=5><o:p></o:p> </div> <div> I trust you see what is wrong. The scene might look better if you hold the picture to a mirror.<o:p></o:p> </div> <div>  <o:p></o:p> </div> <div> Sorry, folks, but that's bad.<o:p></o:p> </div> <div>  <o:p></o:p> </div> <div> 2. In Table 1 of the article, several places are noted with asterisks ("No data available"). This is, I guess conservatism by the authors, but I must say that since there has been zero geothermal development (other than use of natural runoff) in Kamchatka's Valley of Geysers, then the asterisk in the table's first column should be replaced with "No." Same for Umnak. Also, in this table, there most definitely was a negative effect of tourism on the geysers and springs at Steamboat Hot Springs (that, by the way, being the proper name for the place). There were what amount to tourism activities there at least as early as the 1860s plus there was the resort (I don't recall its date offhand), and there were some substantial alterations to the valley springs at Beowawe. I could make note of some other asterisks but won't.<o:p></o:p> </div> <div>  <o:p></o:p> </div> <div> 3. Here comes a point at which it is unfortunate that the annotated bibliography, that appeared in editions 1, 2, and 3 of my book had to be deleted from edition 4 (where the discussion about places around the world was significantly reduced, too) due to cost constraints. Anyhow, regarding the note on page 17 of the article, I wish it stated something a bit stronger -- not just records, but written records. I possess numerous reports, often including maps, that were never actually published -- I recall significant trials in obtaining several unpublished reports from the National Library in Australia. Anyhow, if it is in my book, it can be documented.<o:p></o:p> </div> <div>  <o:p></o:p> </div> <div> 4. I know there are always delays from manuscript to print, but still -- the 4th Edition of my book did come out around August 1, 2008, several months prior to this publication, so I find it too bad that it did not find its way into the "Literature Cited." I think some slightly-different numbers might be found there.<o:p></o:p> </div> <div>  <o:p></o:p> </div> <div> T. Scott Bryan<o:p></o:p> </div> <o:p> </o:p> <div style='margin-top:7.5pt'> <div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'> <hr size=2 width="100%" align=center> </div> </div> Check all of your email inboxes from anywhere on the web. <a href="http://toolbar.aol.com/mail/download.html?ncid=txtlnkusdown00000027">Try the new Email Toolbar now</a>! <o:p></o:p> </div> </body> </html>