Showing posts with label Michigan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Michigan. Show all posts

Saturday, September 7, 2019

What Small Cell Antenna Legislation and Sh*t Have In Common


Image result for 5G wireless infrastructure legislation
Image from HERE


My former husband had a saying:
"Just because ten-thousand flies eat sh*t doesn't mean you should."
I was reminded of this recently when someone mentioned that other states (besides Michigan) were passing small cell antenna infrastructure legislation.

Just because other states have passed similar forms of cookie-cutter legislation that benefits telecommunications companies at the expense of the citizens of the state, doesn't mean we should

But "we" did. 

And by "expense" I mean not only monetarily, but we also pay with our health because wireless technology has repeatedly been proven harmful to humans and the environment.  

The law reads:
SAY WHAT?!?  

The People of Michigan did NOT enact Public Acts 365 and 366 (formerly SB 637 and 894).

The people of Michigan, for the most part, didn't even KNOW about SB 637 and 894 thanks to our public media that apparently didn't think a law that strips the citizens of their rights to health, safety, and welfare was newsworthy enough for headlines.  Or that stripping local authorities of revenue and control of public right of way space was newsworthy enough either.

However, it was included at the bottom of an article about a rapist and child custody case.  Not exactly where most people would look for an announcement of groundbreaking legislation with extensive ramifications.

The people of Michigan did not enact these small cell antenna laws.  The 2018 Michigan House of Representatives, Senators and Governor enacted them, and thereby gave telecom companies the right to install their equipment just about anywhere in public right of ways without our knowledge or consent.  

AND with NO safety testing.
"This is about radiation, and people need to understand that..."
"Scientists state that wireless radiation is a human carcinogen. Governments have no proof of safety and the peer reviewed published literature has substantial evidence of harm."
So just because other states also passed similar legislation, and just because other states are not looking at a repeal to these horrible laws, doesn't mean we shouldn't.

To protect the health, safety, and welfare of the people of Michigan, we must repeal these laws and place a moratorium on further installations of small cell antennas until safe levels of pulsed modulated non-ionizing wireless radiation have been established for long-term exposure at non-thermal levels by qualified experts with absolutely NO conflicts of interest.  

Which means NOT the FCC (Federal Communications Commission).

* * *

Links & resources:



Friday, December 14, 2018

Governor Snyder Signs Michigan's 5G Bills



Gov. Snyder Signs Bills To Ease Shift To 5G Wireless Technology

This story should read:

Gov. Snyder has signed legislation that strips control of public right of way space from local authorities while giving telecom companies billions of dollars worth of Michigan's real estate space for a pittance.

The dense network of "small cells" will exponentially increase levels of microwave radiofrequency (RF) radiation in neighborhoods all across Michigan. RF radiation has clear carcinogenic effects (see the National Institute of Health - National Toxicology Program cellphone radiation study peer review results released earlier this year).

This legislation has met opposition from the citizens of Michigan since the very first hearing in Michigan's senate on November 2, 2017. By signing this legislation into law, Snyder has shown the people of Michigan how, once again, industry is more important than the health and wellness of the people.

Also, Michigan news agencies have done an excellent job ignoring the grassroots resistance to Michigan's 5G bills.




Wednesday, November 7, 2018

An Open Letter to Michigan House of Representatives: Before you vote on SB 637 & SB 894, the small cell wireless infrastructure bills...

Photo by Steve & Christine from USA - https://www.flickr.com/photos/24224567@N06/2699080007/Uploaded by xnatedawgx, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8137689

November 1, 2018

Dear Representative of the Great State of Michigan,

I hope this finds you well!

Today, November 1, 2018, the government admitted that wireless radiation can cause cancer and DNA-breaks:
Unless you are in opposition to SB 637, the small wireless communications 36-page bill with a 17-page summary, and its companion bill SB 894 (another 7 pages), before you vote, please listen to some of the expert testimonies given in opposition to these bills.

"Wireless radiation has biological effects. Period. This is no longer a subject for debate when you look at PubMed and the peer-review literature. These effects are seen in all life forms; plants, animals, insects, microbes. In humans we have clear evidence of cancer now; there is no question. We have evidence of DNA damage, cardiomyopathy, which is the precursor of congestive heart failure, neuropsychiatric effects... 5G is an untested application of a technology that we know is harmful; we know it from the science. In academics this is called human subjects research." ~ excerpts from Dr. Sharon Goldberg's October 4, 2018 testimony to the House Energy Policy Committee in opposition ti SB 637 and SB 894. Dr. Goldberg is an internal medicine physician with 21 years experience. Dr. Goldberg's entire 14 minute testimony is HERE.

The FCC and telecommunications companies refer to the FCC safety standards as protective of public health, but they aren't.  The FCC's safety standards were not developed for chronic exposure to wireless radiation, the type of exposure common today, and the type of exposure that will increase exponentially with a small cell tower / DAS tower infrastructure that SB 637 and SB 894 facilitate.  We need to be reducing our exposure to radiofrequency radiation, as Dr. Goldberg mentions, not increasing it.

"This is about radiation... The FCC is staffed by former members of the telecommunications industry.  They're effectively indemnified against adverse health impact lawsuits whenthe acceptable limits are higher than the limits actually shown to cause harmful health effects." ~ excerpt from Senator Patrick Colbeck's May 29, 2018 testimony to the House Energy Policy Committee in opposition to SB 637 and SB 894.  Senator Colbeck's entire 11 minute testimony is HERE.

Respecting our need to close the digital divide in Michigan, please consider that hard-wired (coaxial cable, telephone cable, and fiber optics) is faster, safer, more secure, more reliable, and less expensive in the long-run, than wireless technology.  Plus, hard-wired does not expose us to exponentially greater levels of radiofrequency radiation now proven to cause cancer and DNA-breaks.

As shown in the brief you have received, Policy Guidance Regarding Wireless Radiation, the bottom graph on page 8 shows how the United States, Canada, and Australia have radiofrequency radiation exposure limits 100 times higher than the majority of the rest of the world, and 10 times higher than India and Israel.

Since insurance companies in the United States consistently exclude liability coverage for electromagnetic fields (which includes the radiofrequency radiation from transmitting utility meters, "smart" meters, cell phones, cell towers, small cells, DAS towers, and all other wireless devices and equipment), I request that you introduce an amendment to SB 637 that would place liability for adverse health effects on the telecommunications companies.  If they are so sure the FCC's safety limits are protective, they would have no reason to oppose such an amendment.  

As Senator Colbeck mentioned in his May 29, 2018 testimony, SB 637 usurps your authority of Article 4, Section 51, to protect the health and safety of the citizens of Michigan.  

Some representatives may believe that because of the FCC declaratory ruling their hands are tied regarding SB 637 and SB 894.  What they may not realize is that the FCC's order represents an unprecedented federal intrusion on local control and authority, and that cities and municipalities are already filing lawsuits against the FCC.  

"I think the FCC has wildly overstepped it's limitations." ~ Michigan municipal Attorney Mike Watza  
Recognizing that my rights and the rights of every citizen of this great state are usurped by SB 637, SB 894, and the FCC declaratory ruling, you now have an opportunity to help preserve our rights and your oath of office by voting "no" on these two bills.  

From the movie Philadelphia, Andrew Beckett, who was an attorney, said, "It's that every now and again - not often, but occasionally - you get to be a part of justice being done.  That really is quite a thrill when that happens."   

You now have that opportunity to be part of justice being done by opposing SB 637 and SB 894, bills that facilitate the installations of cancer-causing, DNA-breaking wireless towers and antenna outside our children's windows.  Please choose justice for the people of Michigan.  Thank you.

Sincerely,

Jeanine Deal

Monday, October 29, 2018

Michigan Senator Patrick Colbeck Rocks It - Opposition to 5G Small Cell Legislation



May 29, 2018 | Michigan Senator Patrick Colbeck Testifies in Opposition to 5G Small Cell Tower Legislation

"This is not an issue of getting access to technology for people..."

"This is about radiation..."

"The FCC is staffed by former members of the telecommunications industry.  They're effectively indemnified against adverse health impact lawsuits when the acceptable limits are higher than the limits actually shown to cause harmful health effects."

"We're talking about carcinogenic effects due to tumors.  We're talking about issues with DNA replication... autism and other impacts..."

"The studies have also shown that the people most susceptible to these adverse health impacts are the youngest among us..."

"Our primary concerns are supposed to be the health of our citizens..."


~ ~ ~


Some of the studies showing harmful effects from wireless radiation:

More information:


Friday, October 19, 2018

"We Don't Want Your Smart Meter"



She is 100% correct regarding health effects from smart meters and other transmitting public utility meters. Transmitting natural gas meters nearly killed me, and I was really healthy before they were installed.

Transmitting and smart meters pulse radiofrequency radiation continuously, 24/7. Radiofrequency radiation (RFR) has "clear carcinogenic" effects, according to the recent National Toxicology Program's cellphone radiation study, and is hazardous to our health, according to a plethora of other peer-reviewed, published studies, (the Naval Medical Research did one in the 1970's, and NASA did one in the 1980's, but there are many, many more, and RFR continues to be studied and proven hazardous to health).

Some argue that the "dosage" of RFR is insignificant coming from transmitting and smart meters compared to a cell phone. Though with a cell phone, the exposure to high level pulses is not 24/7. Most people don't talk on their phone 24/7. They take a break to sleep.

With transmitting and smart meters, there is no "break".

Follow the money. Data is the new oil (very lucrative), and digital/transmitting/smart meters collect data, which can then be sold to the highest bidder.

Utility companies won't tell you that. They will (sometimes) assure you they are not selling your data. But we can no longer trust utility companies, especially monopoly utility companies. They can be the most nefarious of all. And the agencies that are supposed to regulate them are often as corrupt as the utility companies they are supposed to regulate.

And it's presumptive to say that some "homeowners have switched to smart meters with no problems at all" because cancers can take 10 to 20 years to develop.

Oh the tangled web...


Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Severe and Debilitating Affects from 5G Technology



Karen Strode speaking before the Senate Energy and Technology Committee explaining the dangers of 5G technologies and asking if there will be medical accommodations made for people like her, who will be disabled by it.



Saturday, October 13, 2018

MI State Rep. Donna Lasinski Defends Her Support of 5G Streamlining Bills




House Energy Policy Committee, October 4, 2018, hearing on Michigan's two 5G streamlining bills, SB 637 and SB 894.

Rep. Donna Lasinski clarifies the heart of her question, recognizing those with concerns around the clear biological health effects from wireless radiation, why she supports SB 637 as clarifying the FCC’s preemption of every state and locality in the nation.

What she and others who supported these bills don't understand is that neither the FCC Order, nor SB 637 are in the public interest. Cities are not rushing out to fulfill the FCC Order. Instead, cities are planning to sue the FCC over this ruling:



By supporting the FCC Order and SB 637, she and others on the committee are supporting stripping the rights of local authorities to control public right of way space, and giving those rights to a for-profit industry for an untested new product that will add exponential amounts of a class 2B carcinogen to our environment, with absolutely no safety testing.

The telecom industry's new product "5G" will utilize ultra-high frequency millimeter waves not yet in use. These frequencies are due to be auctioned off by the FCC in November. There are no published peer-reviewed studies proving that long-term exposure to ultra-high frequency millimeter waves is safe for children and pregnant women.

However, there are studies showing biological harm from ultra-high frequency millimeter waves:





Thursday, August 24, 2017

The Evolution of a Revolution


"Analog utility meter choice," she said as she read my new name tag, "Yeah!  I want my analog meter back."
"Good!" I said as I handed her a flyer.
"I get dizzy when I sit by the smart meter.  That's the only time I get dizzy.  When I move away from it, I'm fine."
"Sounds like you're sensitive..." 
She was not the first person to explain in detail physical symptoms they experience when near a smart meter.  Her reaction is one of the milder ones I've heard of because her symptoms seem to disappear almost immediately when she moves and reduces her exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs).  


The fact that new electronic meters bring about any physiological effects is disturbing.  The fact that our utility companies and some of our legislators don't believe adverse health effects are a possibility is even more disturbing.

Both the name tag I wear and the flyer I distribute have evolved since first becoming active in the Analog Utility Meter Choice movement here in Michigan.  
My first name tag was a gift from the first person I distributed flyers with.  It stated, "SAY NO TO SMART METERS!"  In those days, most people had little to no idea what smart meters were, so anyone caught looking at the name tag I was wearing would be asked if they knew what smart meters were.

With the most recent name tag design (pictured on the right above), I was hoping to invite others to start the conversation first.  And it worked!  A "stranger" read the name tag and told me she wanted the analog utility meter back.  And proceeded to tell me why.

The issue of health effects from electronic meters is not going away, despite utility companies and some legislators disbelief.  If anything, adverse health effects are increasing as more smart meters and transmitting natural gas meters are installed.


Did you know that senior citizens and the disabled are among the utility customers that are currently living without electric service here in Michigan because they've refused electronic and transmitting utility meters?  Our monopoly utility companies have refused a growing number of paying customers electric service because the customers want to keep analog utility meters, the meter that has literally withstood the test of time and is not known to make some people dizzy or cause other disturbing symptoms.



Some of our legislators are okay with utility companies refusing service to senior citizens, disabled, and others who refuse electronic meters.


Why?

The typical argument a legislator will give has to do with money.  However, are they hinting at why they are supporting the monopoly utility companies and not the people of Michigan?  Because of money?


Their argument has to do with "cost-shifting" and how smart meter customers would have to bear the burden of extra expenses created by analog meter customers.


And I say, show me the facts.  Audit the electric companies and prove your claims!

Few will discuss "possible" health effects, despite the fact that there are perhaps hundreds of testimonies from Michigan residents of adverse health effects, and thousands of published peer-reviewed research papers proving that microwave radio-frequency radiation is not benign and does cause adverse health effects (see links on the right).



Not the World Health Organization, not the American Cancer Society, not even the Federal Communications Commission; no one has ever made the conclusive statement that microwave radio-frequency radiation is 100% safe.

Yet Michigan's monopoly utility companies are getting away with charging utility customers extra to avoid this possible human carcinogen.  What's the difference between that, and bullying?  


This is not only a property rights issue.  This is a human rights issue.

If you live in Michigan and want to protect your health, property rights, and human rights, please contact every one of the representatives on the Energy Policy Committee who has not yet committed to a "YES" vote on HB 4220, Analog Utility Meter Choice legislation (listed below).  They are blocking this bill from passing out of committee.  Let them know how important this is to you, and why.


On issues presented before the committee, these representatives represent us ALL:


"When dictatorship is a fact, revolution becomes a right." ~ Victor Hugo

Thank you!  Bless us all!


Wednesday, July 12, 2017

This Isn't About Fear

Image from here

A few months back I attended a small convention where I sat at a table with other Michigan Analog Meter Choice advocates.  We were there to offer information about the new electronic public utility meters, and why it had become necessary to support legislation that would protect us from forced installations of these new meters.

At one point, I was approached by a woman who wanted to tell me something.  "I'm not afraid of smart meters", she said in a somewhat hushed tone.  

We talked for several minutes, and even laughed together a few times, though she continued to repeat, "I'm not afraid of smart meters."  It was as if she didn't hear what I was saying about the real issues with electronic and smart meters.  

She repeated one more time, "I'm not afraid of smart meters", and we bid each other farewell.

Perhaps she sees some of the information about smart meters as fear-mongering.  But...

This isn't about fear or being afraid of anything.

This is about our rights as human beings.

This is about property rights and human rights.

This is about homeland security and our personal security.

This is about our privacy, safety, and health.

This is about the health of our children and grandchildren.

This is about our rights that utility companies are trying to take away from us.

This is about protection from monopoly utility companies who are shutting-off power to paying customers for not accepting a meter that has lots of proven issues.

This is about legislation that will protect our rights as human beings.

This isn't about fear.



Wednesday, June 21, 2017

A Message To Analog Meter Choice Advocates in Michigan



We only need a couple more votes to get HB 4220 out of the Energy Policy Committee, and on to the full House of Representatives.  We are so close to achieving this!

If you haven't already, please ask HB 4220 supportive representatives, not on the committee, for their help.

If your representative is not on the Energy Policy Committee but has told you they do support HB 4220, please call them today!

Please ask them to speak with one or more of their colleagues on the Energy Policy Committee who have not yet committed to a "YES" vote.  

Here's a suggestion of what you can say:

  • Hello Representative _______, my name is _______, and I am one of your constituents.
  • I need your help getting HB 4220, analog utility meter choice legislation, out of committee.
  • Please speak with one or more of your colleagues on the Energy Policy Committee who have not yet committed to a "YES" vote.
  • Please ask them to support HB 4220!  
  • Thank you!



You can suggest one or more of the following Energy Policy Committee representatives who have not yet committed to a "YES" vote:  

  • Beth Griffin
  • Roger Hauck
  • Beau LaFave
  • James Lower
  • Jim Tedder
  • Joseph Bellino
  • Tim Sneller
  • Darrin Camilleri
  • Scott Dianda
  • Brian Elder
  • Patrick Green



These are the representatives believed to support HB 4220, who are not on the Energy Policy Committee:

  • Sue Allor - phone 517-373-0833 or 231-833-0700
  • Edward Canfield - phone 517-373-0476
  • Lee Chatfield - phone 517-373-2629 or 231-881-0287
  • John Chirkun - phone 517-373-0854 or 586-943-8937
  • Christine Grieg - phone 517-373-1793 or 248-238-3969
  • Shane Hernandez - phone 517-373-0835 or 517-798-6212
  • Kevin Hertel - phone 517-373-1180 or 586-596-5411
  • Michele Hoitenga - phone 517-373-1747 or 231-878-3888
  • Pamela Hornberger - phone 517-373-8931 or 586-850-4286
  • Gary Howell - phone 517-373-1800
  • Martin Howrylak - phone 517-373-1783 or 248-952-8683
  • Holly Hughes - phone 517-373-3436 or 231-894-5956
  • Tim Kelly - phone 517-373-0837 or 989-906-6759
  • Robert Kosowski - phone 517-373-2576 or 734-467-1798
  • Frank Liberati - phone 517-373-0845 
  • Peter Lucido - phone 517-373-0834 or 586-206-3133
  • Michael McCready - phone 517-373-8670 or 248-930-1555
  • Jeremy Moss - phone 517-373-1788 or 248-819-1802
  • Jeff Noble  - phone 517-373-3816
  • Rose Mary Robinson - phone 517-373-1008 or 313-832-2675
  • Jim Runestad - phone 517-373-2616 or 248-779-7085
  • Lana Theis - phone 517-373-1784 or 517-515-5550
  • Jason Wentworth - phone 517-373-8962
  • Henry Yanez - phone 517-373-2275
  • Adam Zemke - phone 517-373-1792 or 734-645-3186



If your representative is one of the supporters listed immediately above, please call them today and ask them to speak with one or more of their colleagues on the Energy Policy Committee!

If you're not sure who your representative is, you can find that information here.

If you have any questions about this, please email AnalogMeterChoice@gmail.com, and add that address to your contacts list to assure messages go to your Primary Inbox.


Thank you for all you do to help this legislation!
Please share this message with family and friends.


Thursday, April 6, 2017

Eyes Are On Michigan!


Most of us are already aware of the issues with new public utility meters (sometimes called "smart", advanced, digital, AMI, AMR, or AMR ERT).  If you're not, please watch this documentary from Take Back Your Power, read through some of this blog, and/or listen to the testimonies given at the Michigan Energy Policy Committee public hearings, part 1, part 2, and part 3.  

There are very serious issues with the new meters, which is why momentum is building to pass legislation that will allow natural gas and electric public utility customers the right to "opt-put" and keep using analog meters (that have never had a fraction of the issues) without having to pay extra (extortion) fees to do so.

From New York:

Woodstock NY- This is a serious issue because once you all have smartmeters, you will not be able to get rid of them. Better to ensure a good opt out program, for now.
On Saturday, April 8th, at 7 p.m., the Woodstock Smart Meter Forum is showing a film on the smart meter hearings presently taking place in Lansing, Michigan. Afterwards, former Ulster County legislators, Terry Bernardo and Mike Madsen, will discuss legislative best practices on getting an analog opt-out bill through the NYS Assembly and Senate. Stop Smart Meters Woodstock’s presentation is free and open to all, and will take place at the Woodstock Public Library, 5 Library Lane in Woodstock. For more information call 679-8111.

Michigan - A Call To Action:

Please call one or more of the Energy Policy Committee members (listed below) who have not yet committed to supporting HB 4220, and ask them to support "no-fee" Analog Utility Meter Choice!  Here's a script of what you can say:

"Hello. My name is ______.  I live in  _____.  I am asking you to support House Bill 4220, which gives me the right to choose an ANALOG gas or electric utility meter, without having to pay extra fees .  I want the right to choose my meter.  Please support House Bill 4220."

Thank you for all you do to support this legislation!

Michigan Energy Policy Committee members who have not yet committed to a "yes" vote on HB 4220:

Roger Hauck (R) 99th District
Phone:  (517) 373-1789
Email:  RogerHauck@house.mi.gov 
Isabella County, Midland County (part),  Coleman city,  Edenville Township,  Geneva Township,  Greendale Township,  Hope Township,  Ingersoll Township,  Jasper Township,  Mills Township,  Mount Haley Township,  Porter Township,  Warren Township 

James Lower (R) 70th District
Phone:  (517) 373-0834
Email:  JamesLower@house.mi.gov
Gratiot County (part):  Alma city,  Arcada Township (part),  Bethany Township,  Emerson Township (part),  Pine River Township,  St Louis city,  Seville Township, Montcalm County

Beth Griffin (R) 66th District
Phone:  (517) 373-0839
Email:  BethGriffin@house.mi.gov
Kalamazoo County (part):  Alamo Township,  Cooper Township,  Parchment city, Van Buren County

Jim Tedder (R) 43rd District
Phone:  517-373-0615
Email:  JimTedder@house.mi.gov
Oakland County (part),  Independence Township,  Lake Angelus city,  Village of Clarkston city,  Waterford Township (part) 

John Riley (R) 46th District
Phone:  517-373-1798
Email:  JohnReilly@house.mi.gov
Oakland County (part) Addison Township Brandon Township Oakland Charter Township (part) Orion Township Oxford Township 

Beau LaFave (R) 108th District
Phone: (517) 373-0156
Email: BeauLaFave@house.mi.gov
Delta County, Dickinson County, Menominee County 

Joseph Bellino (R) 17th District
Phone: (517) 373-1530
Email: JosephBellino@house.mi.gov
Monroe County (part):  Ash Township,  Berlin Township,  Exeter Township,  Frenchtown Township,  London Township,  Monroe city,  Monroe Township (part).  Wayne County (part):  Flat Rock city,  Rockwood city,  Sumpter Township

Donna Lasinski (D) 52nd District
Phone: (517) 373-0828
Email: DonnaLasinski@house.mi.gov 
Washtenaw County (part): Ann Arbor city (part), Bridgewater Township, Chelsea city, Dexter Township, Freedom Township, Lima Township, Lodi Township, Lyndon Township, Manchester Township, Northfield Township, Salem Township, Saline city, Saline Township, Scio Township, Sharon Township, Sylvan Township, Webster Township

Scott Dianda (D) 110th District
Phone:  517-373-0850
Email:  scottdianda@house.mi.gov
Baraga County, Gogebic County, Houghton County, Iron County, Keweenaw County, Marquette County (part): Ishpeming Township, Powell Township, Ontonagon County

Brian Elder (D) 96th District 
Phone: (517) 373-0158
Email: BrianElder@house.mi.gov
Bay County (part): Bangor Township, Bay City city, Essexville city, Frankenlust Township, Hampton Township, Kawkawlin Township, Merritt Township, Monitor Township, Portsmouth Township

Patrick Green (D) 28th District
Phone: (517) 373-1772
Email: PatrickGreen@house.mi.gov
Macomb County (part): Center Line city, Warren city (part)

John Kivela (D) 109th District
Phone: (517) 373-0498
Email: johnkivela@house.mi.gov
Alger County, Luce County, Marquette County (part): Champion Township, Chocolay Township, Ely Township, Ewing Township, Forsyth Township, Humboldt Township, Ishpeming city, Marquette city, Marquette Township, Michigamme Township, Negaunee city, Negaunee Township, Republic Township, Richmond Township, Sands Township, Skandia Township, Tilden Township, Turin Township, Wells Township, West Branch Township, Schoolcraft County

Darrin Camilleri (D) 23rd District 
Phone: (517) 373-0855
Email: DarrinCamilleri@house.mi.gov
Detroit area (part), Brownstone Township, Huron Township, Gibraltar city, Trenton city, Woodhaven city, Grosse Ile Township

"Radiofrequency Radiation Is Dangerous - It Could Kill You"

  Until about six year ago I had no idea there was a need for “safer technology.”  I’d been using computers ever since the 1970’s, though I ...