The Keystone XL Pipeline: More Jobs or More Junk?

The Keystone XL pipeline that is to run from Alberta to the Gulf is overall a bad idea, and the Obama administration got this one right as they rejected the proposal to build it.  Not only is it a step in the wrong direction in terms of cleaner, more efficient sources of energy, but it is also a risk to natural resources such as potable water and wildlife.  However, I do comprehend the valid points and positive aspects of the proposal. The pipeline would put 20,000 U.S. citizens to work, reduce foreign oil dependence, and increase energy security.  In addition, TransCanada has devised 14 different routes of the pipeline, some of which go around the Ogallala aquifer and Nebraska Sandhills all together; but, does it go around all seismic zones?  There are some issues that cannot be predicted, and some forces of nature that cannot be contained.  I think that Obama should stick to his alternative energy game plan that he spoke of at his State of the Union speech, and find other ways to put people to work.

Eastern Diamondbacks, A Rare Wonder In South Carolina

The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is one of the most venomous snakes in North America, and is the largest rattlesnake in the world.  It is clear why there is fear of this creature.  Many say it is mean and aggressive, but is that the truth?  Actually, Diamondbacks are relatively docile ambush predators.  It is highly probable that one would never be bitten by a Diamondback unless they stepped on it (having not heard the rattle), or was messing around with the animal that deserves much more respect than to be played with.  Forget the species type, people are just plain terrified of snakes in general.  There are many outcomes to situations where humans are afraid of things, and hostility is usually the case with snakes. 
Eastern Diamondbacks are a threatened species in South Carolina, and are a keystone species to Longleaf Pine habitats.  The snake has a large, beneficial impact on its ecosystem regardless of its abundance.  To extirpate this snake from South Carolina through fragmentation and urbanization would have negative results.  Ultimately, it all leads back to human population growth and development.  We move in on its natural habitat and build structures, not to mention killing it for no reason, basically pushing its range into the Atlantic.  Studies in the Adirondack Mountains of New York have shown that roads play a major roll in genetic isolation and fragmentation of snakes.  Not only are we killing this animal physically, but also severing its evolutionary potential.
Thankfully, scientists have found that relocating these snakes can be done.  Longleaf Pine ecosystems in South Carolina have been nearly erased because of bad land management practices by our ancestors (deforestation and fire suppression).  With good education and management, we can bring back beautiful Longleaf Savannahs in South Carolina, and it would be beneficial to have a "diamond in the rough".