Considerately from the Skies

The definition of indiscriminately is when something is done in a way that does not show care or when something is done in a very random manner.

Most of us would not think of the government and other accredited organizations to do anything indiscriminately. However, in Silent Spring, Rachel Carson describes how the U.S. Department of Agriculture indiscriminately sprayed large areas of the United States with harmful chemicals that did nothing useful for the environment or the U.S. Silent Spring was published in 1962 and many of the issues dealing with chemical spraying occurred in the ‘50s. This seems to be a long time ago for many people. When I thought about the time frame more though, I realized my grandma was alive during these sprayings. In reality, this corrupt idea of spraying with no valid reason happened not too long ago. How could the government allow something as awful as exposing chemicals to plants, animals, and humans that could harm them to happen?

I am not going to lie… I was a little bit worried after reading Indiscriminately from the Skies. I could not help but think of my grandparents and how many chemicals like DDT and dieldrin they have been exposed to. I then started to think of all the times my own lawn had been sprayed by chemicals to protect against mosquitos and other insects. My mind also went to the subject of chemicals found on our food products as a result of spraying. I was amazed at how much I did not know about the subject and how much others do not realize on a day to day basis. Chemical spraying is something very serious and should only be used when the chemicals have been previously tested and are absolutely necessary. Even then, chemical spraying should be conducted in a safe way that will protect all living things in the area. People should be involved in the decision to spray and they should be informed of all important factors involved with spraying. I can only wonder how safe our chemical spraying is today.