Greenpeace, a world-renowned environmental protection organization, has recently taken a strong stance against illegal Japanese whaling. After chasing the Nisshin Maru, a Japanese whaling ship, through the Antarctic Ocean for the past 11 days, Greenpeace activists finally caught up with the vessel yesterday and attempted to prevent it from engaging in another illegal activity: refueling in the Antarctic Treaty waters. Activists piled into small inflatable boats and bravely struggled to prevent the Oriental Bluebird ship from receiving packaged whale meat from the Nisshin Maru and from helping it to refuel.

The Japanese performed tight maneuvers at high speeds around the activists’ flimsy inflatable boats before trapping them between their two ships. When these threats did not discourage the Greenpeace activists, the Japanese sprayed them with cold water from large hoses, and detained two activists who boarded the Nisshin Maru to alert the vessel of its illegal activities. Although Greenpeace activists were forced to give up after these dangerous actions were taken against them, all was not in vein. Because the Nisshin Maru was kept on the run for 11 days, it was unable to kill whales during that time. As a result, roughly 82 whales were saved and international attention has been shed on Japanese whaling.

Teens are very concerned about protecting the environment, yet few are aware of the efforts that are presently occurring, and that they can help. Many websites that accept donations also offer news updates and free ways to make a difference. At therainforestsite.com and ecology fund.com, just one click saves 35 square feet of a rain forest. At http://members.greenpeace.org/action/start/174/?session_action=reset&action=start, you can sign a Greenpeace petition to put an end to the slaughter of whales. Even facebook.com is getting involved; it’s offering $50,000 to the organization that can get the most people to join its Facebook group and donate $10 to its cause. So instead of just talking about electing a liberal president who might fix environmental problems, get involved and try to fix these problems yourself. The opportunities are countless.

- Natalie Eidbo

Many high school seniors and new voters, such as myself, who are feeling disillusioned with current lackluster presidential candidates, might soon have reason to celebrate.

Michael Bloomberg, multi-billionaire and mayor of New York City, has confided that he is prepared to launch a $500 million campaign to benefit the Independent party, thus inciting speculation concerning his intentions to enter the 2008 presidential race.

Bloomberg, who served as a lifelong Democrat before running for NYC mayor as a Republican in 2001 and then leaving the Republican party this past June, holds liberal social policies and conservative fiscal values that could appeal to young voters who are disappointed with uncompromising politicians and all-or-nothing beliefs.

By supporting abortion rights and environmental protection while keeping taxes down and dabbling in philanthropy, Bloomberg represents an modern, ideal merging of Democratic and Republican beliefs. I can confidentially say if he decides to run, Bloomberg has my vote.

– Natalie Eidbo