If we Californians want a foretaste of what statewide fracking can do, all we need to consider is the case of Oklahoma. Groundwater pollution and fracking-related earthquakes are already threatening health and real estate values there. Humor has been used on many occasions in the past to relieve pain, as a perusal of Tom Lehrer’s repertoire reveals. Perhaps it is time once again, in all seriousness, to pitch a parody at this problem:
Ooo – klahoma,
Where the earthquakes rumble ‘neath the plain,
The injection wells’ unpleasant smells
Let you know what’s backing up the drain.
Ooo – klahoma,
Every night the shaking ‘neath our feet,
Makes the windows rattle, and scares the cattle,
While cracks are breakin’ up the street.
Tornadoes may strike here and there,
But the earthquakes are felt everywhere.
And when the ground … sinks, and buckles
‘neath our feet — we’re only sayin’
“Fracks” undermine Oklahoma,
And the state’s NOT OK.