Americans, addicted to oil and quick fixes, embrace a man and a mantra; yet, most are unwilling to envelop themselves in a cause. The public appreciates the need for clean energy. Accolades are bestowed upon the former Vice President, author, Nobel Peace Prize winner, and environmentalist Albert Gore for the work he has done to inform us of an inconvenient truth. Nonetheless, as knowledgeable as the public may be, nothing truly changes. Intellectually, nearly everyone accepts what a myriad of experts emphasize. The planet is in peril. However, emotionally, few internalize the urgency of what must be a global priority. There is a problem. We cannot wait to employ solutions.
Former Vice President Albert Gore challenges Congress, corporations, citizens in this country, and people planet wide to consider crucial connections, and what might be done to correct what appears to be an eminent disaster. Globally, civilization depends on us, and our commitment to change. Currently, the situation is critical. Catastrophes exist around every corner. The economy is shaky. Employment opportunities are limited. Weather is weird. Most experts believe the "energy tsunami" seems to have effected the environment. Forecasts for the future are not good. We can no longer count the years until our demise. The days are numbered. Too many species are now extinct; more are threatened. All people on this planet must acknowledge we are in peril. There is a climate crisis.
There has been a lot of talk recently about the "energy crisis". I wonder if this is the same energy crisis we heard about in the 70's? If it is then that means for over 30 years instead of solving our domestic energy needs, we have ignored them and allowed them to grow. In 1970 we were importing about 24% of the oil we used and the embargo back then threw our economy into a tail-spin, imagine what would happen today when we import about 70%. Rather than using the past 30 plus years to develop new or existing technologies to reduce or break our dependence on oil, we have elected to do something worse than nothing. Instead of our vehicles getting smaller and more fuel efficient during this time they have actually gotten larger.
The sad reality of politics-as-usual seems to make the development of a sustainable energy policy almost impossible. We need bold leadership right now, both to retool our economy and reverse the terrible damage we're doing to the global ecosystem. Instead, we get . . . offshore drilling? That's obviously not the answer to "The Oil Problem," short- or long-term.
At this point, we need to face the fact that change is inevitable. The only question is what that inevitability will be: a quick transition to a post-fossil-fuel economy, or the devastating effects of our refusal to do so.
Late in January 2008, Americans read the startling news, Video Reveals Violations of Laws, Abuse of Cows at Slaughterhouse. Tears were shed by some; most turned away. The footage was too graphic. Countless wished to remain removed from a reality they do not wish to witness. Reports, of brutal treatment towards beefy cattle, were received by many as is steak on a plate. Those who eat the meat think it sad that a cow must be sacrificed in order to fill a human stomach. Nonetheless, numerous persons believe man kills "lower" forms of life; that is the natural order.
The Corporate Destroyer is a peculiar mutation of man. It is known for its inactivity in the practice of any virtue. He is found in several different forms throughout the government, business, and nations. The fruits of his labors can be seen throughout the earth in 'greed, sloth, pride, wrath, avarice, envy, lust, and gluttony'. Absent conscience or allegiance to any land, this mutant will use any means necessary to feed his insatiable appetite.
Mother Nature is replete with resources. Americans, with infinite ingenuity, wish to reap the rewards the planet offers. We, in this country, claim the riches the land affords us; we do this well and often. For us, every moment is an opportunity to give and receive stuff.
Corporate water barons are having a field day in communities (states) begging for business, any business, in this day of outsourcing, echoing mills, and rusted plants with box stores filling the void! Local folks are out maneuvered, in the jabberwocky language of global takings. Ripe for the taking! Too late, the people find themselves sold down the river (literally), with none the wiser as to the language of trade agreements etc, that have stolen their rights! Not even their elected officials whom they naively think are informed on such matters of importance are aware.
Once again, the Clinton Clan exceeds expectations. It is widely known that the Senator and her spouse are inexorability linked to lobbyist money. The public understands Hillary Clinton's unwillingness to commit. The American people accept that she cannot know what her friend, the son of Bill's best bud, will leave behind. Whether we discuss war or children, George W. Bush has abandoned all. Thus, the stroll down the breezeway to the Oval Office will not be an easy jaunt. There is much damage to undo, re-do, or create anew.
Earth is ill. The virus that invades this planet is human in nature. This strange little creature has an ego that multiples and magnifies its significance. "Persons" think themselves so important they ignore the essence of every other life form.
Humans invade all space and slip into every crack and crevice on this planet. Individuals propose it is "Manifest Destiny." Man and womankind believe they have a G-d-given right to expand and possess the whole of this terra firma.
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