OUR PLAN OF ACTION
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead
Ironically, in 2006 George W. Bush began talking about promoting alternative energy in order to battle America's addiction to oil. He mentioned it in a few major addresses and then dropped the subject. This is a classic, dirty, bait and switch technique used by many politicians to cover up their real agendas. But he can't fool us, not again.
Battling the environmental crisis that we are faced with will involve a monumental long-term plan of action. First, we must unite with organizations that have the same common interest of protecting America and its natural heritage. Contact, connect, and contribute to groups like the NRDC and LCV. Connect with other people who share these important values, discuss the issues, and spread the news.
Our next big goal is to reach people in other circles. Has anyone wondered why Conservatives do not support conserving the environment, which by judging voting patterns we see that they do not? It didn't start this way. Conservatives were once conservative of everything, including the environment, but somewhere along the way they lost sight of it and began to prioritize social conservation. And so the Conservationist was born. But it wouldn't be so difficult to reintroduce and show Conservatives how conservation of the environment also helps save their social issues. After all, what would a family vacation to Yellowstone be without the nature? After all, how would a family even survive with polluted air and water? Help them see this connection. Remind them that environmental responsibility is a core American principle.
What about the churches and religions? Let us remind them that God is in nature. Let's put God back in the mountains. Let's put God back in the valleys. Let's put God back in the oceans. Let's put God back in the forests. Let's put God back at home.
Another way we can make a difference is by putting pressure on our local elected officials. Call their offices, visit their offices, write them letters or emails, and pass around petitions directed to them. Let them know you are concerned about the environment and that you will not stand for corporations polluting your backyards or politicians giving them leniency on standards. Let them know you're watching.
Another way we can make a difference is by educating the youth. Let's push for mandatory recycling programs, in addition to classes and environmental clubs in all secondary schools. As children should learn how to care for themselves, they should also learn how to care about the health of the Earth. A successful shift from a wasteful society to a resourceful one begins with our children.
We need to change the collective mentality of our society when it comes to the environment. We need to be responsible citizens and veer away from the "throw-away" society we have become. We need to start better preserving our environment for future generations now or it is going to be a very sad place to live. In cities like Portland, Oregon, people are concerned with environmental issues. We see the results of their care with the officials they elect, the laws that are passed, with the emphasis in the local media, and ultimately we see the results in the environment itself.
The battle for the environment began a long time ago with the invention of modern industry, and the battle is long over, but together we can all make a difference in protecting our planet and protecting ourselves from the forces of greed and carelessness. And so the future is not all dark and hopeless, but it is more difficult than it had to be wadministrationan adminsitartion and a Republican Congress that has favored profit and industry over progress and environmental security. Let's change all of that on November 7.
