It’s Earth Day tomorrow, and I have to share a quote.
I am not a climate change denier. I fully believe that climate change is rapidly occurring. Every spring and summer seems to get hotter and drier, every winter shorter and more mild.
I fear that we may be past the tipping point, but I still have hope that changes can be made to reverse the damage.
But I’m so frustrated! Why can’t we spend a greater percentage on saving our environment? Devoting resources to green energy never seems to be a priority for those who are currently in political power. And it’s not that we don’t have the money. As a nation, we spend trillions on new buildings, oil production, military weapons, more, more, more. It never seems like our appetites are satisfied.
When will we focus on what matters most?
P.S. I borrowed the image from Mike Wilson’s contribution to Unsplash. I also used a grungy texture I downloaded quite some time ago. My apologies that I don’t remember where.
I could not agree with you more, Kim. I have been shrieking about this non stop since January. First hopefully, and then with increasing outrage and frustration. I do not understand why this is not the hot button story on the front page of every paper and news site every single day. It is the most important issue, absolutely THE most important.
Sarah, I agree, it IS the most important issue because it affects everything. I don’t think a lot of people realize that even the religious wars going on with groups like ISIS, dictatorships, land wars between countries and “establishments” like Palestine and Israel; all of that has to do with a fight for goods–land for food, energy, the water supply. It’s not REALLY about religion. Religion and other explanations are given for the reason, and even the people who are doing the fighting may think that’s what they’re fighting for. But the real reason is a fight for too few goods. Goods equal power which is survival. It’s very primitive really. The Republicans in America and the rich people they pander to are doing this for the same primitive reasons. You have to wonder, how much more money do the wealthy CEOs of Exxon really need? How much money do the Koch brothers need? They couldn’t spend all their money in their entire families’ lifetimes and a few hundred more lifetimes of every single one of them. And yet they fight to destroy the earth by doing more drilling and fracking and dumping and spewing because they can save money for their companies. It’s not being cheap, as Kim said. It’s greed. More, more, more, more, more, more and then maybe they’ll live forever. Which is ironic because they are killing not only us, but themselves as well.
We have to keep speaking up. We have to educate those who don’t look into things because they see the green grass out there. It’s not too late. But there’s not a lot of time left.
I agree with you, and have only one clarification. I don’t mean “cheap” in terms of we can’t afford it. I think we spend our trillions on things that continue to harm the environment, whether that be government or private corporations. No, I mean “cheap” in terms of we live in a culture of “what’s in it for me” — saving our environment is too much of a bother and of little value to most, and by “most”, I mean those in positions of power. They’d rather have their greed and profits; they choose to not do the right thing.
Glad I’m not alone in feeling the way I do, Sarah.
I’m with you. When the president vows to cut the budgets and/or eliminate departments that are important, it disturbs me. Also, his blatant disregard for science throws me for a loop. It seems like anything Democrats believe, he doesn’t, so he and his cronies are trying to obliterate it from existence. Quite simply, Democrats are people-centered politics, and Republicans are for big business, like pharmaceuticals, agriculture, oil, financial, economics, etc.. It’s Stuff vs. People.
I believe the Koch brothers use their money to change things, whether or not they care about what they change. They have enough money and can influence change, and they do, like education in Texas. Just because they can, they do. Learn how they make their money, and boycott those brands. It probably won’t hurt them financially, but I would have piece of mind just knowing I am not contributing to their causes.
I’ve seen a few stories about people who voted for Trump who want to take their vote back. Let’s face it, we had a terribly difficult choice for president last year. Hopefully, the choice will be better in a few more years, but in the meantime, we have to deal with a president who doesn’t quite know what he’s doing.
Fonda, from a policy perspective, I agree with you concerning Republicans vs. Democrats. However, I don’t understand middle-class Republicans who always vote Republican, even though Republicans always seem to be advocates for Wall Street, corporations, big money in general (i.e. no concern for everyday Americans). Why is that? Because Republicans are typically white males? Because Republicans typically believe in pro-life? Or, do they truly believe that less government and less regulation so that corporations, banks, and Wall Street can run amok? I just don’t get it.
Concerning the billionaires in our country, I wish the Elon Musk’s of the world would devote their attention to green energy rather than space exploration. We need to save our planet before concentrating on space. And, the billions spent on self-driving cars? Please. Don’t even get me started on that. I think the vast majority of people don’ want that – will not pay for that. If we are going to do “self-driving anything”, let’s concentrate on mass transit.
I, too, have seen that many voters regret their vote for Trump. I just will never understand how they thought he was the answer to their problems in the first place. He showed his true colors from the get-go, in my opinion.
To Kim and all the ones who responded to this blog, I couldn’t agree with you more. I wish we knew each other personally because my friends and family all voted for Trump. How did I get in there? I dare not talk politics with any of them because their comments tend to make me angry. Of course they didn’t like Obama so I couldn’t discuss politics for the past eight years either. I need some new friends. Can’t change the family though. Am thankful my hubby and I agree. Thanks for voicing your opinion Kim.
My family Christmas was a little awkward last year as well. Most in my family believe the way I do, but there are some that think that Trump would be good for the country. I don’t understand it, but did not want to get into an argument with them. I know I won’t be able to change their minds. Only time will do that.