Environment and Politics
Wednesday August 9, 2006
As a voter, my job is to rank the issues according to what I perceive to be important and to learn where the candidates stand on the issues I view as important. You and I may not rank our issues in the same way depending on our individual circumstances. But each of us should exercise this right and civic duty.
I do not feel the call to be a crusader on the issue of global warming. It is my opinion that there is merit to the debate that human activities are affecting the environment. I choose to drive a fuel efficient, low emission vehicle. This helps offset the high cost of fuel. I would like to drive a vehicle that does not rely on fossil fuel. Hopefully some day I will have that opportunity.
It is with a high degree of humor that one can view the claims of the ultra conservatives with regard to environmental issues. Talk radio hosts provide much amusement on this subject. They pander endlessly to their faithful listeners and more importantly to the advertisers to whom they owe their livelihood.
What stand one takes on global warming is not really at issue. Those of us who believe that this debate has merit can and should vote for like minded candidates at election time. On a daily basis we should vote our opinions with how we spend our money. Support companies with a worldview you agree with and ignore the ones that have views contrary to your own. It is that simple. I think some people have adopted this message as is evident with the new vehicle sales for July 2006. Toyota and Honda are doing quite well while other brands have not prospered. The opportunity to vote in elections comes about periodically. The chance to vote your hard earned wages is a daily opportunity.