Selfish Denial

Speaking to our economic selfishness:
http://www.npr.org/2011/02/16/133783606/balancing-the-budget-the-problem-might-be-you&sc=nl&cc=ph-20110220


Seems to me that our big problems in this country are a result of a deep seated strain of selfishness. Unlike our forefathers (and mothers), we are unwilling to make even minor sacrifices for the good of future generations.

Though treasonous industries are aligned against it, energy independence, preferably of the clean variety, is a no-brainer. Energy Independence, done right, would result in a cleaner environment, reduced trade deficit, more jobs at home, and an end to US funding of those who would do us harm.

End coal. It's going to happen. The longer we wait the more it will cost. The most efficient way to make coal clean is to leave it in the ground. There are health and environmental concerns beyond climate change. Ocean Acidification from CO2 is killing our oceans, for one.

They say we have a hundred years of natural gas supply within the borders of our country. That's plenty of time to ease into our vast renewable energy potential. Large electricity plants are making the switch as we 'speak'. That's a beautiful start.

And the economy:
We want a balanced budget but we don't want to give up tax breaks/benefits or pay our share of the taxes required to make our recovery possible. Like our energy solution, our economic issue must be set upon from all sides. With both issues, it's too late for a gentle solution.

The first thing that has to change in an addict is admitting there's a problem. In our case we need to step up and say outloud, "I have been part of the problem and now I want to help".

How do we make these changes?
Purchase, Inform and Vote!
Purchase: Let your day to day purchases make a difference. More and more we are given the option to choose products that are healthier for us, our country and our environment. Buy green, buy stuff made closer to home and buy organic.
Inform: When one of your friends sends an email that doesn't sound right, check the facts and respond. The web has all the answers. Google it. Snopes.com is another great resource.
Vote: Is the environmental aspect missing from a politician's stated agenda? Move on.

Our forefathers talked about citizens right to life liberty and pursuit of happiness. All three are taken away when polluters run unchecked. Our founding fathers would deny polluters the ability to trample on our freedoms.