The Earth Is Bleeding. And Her Blood Is On All Our Hands.

[berni_mccoy]

I'm sure most here have done what they can to reduce, recycle and reuse, especially since http://www.climatecrisis.net/">"An Inconvenient Truth" was released. However, we, as a people, are still to blame. Until there is a clean energy bill with a focus on renewables, our work is not done. We use computers to post here and at other sites. We use gas to drive our cars. We use oil, coal and natural gas to heat our homes. Our society is still, and will be for a very long time, dependent on fossil fuels for energy. And while many, with good intentions, after watching "An Inconvenient Truth" went and replaced light bulbs, maintained their home insulation and maybe, just maybe bought a car with a higher fuel efficiency, it seems as if environmentalism among the masses is simply a passing fad when people are scarred enough to act. What seems more effective in making change is economy. People will actively react to rising gas prices and be fast to engage their politicians when it happens. Sadly, I don't think people are really concerned with what is happening now: one of the worst man-made ecological disasters of our time. People I talk to aren't feeling the impact of what's going on in the gulf right now. At least, not until they hear how it *could* impact them.

A major artery has been punctured in the Gulf of Mexico and the bleeding won't stop. And we barely have the technology to stop the bleeding. If we can't, it's possible, the http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x8259665">earth's oceans might die. And even if we do, it will hit the coasts of most of the states on the Gulf. A massive clean-up effort will be necessary, and even with it, a massive die-off of ocean life is unavoidable. Our lives will be impacted by this event. We just don't know the extent of it.

As Will Pitt http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=8270138&mesg_id=8270138">so graciously stated, I am thankful for all those involved in the clean-up effort. But I am still worried that the leak has not been stopped, a short term objective that must be met. If it is, and once it is, our politicians must have the courage to act. Some have suggested putting a tax on gas to force economic conservation upon consumption. I'm not totally opposed to this, but it will unfortunately put a tax on those who probably can't afford it. A forward granted rebate should be made to those in the lower and middle income brackets if such a tax were to be enforced. I believe the true answer that can be enacted by our lawmakers lies in regulation. Oil is a source of energy that is unfortunately needed in the short term. And because it's need is so critical, it must be regulated. Heavily. Our dependency is not just a matter of economics, it's a matter of National Security. And with that, people of this nation seem to bow down and easily accept things they might not otherwise accept (see: Patriot Act). Our lawmakers should leverage that justification if they must politically in order to enforce much needed regulation on the oil industry and to pass an energy bill with a primary focus on renewable energies.

The soldiers realize this. That's why several groups of vets and active duty military members are taking up the cause http://www.billiondollarsaday.com/">A Billion Dollars A Day. I recommend everyone sign this petition. It's long past time to activate and do something to effect change. Al Gore tried to warn us of our growing energy consumption. Unfortunately people didn't listen and most of America was ready to march forward with "Drill. Baby. Drill!" Rising temperatures, stronger storms and melting glaciers and ice caps don't garner the attention of the American People. But a massive oil spill that could destroy the oceans seems to have shut up the right-wingers on drilling. We do have a real opportunity to make change. Clamp down heavy regulation on the oil companies and build the infrastructure needed for renewables. This fight will be much more difficult than the HCR fight. This fight has much more money at stake for the involved parties. This fight is the real opportunity of the Obama Administration. But for now, we have an opportunity to get ahead in that fight. And if we succeed, if we can change the dependency on fossil fuels in this country, we'll change the fundamental economy of this country and the way forward for the next century.