The one thing I like about Al Gore, personal aspects aside, is his environmentalism. He may be wrong on the specifics, but he's going in the right direction. Earth really IS in the balance.
U.S. biodiversity in jeopardy, study shows
cnn.com
It's up to the wealthy U.S. to take the lead in the world on this issue rather than hypocritically lecturing the impoverished Chinese on reducing pollution (which all one billion of them better start doing or we're all in trouble) while we merrily drive our gas-guzzling SUV's to the supermarket and complain about $1.50 gasoline.
Another related point. Many here trash all government intervention everywhere and at all times, but are oblivious to the real unnoticed benefits your government's enforcement of it's regulations brings you, for example, clean air and water--just try living in Mexico City and then come back and kiss the ground the EPA walks on and salute your DMV. These are real, tangible things--your childrens' lungs and bodies are in better health because of them.
I saw a show on mining disasters on the History Channel this weekend. Until recently (1968) when your government stepped in and insisted on universal, enforced safety regulations, miners used to lose their lives by the thousands every year--safety conditions were lax--many mine owners cared more about losing a mule than a miner--they had to pay for the mule. It was appalling what some men had to risk to drive the engine of capitalism (with coal). Capitalism, mere economics, by itself can not be depended on in all circumstances to look out for human interests. Humans are too greedy and sinful for that. Talk to the families of the men who lost their lives a mile below the earth when the roof caved in or the ventilation was bad and ask them how much they are against all government regulation. Since 1968 there has been a dramatic decrease in the rate of deaths beneath the earth, as well as deaths above the earth from black lung and mine-environment health problems.
You can't throw out the baby with the bath water when you discuss government. We need an earth in the balance and a balanced government. |
