While I do praise McCain for being more environmentally aware than his Republican predecessors, he still has a far way to go. It’s at least good that he recognizes that there is something called Global Warming and that at least part of the effect is caused by man. But he still remains true to his ruthless capitalist roots. In three words, the oil business.
McCain suggests to drill more so that supply would increase. While to the short-sighted drilling may temporarily seem to lower oil prices, this idea is far from the truth. Albeit the increased amount of oil supply, the remaining oil lessens. So more drilling equals less oil available, and ultimately, the price of oil will sky rocket in the coming years. Who wants that? The best solution, not only to protect the customers’ pocket, but also to protect the earth, is to develop or make efficient alternative energy.
McCain & Co. had ridiculed Obama throughout the campaign season to serve voters to his favour: nothing new. Mud-slinging has been practiced of old and McCain chose to degenerate to that lowly level. (See this article from The Boston Globe.)
Most recently, he derided Obama for his statement: inflate your tires. This process can save up to 4% of current oil spendings. On top of that, it’s safer for the driver and better for the environment. Obama made this statement to someone who asked “What can I do?” I think it to be an appropriate answer, but the Republican party had to obviously descend to lowly levels. Watch this video for Obama’s response.
I understand that different people have different views, and I respect that. However, why people have to descend to such a level (even the educated), I know not. I neither understand why people blindly refuse to see the effects of such destructive works. To me, this hating almost equates to science-bashing of the past. I’m not an industrialisation-hater, heck, I really like my computer and my refrigerator. But this world of ours isn’t only ours; we co-exist with other organisms of many levels and there still are generations of people to come. Why should we be wreck the world like a fool fumbling in the light?
That said, environmental conservation doesn’t have to be huge projects; it can start from small steps from turning off the lights to, well, inflating your tires.
Today’s punchline: “It’s like these people take pride in being ignorant!”
Need I say more?
gaj said
Think Progress has a great post about this at http://thinkprogress.org/2008/08/05/auto-makers-on-tire-inflation/
I think the quote about taking pride in being ignorant would be more funny if it wasn’t so frighteningly TRUE.
hyejeabyun said
Thanks for the link! It was quite entertaining.
Have you seen this article?
It’s quite succinct and amusing.
http://deohako.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=49:climate-choices
But sarcasm aside, I do agree with you. I mean, I understand if people don’t agree that environmental issues is of prime importance. Some think humanitarian efforts are of more dire need. I think they’re both important. But what scares me most are the people that vote their wallet and not their conscience.