Operation Climate Vote Relaunch

Given that Congress failed in 2007 to pass comprehensive legislation to address global warming, our friends at Environmental Defense have relaunched their Operation Climate Vote Campaign. This campaign is an attempt to mobilize support throughout the country in order to pressure Congress into action on this crucial issue. And, it will take each and every one of us raising our voices against corporate interests to push through this legislation in 2008.

Did you know that the United States government spends $1.5 billion on renewable energy research each year? Did you know that GE Financial Services invested $2 billion in wind, solar, biomass and geothermal energy last year?

Sounds like we are making great strides, right?

Well, it would be great strides if you didn't know that China has committed $200 billion over the next 15 years to renewable energy. Or, that American oil companies are raking in all time record profits of over $100 million a day.

Simply looking at the numbers, the United States is lagging behind the rest of the world because corporate interests are fighting to keep us addicted to oil and business as usual.

As the United States sinks more deeply into recession, ExxonMobil is reporting that they may break the record that they set last year for the largest single annual profit by an American company. Over the course of 2007, ExxonMobil earned over $39 billion in profits. This amounts to about $106 million a day, $4.4 million an hour and $73,000 a second. Not only are these profits disgusting considering that they were gained through complicity and influence with the Bush Administration in launching a war with Iraq and advocating unsustainable energy policies, but these profits also show that Reagan's "trickle down theory" is a complete sham. Making the wealthy even wealthier does nothing to bring food to the average American table or to bring health care to the majority of American families.

Although we are unlikely to ever stop government corruption or lessen the influence of corporations in politics, we must continue to fight.

Voices are being raised in Congress in favor of global warming legislation. Some politicians are beginning to turn away from the corporate interests to instead invest in a healthy future for our children. We must support these few politicians who are willing to set aside profitability for sustainability. We also must make our voices heard.

When it comes to climate change, the consequences of our greed may not be readily apparent today or tomorrow. But, if we do not act now, in the decades to come, we will fully understand that we have robbed our children of a future to support our most base desires.

"You do not inherit the earth of your ancestors, you borrow it from your children."

On n'hérite pas de la terre de ses ancètres, on l'emprunte à ses enfants.

-Antoine de Saint Exupery

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