SIERRA

     Never have there been so many important issues and so many members interested in making a change. These opportunities and issues include: the election, with Obama, Mark Warner, and Glen Nye the democratic candidate for the second congressional district: sea level rising, global warming, reducing carbon foot prints, alternate forms of energy, smart growth, constructive land use policies, updating comprehensive plans, transportation, sustainable economics and education. There are others such as energy efficiency and Ňcool citiesÓ, and our current favorite: off shore drilling.

     Since the first gas crisis, we have had 40 years to prepare for this day. However, as some have said with a government owned and operated for the oil industry, what do we expect. We expect a mature and intelligent approach to our problems. We have had all that time to become the leaders in the world in so many new industries, but all we are is leaders in generating CO2 emissions and global warming gases on a per person basis. Our national policy is to tell other peoples that we donŐt care what happens to them, itŐs the economy that counts ( it is not the economy that counts, itŐs people). We are endangering millions of people in other countries with accelerating sea level rising including ourselves. The UN reports that on the basis of economic impact South Eastern Virginia is number 10 in the world for negative impact. There is a destinction for you!

     So what are we individuals to do about it??

     The best thing and perhaps the hardest thing is to work with other citizens to work together to make things better. Sierra Club is one of many groups that is trying to do something constructive about current problems. We are not accustomed to working together. An added difficulty is we all have a different understanding of what are the key problems and what are the causes. We donŐt have mechanisms where we can voice our opinions, sense that we are heard and are a part of the bigger effort. A past speaker of the House of Representatives has stated this country is based on individual effort. I donŐt agree that that is not even half of it. Yes it takes a lot of effort on the part of the individual, but it also took a sense of community. When it was harvest time, people came together. When there was sickness, neighbors helped each other. In his terms individual effort means being a member of the chamber of commerce or a member of the American Association of Manufacturers and having contacts in local banks.

     Walter Lippman wrote that ours is the most difficult form of government, for it takes the efficiency of a businessman and the generosity of a church leader.

     Be a part of some group that is working to make this a better community, a better country and a better world. Come give Sierra Club a try.

Fred Adams [Click to email comments, or call 467-2775.]