The Second Draft of the Declaration
Global warming is the crisis of our time.
As we prepare to celebrate our nation’s birthday, we renew our commitment to the qualities and values that have guided our nation for more than 200 years.
Today, we recognize that patriotism is not only about love of country. It is also about a shared commitment to the welfare of our planet.
Future generations will judge us based on our success or failure to be good stewards of the Earth. We owe our children and our children’s children nothing less than our very best effort.
We the undersigned, pledge to:
- Be mindful consumers, by minimizing our personal global warming “footprint;”
- Be active citizens, by pressing our elected officials to take urgent action now, and by pressing all candidates for office to commit to passing strong legislation to cut America's global warming pollution;
- Spread the word, by educating our friends, neighbors and loved ones and making sure they recognize that each of us has a role to play in meeting this all-important challenge.
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983 comments:
1 – 200 of 983 Newer› Newest»This isn't a political issue. With oil companies, auto manufacturers and other big business getting on board one has to realize that global warming is bad for business - so be a good and smart business person and join the movement. The planet will adapt with or without us - it is not the planet we are saving. We are saving ourselves and our progeny and all living things - a tiny bit at a time.
We needn't be, nor pose as, grandiose "saviors. We are people working in our own shared interest, moving mindfully, becoming more and more aware of what we do that is negative and what we do that is positive and what we do that is neither one or the other. Intention is key.
I am concerned about the bee colony collapse and would like to know opinions on the thesis that cell phone towers are connected to this frightening phenomenon.
do what is right, not what is convenient.
I just can't believe the EPA has been such a lame duck on this.
It even used our tax dollars to defend a case that went all the way to the Supreme Court. It tried to claim that carbon was not a pollutant.
Carbon emissions are one of the very worst threats to our environment period.
I think all the decision makers in the EPA should be fired!! Seriously!!
It is the laws that need to change in order to force business to comply to stricter carbon emission regulations.
It's miraculous that businesses are doing this on their own now but it is ridiculous and very pitiful that it has come to that!
The order of the bullet points may have implied meaning. Maybe the "consumer" comment shouldn't be on the top of the list. Since EDF is more political in nature, rather than a consumer group, the "citizen" point should be at the top of the list.
I differ with the idea that patriotism is a feeling that is necessarily "global" in perspective. I want to feel patriotic for my country; however, patriotism evolves as an emotion when the national conscience does the right thing, and the nation leads the way in solving pressing problems (such as environmental issues). I love a particular vision and idea of America, which is potential patriotism. However, I do not love the current national will or how the nation projects itself in the world.
The US must regulate the destructive practices of American corporations and businesses in other countries.
To be a patriot means to be a responsible citizen of the world, not just a country. We are all connected, not separated by artificial lines drawn on maps, and we need to act accordingly for our own good and the good of all those--of all species--with which we share this beautiful planet.
Patriotism isn't just slogans and fireworks. It means you care deeply about the well-being and future of your country. In the interconnected, high-tech world of the 21st century, the well-being and future of our country depends on the well-being and future of all countries and the ecosystems which sustain them. So the real patriot isn't the one who always agrees with his country's leaders, but the one who advocates for what is right and what is wise for the human race.
We only have one planet. We should all work together to ensure we do a better job at protecting our natural resources before it's too late. We owe it to future generations.
While global warming may be one of the largest threats facing humanity, I feel that this declaration should view carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions as part of the larger problem of overall pollution.
Americans are responsible not only for the majority of carbon emissions but of other pollutants as well: solid waste, toxic components from discarded or otherwise unreclaimed electronics, industrial agricultural runoff destroying fisheries in the Chesapeake and Gulf of Mexico, to name a few.
Changing America's habits, and the world's, must include the idea that we must all reduce our entire global pollution footprint, not just carbon, and realize that our own health depends upon the overall health of our world, and of all the ecosystems and life on it.
And, no, its not 'too big' an idea. Big ideas are the only thing that will save us from an unpleasant future.
Groups of all kinds - even those who don't agree on many other issues - should be Patriots for the Environment because it's a issue that's important to everyone.
In Michigan, American Indians, college students, kids, members of 140 churches/temples from 9 religions (faith traditions that don't agree on other issues), and two "green" non-profit groups have joined forces to hold annual Earth Day hazardous waste collections.
This year over one ton of pharmaceuticals plus $500,000 in narcotics was turned in across a 400-mile remote area to protect drinking water and the Great Lakes.
Last year over 320 tons of old computers and cell phones were recycled.
This eclectic group is an example of how - know matter if you have similar beliefs on other issues of our times - you can join together to be Patriots for the Environment.
I also think Environment Patriots should be on the look out for possible terrorism - because in addition to the savage toll in human lives - terrorists also cause massive environmental pollution. Just think of what was put into our air during 9-11 in New York and Washington D.C.
Stand up now and be counted. Call members of every group or organization or religion you know - tell them to act now before it is too late.
The environmental clock is ticking on our beautiful planet - and as glaciers melt, natural habitat is lost, and species go extinct - the clock will soon toll for thee.
The solution to global warming is to reduce the excess CO2 gases from the air. It's a cause and effect thing.
The solution is illegal, made that way by the toxic energy controlled governments.
Hemp is a biomass champion that scrubs the air of the excess greenhouse gas CO2 as it grows.
As biofuel, hemp burns clean and is four times more efficient than corn as fuel.
Since hemp is wind and not bee pollinated it can assist as a supplemental food source in case the bees don't return.
Anything that toxic energy (nuclear, oil, gas, coal, etc.)can do, hemp can do better, cleaner and more efficiently.
For more information read the book or see the video posted on google, yahoo and youtube HEMP FOR VICTORY: A GLOBAL WARMING SOLUTION by Richard M. Davis of the USA Hemp Museum.
Support the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2007 in Congress now.
Yes...we must destroy all cell phone towers and any building more than 15 feet in height. Bees, birds, and other animals are running into them and dying at an alarming rate. We must all band together and protect each other from ourselves. Mankind is a plaque on this planet. Mother Earth survived for billions of years until some smart elic micro organism decided to span and crawl up on land and become man. If only we had a time machine and could go back and squash that microb...then the earth would be saved. However we wouldn't be here either. Oh well... better to save the earth than us.
It is time to put the Earth and all her marvelous natural resources and animals in the fore front. We are a highly intelligent civilization that has the capacity and knowledge to make effective, positive changes for the benefit of Mother Nature. Without her, we will all be lost.
We can't begin to rise to a level of new Patriotism till we rid ourselves of the "old order" and the only way to do that effectively
is to IMPEACH Bush & Cheney...to so
clusterf*$k their efforts that they
are so busy defending themselves they are left impotent to do anymore harm to this nation, the world's peoples, and our environment. THE NEW PATRIOTISM DEMANDS THAT WE IMPEACH BUSH/CHENEY
This has been an issue since the turn of the century, everyone has only acknowleged making money, not making the planet last for the future of mankind and animals alike, it has always been about making money. Build bigger and cheaper houses to sell for more money, disrupt the eco system to make more money, and so on....Get everyone on board to fight for thier own future, not just companies but other too.
We must organize an effort to supply photovoltaic cells for everyone on the globe who can use them to create electric power. In this city, Los Angeles, we can supply enough electricity to power electric cars for everyone who now drives a fossil fuel powered car. India is selling electric cars in London. Make them affordable to the poorest. There is an electric powered tank in use in Iraq.
American culture is basically a consumer culture, and this may be very difficult to change. I admit that I love to shop. I believe that one of the many solutions to our problem is buying products that are more gentle on the planet and that sustain our economy,like products that are made with recycled materials, made with organically grown materials, and made with renewable resources like bamboo and hemp. I also think that our government must step up (we will probably have to pressure it to do so) and force corporations to curb their carbon emissions while shifting to renewable energy. Americans will also one day have to end their love affair with the automobile as we know it, although I have high hopes that a viable alternative vehicle is quite possibile. We humans are quite adaptable and smart, and now is the time for us to come together for the good of our species and all other species. We must remain optimistic!
One of the most basic things a true patriot can do is protest government actions that he/she perceives to be wrong. The right of the people to peaceably assemble and redress the government for their grievances is one of our basic rights guaranteed by the Constitution. We need to make sure we maintain this right and that we avail ourselves of it when necessary.
I'm all for a declaration of a new patriotism, one that encompasses the entire planet. Mitigation is certainly critical in saving ourselves on this planet, but so is adaptation, and esp. adaptation for poorer and more vulnerable countries and communities who played little or no role in filling the atmosphere with GHG. The EDF has tended to proffer a simplistic notion that global warming can be "undone" -- no it can't, as the IPCC made clear. The planet will warm no matter what for the next five centuries; our actions now, however, can prevent the worst-case scenarios from transpiring. So let's declare a commitment to both mitigation and adaptation, and that both be done in a socially equitable fashion.
Bring back the electric car, the EV1. It worked! It worked so well it scared the pants off of General Motors and the oil companies.
Unfortunately we live in a "trendy"world. It was first trendy to commit the sinful crimes of mass consumption that has led to the destruction of our enviroment. Now it is ever increasingly becoming the "trend" to save the enviroment. As sad as it may be this is where we should focus much of our efforts. If consumers are convinced that the "It" of today is the many solutions that have been recognized to fight global warming then they will jump on board and if the U.S. is doing it most of the world will follow suit! It is a very sick but realistic concept. People are willing to sacrifice physical comfort for fashion trends, smokers are dramatically decreasing etc. Why would they not be willing to sacrifice elsewhere to help the enviroment if it is the only socially acceptable way?
The UN stated that methane emitted by farmed animals is the greatest threat to the environment. I would like to suggest that a plant-based diet is the most effective means of ensuring that our grandchilren will inherit a world worth living in. No animal products on the dinner table is less damaging to the environment than a Prius in the garage.
One issue that no one wants to talk about is the underlying cause of all enviromental problems; overpopulation. Too many people on the planet is the main pollution we face. We must make a greater effort to educate people and empower women in the reproductive process, so we can start to reduce the world population.
Getting specific here, it also seems important to think of ways that ordinary citizens can make a difference. I’ve had an idea for a way to get people to drive less, but I don’t know how to disseminate the idea (exept maybe here?). A program could be created that would award points to people for driving under a certain number of miles each month. The lower the number of miles driven, the more points would be awarded. Drivers could have their mileage recorded and verified monthly at participating gas stations. Points could be encoded on a card (like the Starbucks card) and would be redeemable for items such as iPods, cell phones, sneakers, bicycles, digital cameras, and other popular merchandise – either at participating stores or over the Internet. The companies who donated these items would of course receive tax deductions for their donations.
As our 'nation' grows our perception of what is good (better) for it is re-defined. We must include other countries as our neighbors to help each other re-define what is truly best for all creatures, 'great and small'. We are all here, we've lost spicies in the past, how many do we lose before we notice the difference in quality?
It is quality of life for all that we need to find our guide and direction. Yes, that is truly an unselfish quest.
We must model our society after nature where cooperation predominates over competition.
George
I would add something to the effect, "Be mindful neighbors locally and globally, by weighing the impact of one's personal choices on the lives of others and on the health of the planet---for this and future generations."
You can change the wording and certainly update it, but the ideas underpinning the original Declaration are still as strong and meaningful today as they were at this country's start.
This nation's founders risked everything to realize a new relationship between government and the governed. We must now risk do whatever is necessary to realize a new relationship with the web of life that includes and sustains us. As our founders rebelled against an exploitative system, we must rebel against a system of overpopulation and overconsumption that harms our planet and every creature on it, human or not.
We often forget that the energy we put into the world, whether through thoughts, actions, or intentions has a ripple affect upon everything else. We are all one or none! Patriots care for one another and stand up for unjust practices that affect the well being of the world, humans, plants, and animals alike, even if it means not agreeing with the government's agenda for it's citizens. Social and environmental movements are intricately linked. You cannot have a clean and harmonious planet with disease, death, and destruction at hand.
I would like the declaration to address the preservation and celebration of diverse cultures within America. This country would not be where it is without the help of immigrants and indiginous people alike. We must not throw them aside to let the white man reap the benefits of capitalism.
Acting locally but thinking globally is so important to this declaration.Environmentalism is also a social movement that must extend into all niches in America, poor and rich alike, all colors, religions, sexes, etc. We are becoming homogenous and apathetic and these qualities will not get us far. We can rise up and spread our love to everyone, this is what will get us far and help us to create our sustainable communities where everyone can flourish!
We shouldn't try to be neutral in this document! We need to show that we care about our planet enough to fight anyone doing anything to harm it. We can't appear to be this passive, it's just like anything I've seen before. Of course it's not a political issue... but we all know that it is so let's quit saying it shouldn't be! Just because you say it shouldn't be won't convince those greedy politicians to stop seeking oil profits! You better threaten them, first with a warning, and then with legal action. That's the only way we can speed up the green invasion. Let's quit lying to ourselves.
Being a patriot means taking care of what God has given you, doing what is right for not only your country, but your planet and it's inhabitants. You have to look at the bigger picture. It isn't all about you. It is about everyone combined. What affects one affects us all.
We vote with our dollars, and we have must be responsible consumers. A fair trade or environmentally-friendly item may not be the most affordable, but the more we demand, the more accessible these products become and the more lives we influence in the process.
Because the transportation sector is the biggest users of petroleum, the biggest emitter of greenhouse gases and the biggest contributor to air pollution, we need to pledge to implement a national "Paving Moratorium." We should not be building a single new road or parking lot in America. New roads only foster more driving, more sprawl, more roadkill, more oil consumption, more greenhouse gas emissions and more pollution. Plus, the asphalt itself contributes to global warming, because it takes energy to produce, absorbs heat and eliminates green space. We cannot reduce greenhouse gases and oil consumption and simultaneously build new highways. It's simply impossible. Any increases in transportation capacity must be achieved through public transit and better land use policies that favor density and urban revitalization over sprawl-- so people don't have to move around as much and green spaces are preserved from development.
In this goal, the state highway departments are our enemy. We must amend state constitutions that dedicated all fuel taxes and tolls to highway construction. Tolls and fuel taxes must be used to subsidize transit and engage in better regional planning-- planning that reduces parking requirements, implements growth boundaries, promotes suburban infill and mixed use zoning and the return of "streetcar" neighborhoods (early 1910-style urban planning). State highway agencies must be forced to become truly integrated "Transportation" agencies, whose focus is on public transit and merely maintaining (and perhaps partially dismantling) our currently over-bloated and inefficient highway system. We must replicated the Federal ISTEA (SAFETEA) transit funding structure at the state level-- allowing state Departments of Transportation to use a percentage of fuel taxes and tolls for transit and non-automotive projects and planning. The environment depends on it.
Mission Statement for Mankind:
We are patriots of Life – struggling to make our way, to give more than we take. Our journey is physical, spiritual, ethical and participation in mandatory. It is simple – serve your fellow man to make him better and we are all better for it. The world can blossom in our hands and in our hearts when enshrined with love. Do the right thing, we know what that it, why do we hesitate or say it is not our calling? Personal accountability – belongs to each of us!
We are the responsible specie for what is happening in this planet. But it seems that humans are not behaving evolutionary wise. We are developing a strange sense of auto destruction, or it is just lack of intelligence. Being human does not mean owning the planet, it only mean sharing the planet with the other species, because we are all earthlings. This planet is not ours and we owe a lot for the health and safety of the earth. This planet has being supportive of our evolution, our growth for million of years and we should not destroy home that took care of us since the beginning of our specie.
Sometimes I see what some people do to this planet, and the only thing I can think is "This planet is too small for you and me, you should go now". For more that I love everybody, I can't let others destroy my mother Earth, my friend Earth, my child Earth... Not with this planet, not here, not now. We should evolve as specie, or many of us will be forced to "go". We should start thinking more collectively and less individually. Everything is connected, we are part of the same purpose.
Although I'm not a fan of the term 'globalization', because of its past political misuse, all I simply will say is that our planet is the responsibility of ALL citizens of earth. For myself, I had hoped that when it my time to leave, I would've left this place 'a better place' than it was when I arrived. I've tried, and if EVERYONE tried, I KNOW we would succeed.
I agree about not trying to be so neutral in this document. I also think we need to include big businesses and companies as they have just as an impact, making them accountable by all means for their pollution and recycling efforts
Teach the children at every grade level.Have the details grow as grades increase.
“We talk a great deal about patriotism. What do we mean by patriotism in the context of our times? I venture to suggest that what we mean is a sense of national responsibility which will enable America to remain master of her power — to walk with it in serenity and wisdom, with self-respect and the respect of all mankind; a patriotism that puts country ahead of self; a patriotism which is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime. The dedication of a lifetime — these are words that are easy to utter, but this is a mighty assignment. For it is often easier to fight for principles than to live up to them.”
-Adlai Stevenson, Speech to the American Legion Convention in New York City, August 27, 1952
Until large multinationals are as democratic as national government we are living in a myth of democracy. Once again the old pyramid style governing body has emerged used from ancient egyptian and inca times through Persian Alexander Roman times right through to now. More work is needed to create a government that represents all people's ideas not just an elitist power structure.
I would like to see agriculture returned to the non-corporate business model with financing responsive to farmers needs not the other way around. Many smaller farms run by stewards of the land can form a balanced economic social organization. Without farm production organized in a sustainable way we will not be responsive to creating an earth environment healthy to life.
regarding the bee colonies, the most recent information is that the organic bee colonies are still thriving. The collapse has been linked to GMO crops, and heavy pesticide use to get rid of mites that attack the bees. The organic beekeepers have found natural ways to deal with the mites, hence their colonies have not been impacted.
This Draft doesn't have any flavor. I swear I've seen this exact document on every website promoting green living. Can we please add a little spice to it, how about a threat to anyone who would try to stop us? WHY NOT!!!! Being totally passive in this effort and just saying that we should think, we should be a certain way won't do diddly. We need to threaten those (explicit) in the White House, maybe threaten to impeach, in order to get what we want. This document is so careful it's ridiculous. Just being honest...
It boggles my mind that in this time of severe environmental distress, companies, in all catagories, continue to create their products individually packaged designed for snacks. It also disturbs me that more and more "disposable" products are being produced.
We need to get this message through to corporate America; Create more Bulk access to products which can be refilled in containers on hand.
If our Polititian love this country, realy love it.........
They create a quarentine law to the all Tree. No more Lumber for 10 years.
Online you don't need paper. Use it if only necessary.
Stop killing animals.
Stop emition in Factorys.
All goverment autos,trucks,bus,etc, work whit Ethanol or electric,maybe Butane gas..................
Thanks Republican and democrats.
Being patriotic means thinking on behalf of all citizens of today and tomorrow. Making choices and decisions responsibly for the present and future. Thinking. Reflecting. Envisioning.
It is just blindingly obvious that the human race has to drastically reduce it's consumption of animals in order to arrest the damage to our oceans and farmable land. 90% of the fish population that thrived in the 1950's is gone, with trawlers netting generations of fish away before they can even spawn. Think too of the expanding deserts and chopped down rainforests caused by grazing and slaugtering billions of animals a year. Check out:
http://www.goveg.com/environment.asp
and learn why, as Albert Einstein said: "Nothing will benefit human health and increase chances of survival for life on earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet."
I come from the oil related support industry, which I am no longer in. I believe in responsible conservation and alternative fuels. However, we need to expand our drilling and production to reduce and eliminate foreign dependence. The world suppliers are undependable and unreliable at best. They do not have the technology and desire to produce product in an environmental responsible manner.
Developing countries, India nad China in particular, are not developing anything in an environmentally responsible manner.
America needs to become more business friendly to bring back industry that will produce product in an enviromentally friendly manner.
Conservation groups and politicians need to stop saying no to every proposal to become energy dependent and environmentally sound. Business needs to stop making outrageous propsals.
Last patiotism means resonable (no hate filled rants) dissent, mom, apple pie, respect, doing the right thing and buying American products.
The only " Thing " in this World are destroying they Home is the stupid Human.
Thanks Human
Re: patriot of the country or of the world -- I feel patriotic about my country when we collectively care for the earth and each other and lead the rest of the world to do the same.
The second draft is much better! I agree with the person who said move the consumer bullet down. Put it last, is my preference. If we all wait to perfect ourselves as green consumers before we take political and social actions, we'll never succeed. Do them all, do them all at once, but do not hesitate in any area!
See www.greenseniors.org for ways to make a difference.
Until and unless we check our population growth all other environmental measures are doomed.
With the Internet, the people of the world are able to communicate with each other without the boundaries of borders or the conflicts of opposing governments. The world is becoming smaller all the time and it seems to me the people are more concerned about the planet as a whole than the governments or big business. We want healthy air to breath for ourselves and for the many generations to come. We don’t want any more wars that destroy our children and pollute our world. If our governments keep trying blow each other up for oil and other resources, instead of finding common ground and a peaceful resolution soon, we won’t have a world to live on. The wild life is dieing all over the planet from pollution and global warming, how much longer before our planet can no longer support human life? All the money in the world isn’t going to benefit anyone if there is no place to spend it. Please change the destructive course this planet is on by supporting a healthy, peaceful environment for all human beings to live together in.
Whenever possible, we will support clean energy industries like wind and solar power. We will push for legislation that requires a certain amount of each state's energy comes from a renewable source. Further, we will fund, through taxes, research that will allow us the reduce and eliminate our dependence on fossil fuels.
with response to the first post....
global warming is very much a political issue....
As long as there is multi billion dollar oil companys in this country we cannot expect to get a decent start on global warming....
the fact of the matter is that there is corruption in the system and many people think that the effects are not immediate let someone else deal with it...
ask yourself a few questions...
why do we have the least efficient vehicles....?
why have alternative enrgy sources such as wind and solar been standardized and put into mass production....?
why is mass transit so scarce and suvs so popular...?
why do we spend billions of dollars fighting a war against terror when global warming is a much greater threat not only to the us but to the entire planet....?
just a few thoughts on the matter...
Human overpopulation is a huge issue, but even bigger is the overconsumption of resources by populations in developed countries containing ~25% of the world's population and consuming ~75% of the world's resources. Our dogs, great pets of course and more and more plentiful, use more resources than most children in developing countries. A sign of a wasteful, overly affluent society and unfortunately a model that developing countries are following. Let's change the model from the top down and the bottom up. Put resources toward SCIENCE which has solutions. Fund scientists who have, after all, known about global warming for years and years.
Most of the comments are well-meaning, and I respect that, but don't really speak to the task at hand, which is to craft a powerful document which will tell the truth in a new way and inspire an "aha!" moment in more and more people.
People need to hear from leaders what their gut is telling them: this is a planetary emegency. This is real. This is life-or-death.
We face the ultimate challenge for the species. If we don't succeed in building a renewable world, my granchildren (I'm 58, and my daughter will have a child within 2-3 years) will have very little chance of survival, let alone a life of pleasure and meaning in a safe place.
People have a massive & developing thirst for the truth; the disconnect in our world is that leaders/politicians are not courageous enough to tell that truth concerning the fate of the earth.
Let's inspire them to do that.
Thank you for everything you guys do; it's appreciated.
In the words of Edward Abbey, "A patriot must be ready to defend his country against his government."
Our planet our is in desperate need for change, which will depend upon every country and nation to act accordingly to save our planet and our lovely species of animals that we do still have. If we all dont act we lose, and we lose big time. We already have many animals and plants on the endangerd lists...Are humans next???
Couple good sources of Info:
Heat - How to stop the planet from burning by George Monbiot Google for summary
Carbonbusters.org and their Home Energy Handbook
How can we possibly change anything when we have an administration that 1) doesn't believe in climate change, 2) insists on continuing drilling for oil and gas, 3) doesn't fund nor support finding sustainable energy sources, 4) supports and gives subsidies to corporations that are our biggest polluters, 5) treats the endangered species list like it is some outdated "suggestion" rather than an important tool to maintain ecological diversity, 6) wants to open wild areas to logging, drilling, roads and other destructive uses, 7) doesn't care one whit what the American people want or deserve, 8) neglects his duty to our citizens in times of crisis - such as Katrina, 9)abdicates his responsibility to American citizens regarding world image and interaction, 10) demands that scientists under his purview alter results and lie about scientific facts, and 11) rewards poor performance from his people with promotions, medals, awards and praise? Unless and until this man is out of office, we really won't be able to effect significant change in our world.
We have a responsibility to ALL living things in this world, yet, with the present administration in power, we can talk all we want and won't accomplish a damn thing. Too many of the people in power are corrupted by money influences and the heady call of power. REAL change won't take place unless the American people step up and DEMAND election reform: both for the machinery used to tally votes and monetary donations allowed; a ban on corporate lobby groups; commonsense things like allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices and the like. Only then can we expect to influence our energy policies, our environmental policies, our impact on the world at large. Wake up and see that these things need to change in order to institute lasting change. Otherwise, it will all be for naught and only window dressing to hide the problems we all face.
I think you have to have some very realistic goals for everyone to reach with this declaration. It is nice to paint broad sweeping ideas, yet where has that gotten us to date? Ideas are one think, actually holding people accountable to some goals is another. It would be nice to include some set goals (for example, everyone signing the declaration agree to install some form of alternative energy in their residence). This would truly be the difference everyone is looking for. The more solar panels we see, the more wind generators we see, the more alternative fuel cars we see.....now we are saying something!!
I truly believe that the people of our country are largely responsible for reversing global warming. We are a huge and influential country. I think by making this a patriotic declaration, and by that I mean taking pride in America not just 'global' pride, we can really effect the people of our nation. We need something to band us together and allow us to feel good about what we are doing as Americans. We need "a new revolution" as I qouted in my previous post. I think those quotations are so relevant that I am going to post them again.
I would like to see immediate caps on carbon emissions as of today and reduce them by 80% as of 2020, instead of waiting till 2050. Every year from now till 2050 should have its own goals so that we don't put off reductions till then.
Recycling is not enough. Every time materials are recycled, they lose some of their raw material value. We cannot continue to throw things away. There is no more "away." Manufacturers should not be allowed to create things that they cannot completely recycle, right down the the paint.
Wetlands and grasslands need to be restored. Wetland plants and grasses are carbon capturers too, in addition to trees.
We need to restore small, intensive farm gardens and rid ourselves forever of large-scale totalitarian factory farms that use carbon-based fuels, herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers. Organic intensive gardening is not only more productive, but actually builds soil, cleanses air and water, and attracts beneficial insects, restoring the balance of pests/predators. Interestingly, organic bee hives are not collapsing.
We do not need new programs. We need new minds.
Patriotism to me means dedication and commitment to an ideal larger than self. There is no more important and urgent issue facing all of us than global warming.
We must band together now! As one of the original patriots said, "Gentlemen, we must hang together, or we shall most assuredly hang separately."
If our forefathers lived off the earth in it's natural state why can't we? With all of our knowledge we should be able to do the same AND live in a world of technology. I believe everyone can make a difference if they start small and in their own homes. Word will spread as to how easy it is to nuture and protect our earth and one by one everyone can change...if it's important to them. I want a beautiful unpolluted earth that my children and their children can enjoy.
Chief Seattle of the Puget Sound Indians had it right in 1854: ...we are a part of the earth and it is part of us...whatever happens to the beasts soon happens to man. All things are connected.
We can easily start easing global warming with solar cells. Most power companies offer them to home owners and they are way too expensive. So we should begin by demanding that every new home built in the US includes a 10'x10' solar array. This won't take care of all electric needs, but cumulatively will make a huge dent in pollutants. The technology is here - use it.
Of course the energy companies won't like it since they're not getting their "share," but it's the only economical way to begin to wean ourselves from the current energy source.
Once again... as promised. Thomas Jefferson once said, "The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only object of good government." Sadly, I fear that our government, for moment, has lost sight of this. I believe that the well being of human life and happiness hangs in the balance. It is up to America to stand with the rest of the world and take responsibility for our beautiful earth. It has sustained mankind for eons, we must stop our destructive behavior and begin to nurture. I am twenty two years old and I'm afraid that a large majority of my generation is woefully detached from the issues at hand. It is time that we awaken with pride and zeal to fight for the trees, the ocean, the earth beneath our feet, and the air that we breath. All living creatures depend upon it. We, the people, have the power if we will only rise up once again and learn to wield it. Thomas Jefferson also said that, "Every generation needs a new revolution." Let this be ours.
I'm with Caleb on this: "Do what is right, not what is convenient."
This requires thought, and to cultivate the thinking person is the responsibility of us all.
More than 100 years ago there was a prisoner of the Ottoman Empire who said “The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.
The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established.” He warned "The civilization, so often vaunted by the learned exponents of arts and sciences, will, if allowed to overleap the bounds of moderation, bring great evil upon men. If carried to excess, civilization will prove as prolific a source of evil as it had been of goodness when kept within the restraints of moderation." And he called people in power to be “trustworthy” and “regard themselves as the representatives of all that dwell on earth.” This prisoner was Baha'u'llah, founder of the Baha'i Faith.
I think the "mindful consumers" point could use expansion. I know global warming is the focus here but the reason why people should know about what they purchase goes beyond reducing our ecological footprint. The very act of consuming demands a responsibility that a person understands the origins and production of what is consumed. This allows for consumers act with the highest social and ecological consciousness possible, which will in effect reduce our global warming impact. That's not to say that the most mindful consumer has achieved an ultimate morality - but it is the best possible in a world where we are consumers. The end of our market economy is not in sight though so I think this declaration should aim for us to achieve the best we can within our current system.
I think that this is shaping up, but needs these adjustments:
1. More white space. Two spaces after periods.
2. The section up to, "We the undersigned," should be labeled, Prelude and be in a different font.
3. All slang or vernacular language that would date or minimize the piece be should be dropped. I am thinking of, "footprint."
4. Remove comma after, "Be active citizens," and before, "Spread the word,"
5. "Making sure" needs to be more active.
6. Sum declaration into a zinger conclusion that is separated from the body.
7. Shorten the Prelude - maybe substituting America for "our nation."
A major part of being a patriot is being willing to do something new...to try...and to question old methods to make a better system. Even Thomas Jefferson was once considered a rouge. To love some place you must be able to answer some hard questions and be willing to go to great lengths to protect and cherish it.
I have no idea if this is a novel idea or not. Here goes. Air conditioning consumes great amounts of energy. How about enacting an energy luxury tax on the sale of A/C units to influence the demand for air conditioning or to change building design (allow open windows, encourage circulating fans and so forth).
Alternatively, how about tax credits for old AC units that are replaced by newer more efficient AC units? Replacement must be proven - no tax credit simply for the purchase of a new unit.
Patriotism is pride in one's nation, defending what it stands for, acting for it's benefit, supporting it's growth, and being apart of making it stronger and better. It's doing what is right even when it's not convenient, it's taking responsibility even when our actions are wrong. It's being mindful of who we are and how we got here, and why.
Maria
According to Organic Consumers Association organic beekeepers across North America are not experiencing colony collapses. The millions of dying bees are hyper-bred varieties whose hives are regularly fumigated with toxic pesticides by conventional beekeepers attempting to ward off mites. In contrast, organic beekeepers avoid pesticides and toxic chemicals and strive to use techniques that closely emulate the ecology of bees in the wild. Researchers are beginning to link the mass deaths of non-organic bees to pesticide exposure, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and the common practice of moving conventional bee hives over long distances.
It is a global problem but we can have a faster influence within our own country. Then as progress is being made, other countries, who for the most part pay close attention to what we do, will follow.
We must control:
Population
Polution
Consumption
It could be done politically but it won't because our system is broke. It can only be accomphished through education.
We have all of the technology necessary already, we just have to motivate the average citizen to change their habits.
Add this point:
Humanity’s behavior influences the Earth’s ability to support life. It is our responsibility, and in our best interests, to continually hone the balance of economic, social and governmental activities so that our planet becomes ever more livable in the short term and the long term.
I love the comment "do what is right, not what is convenient"!
I want to be patriotic for a country that takes responsibility for itself, for it's people, and for the environment. The US should be run by people who take responsibility for their own actions; learn all they can and then do the right thing for the people, the environment and the long-term "health" of our nation; and who promote action to solve global problems (environment, human rights, and aggression) through collaboration with and in partnership with the other nations of the world. Our beautiful planet is pretty small these days so working together with other countries is the most powerful way to solve problems.
A true American patriot doesn't simply cheer the economic system, endorse government decisions, or kill others on behalf of the state. The Constitution provides protection of individual freedoms, and the patriot tests them and uses them for the advancement of all persons. She or he is active in guarding those rights by exercising those rights, not with complacency.
We have been witness to a renegade government whose aim is to promote wealth for a few, power for corporations, privatization for its own sake, and the wholesale disregard for not only the people on this planet, but our world as well. And slowly, one at a time, progress has been trampled along with our resources. And who among us has truly benefitted?
With air the only commodity left unprivatized, what is left but to pollute it so we can have gas masks in order to breathe.
Who will be the first to patent stylish air masks?
Use your constitutional rights and save the planet and neighborhoods.
Ron Nixon, Sr. DBA
Patriotism has nothing to do with this (unfortunatley). This planet is all we have - take care of it and live, don't -- then die. it's that simple, just a matter of when. The folks(leaders) that CAN change the situation is swimming in money -- if they stop or change something -it will affect thier $$ and that will never happen. They can't help themselves, they will kill off this earth and nature will adjust. Man has never been smart enough to learn from history nor the present... if we did, we 'd go back to using nature and that just ain't gonna happen. Prepare to meet yur maker early -polution is here to get worse until we evolve. I do my part - I believe in the people - but not our leaders of governments nor companies that casue these problems. I believe this century is the do or die...
Perhaps if the problem was broken down into simpler concepts it would be easier to understand and to truly do something about. The Transportation Industry (oil, automotive, ect) is the single most damaging reason the environment is in jeopardy. The Transportation Industry depends on maximizing its profits to keep its stockholders happy. We are all stockholders in the environment. Perhaps if we put less value on our wallets and more value on the benefits we get from a healthy
lifestyle we might, we just might, be able to turn the problem around!
We need an action plan NOW. For example: every community (I would say every 300-400 people) has to re-develop a local economy, starting with food production (but going on to local trades, tool production, clothing industry, etc..: every neighborhood should create big organic gardens and greenhouses, thus re-creating a culture of food, and promoting healthy and joyful eating habits. This way we will no only prevent many chronic diseases here, and also will stop many agricultural practices that are destroying local economies and people's lives in other countries/regions. And we'll save lots of fuel now used to transport those gourmet "organic" greens from thousands of miles away... .
"The eyes of the future are looking back at us and they are praying for us to see beyond our own time" Terry Tempest Williams
How big is your ecological footprint? www.myfootprint.org
It is amazing we've gotten this far living so irresponsibly.
Cancer is caused by the way our food is raised and processed.
We are using outdated technology for transportation and electricity-all because greedy companies have found our weakness- fear of change and ignorance.
It's time we wake up.
I feel fear. Fear for my children and grandchildren. What exactly will they have growing up and doing their best to have a "happy" life. Will this even be possible. I do not like feeling this way. I want, no actually I need to know that everyone is helping to do their part in aiding the environment. There are so many simple acts one can do every day that have a big impact when done by millions. Never feel that you are only "one". We are all one.
there are a lot of humans in the planet, it is selfish to have childs just beacuse you want to feel what is like to be a father or a mother, if you are unsatisfied with what we created, don´t give it to a new life
Exactly!
We have everything we need, we are just lacking... support. It's blindingly obvious that the problem is only going to get worse, so why not stop it now? Motivation is the key.
It's kinda like 'You made your bed, now you have to sleep in it!' If these polititon's are to come into office, perhaps they should take an oath like the president and have verbs in there I promise to take care of global warming as if this were my only job as concerned as any other citizen out there.
Sincerely,
Laura Louise Bechtold Segur McMakin
Patriotism is not limited to individuals. Corporate America also has to sign on to make this work.
Earth is our mother, air is our father and water is life to all. We must protect all three and co exist with all species.
Patriot. According to Webster's Dictionary it stems from the Greek word patriotes, from patrios, of one's father: one who loves his country and zealously supports its authority and interests.
I think that patriotism is outdated. Because at it's core it presupposes a division between 'one who loves HIS country' as opposed to one who loves ANOTHER country. This mode of thinking is not inclusive of others, other countries, other countries, cultures, etc. This is the reason why the US is where it is today: in a constant battle forcing 'our patriotism . i.e moral values' onto the 'enemy's values. Patriotism divides where the world is better served by a unifying belief.
For those who are true believers in and followers of the various religions of the world: We are the caretakers of this garden called Earth, not the owners. The Creator gave us 'dominion' over all things in order to improve, take care of and protect HIS garden, NOT to exploit, abuse and corrupt it - those are the TRUE sins, and our decendents as well as HE will hold us responsible and accountable for our actions.
Oh come on lets be serious us everthing to excess .once we've destroyed the planet the apes will take over anyway .Haven't you seen the movie.jeees.Change already nature will fix this anyway but it can certainly use our help.
A society should always be based on sustainable ideas.
Oil is not sustainable, nor is over exploiting resources. By having an economy that threatens to collapse if we move to renewable energy sources or cease to over harvest natural resources means that we have set up a system that is destined to collapse.
This must change.
A STEEP CARBON TAX or elso say "good-by" to:
The White Bears
By: D. H. Haley
Inspired by W. S.
Our lives are soon ended and we shall be gone, forever gone,
forced forever from this great globe, our Mother Earth, our home.
We are to melt into air, into thin air, and,
like the snow-covered glaciers, the great ice flows, yea, all of our world,
we shall melt and disappear, as surely as a cube in a cocktail, our fate fixed by the burning of fossil fuel and the greed of man.
We cannot loose site of basic fact that the same processes wich cause 'Global Warming' are contaminating the air, sea and soil.
In order to argue the point that something needs to be done about global warming we must remind those who do not believe in global warming, that the actions that would be taken to help fight global warming would make the air more breathable, make the water cleaner, reduce acid rain, and as a whole make the planet a safer place to live. ( remember there are pleanty of people out there who still think this is a fictional creation )
In the polarized society that we live in today it is hard to bring everyone together. This issue should be one that everyone can stand firmly behind. We have to enable those who may not see things the same way to put aside the political bipartisan arguments.
They may not believe in Global Warming, but they have to agree that coal fired power plant pollute the air, land and sea. They would also have to agree that breathing the exhaust from cars, trucks and machines is not healthy. Once that point is acknowledged then we can move on to alternatives like solar and wind. Much cleaner sources of power.
As consumers you can push for the needed changes. There are incentives in many states to install solar power technology at your home. You could purchase an electric car or a Hybrid or even just start with planning your shopping trips to reduce the number of miles you drive each week. People can excercise the power of the purse and reward the companies that are forward thinking on the issues that are important to you.
This is an issue for which we will need support from all members of society in order to effect a meaningful change.
Everything you all hear in the news about how taking climate action now would hurt the economy is absolute lies. The short term effects to the economy are going to be real but they are not going to send our country into a depression as some conservatives might like you to think. In addition, taking climate action now is better for the long term prosperity of our economy, and let me tell you most government officals and economists alike avoid considering long term effect at all costs. We all know that we need to take action now and we need to keep up our efforts way into the future to maintain our climate. And it is not going to be easy to convince most Americans to make these lifestyle changes (because let's face it, technology alone cannot get us out of this one). People need to start dricing less and our nation needs to start investing in efficient mass transit systems that will rival what is currently in placer in much of Europe. But unfortunately I think the only way we can convince people to take public transit more and to drive less is to start pricing our gas at a level where it makes it irresponsible and unaffordable for most people to drive. I mean honestly, Europeans have been paying $8 a gallon for years and they drive a lot less than us and for good reason, their tax dollars go to pay for mass transit that is much more affordable and effient for them to use! Americans are currently getting a bargain for gas at $3+ per gallon. After all gas and other fossil fuels are
a) finite (ie. limited) resources
and b) always in high demand.
Yet our gas prices don't reflect those factors, which should be sending our gas prices through the roof. This is why I support a heavy carbon tax on fossil fuels when it is taken from the ground, every time it is shipped, and when people pump it into their car. This is really not that radical of an idea. It is not radical that as Americans we should be paying the price for consuming a ridiculous amount of gasoline daily. It is not radical to think that we should also be paying the price for contributing 30% of the worlds CO2 emission, as only 5% of the world's population. That is seriously unjust and we need to start working to reverse those emissions and fossil fuel consumption trends.
Global warming is not the real crisis; it is a symptom of a deeper crisis in our education, our values, our awareness and way of thinking about the nature of life, of our world and our inter-relationships with all beings. From this ignorance -- especially greed, dishonesty and fear -- arise most of the problems that are being discussed here.
Overpopulation is also a basic problem but that is not separate from our allocation of resources throughout the world.
In response to the earlier draft [now redundant], I wanted to say
I think the concept of "patriot" as most people think of it is outdated. As someone else commented here, be a 'patriot' to the planet and all living beings on it, not to an individual country. What puzzles and disturbs many people living in other countries is when Americans say, "God Bless America." What about everyone else?! As the saying goes, we need to think globally and act locally.
Like our forefathers we need to fight for what we believe in...Global change! Our weapons won't be bombs or guns but knowledge, education, and change. This nation was started to be a better place, let's make it a better place where we could have more freedom and independence. We need to use or freedom to our advantage. Think global act local. Every single person can make a difference. Educate everyone you know. Some people have no idea how easy it is to do little things that can bring about huge change...let us all work together to build a stronger, greener, more peaceful country and a more unifed world.
I feel that it is our duty as patriots to use our powers of choice to do what is best not only for those we know and love but for all others on this planet. But along with the ability to be wise consumers, there needs to be some sort of government regulations on companies and businesses that promote and sell materials that have not been tested for safety for those who choose to spend their hard earned dollars on their product. There are countless examples where government should have stepped in to protect us from ourselves and our own destrucive choices, for those who are lured in by marketing and advertising. Cell phones, and other electronic materials, for example are responsible for 70% of toxic waste in our landmines, yet people are still allowed to purchase and dispose of cell phone after cell phone, ipod after ipod, with no regulation and no thought to how it might affect future generations. Why? Because Mass Media says it's OK. Well it is not OK, especially since it has been shown that cell phones and ipods have damging affects on brain cells, hearing, and can cause injuries when used carelessly.
The automobile industry is another example, finally regulations are being made for feul standards, but is this enough to ensure a healthy planet for future generations? I think the government needs to do more to make sure that the auto industry follows strict standards.
And so on....
I believe as a nation we need to pull together and address the most serious issues at hand. We started this country as a democracy, but all I see now is people going in opposite directions. We have serious issues that need our attention and concern, such as global warming, poverty, health care, and education. I’m from a state where our education is crumbling due to lack of money management. I would like to see where all this money is going! As a Patriot, I think it is up to us to voice our concerns. As a whole, otherwise we cannot change anything.
Fascinating--the global warming issue may be a blessing in disguise for the human race, and in turn for all species. What an impetus it is going to provide for us to begin to bond with erstwhile enemies as partners in the interest of mutual survival. I love it!!
As a person with acreage not in till, I continue to refuse farmer's requests to let them grow corn for ethanol even though they offer to pay me. When our society and government realizes that biomass such as switchgrass is the true answer then I will gladly open up my land for prairie grass production and I will do it at no cost to farmers.
Dr. Leonard says...
There is only one home: EARTH. There is only one race: HUMANITY. There is only one condition that will allow us to continue to live and grow into the future: PEACE. Earth, Humanity and Peace depend on COOPERATION and TOLERANCE. Let's work together in loving tolerance to clean our Earth-home, and all for the love of God. This is a message of UNITY.
What I find so interesting is that Patriot comes from the word Patriach (patriachal) society, which as we can see the "Patriarchs" have not done such a great job. Patriot is also one who honors the "Fatherland" however you are talking about wanting to save "Mother Earth." Some countries like "America" are more feminine in nature, America itself is a feminine name, Iraq is more masculine in name- if you want to make this a Global Declaration then both Feminine and Masculine in their HIGHEST forms must be recognized and honored.
Maybe we should consider calling ourselves something other than good "Patriots" since this may conjure up images of war.
This Earth was created by God for our enjoyment and to care for. He made us the stewards of His Earth, and as such we are responsible for its care and condition. How will we answer when He asks "how well have you cared for my Earth and all of the creature on it?" One Earth under God!
Patriotism means the same thing it always has: that you love your country. It does not mean that you hate other countries.
And if you love your country, you want to make it better. The founding fathers didn't have environmental issues in their world. But if they did, they would have addressed them as we must, because they, and we, love our country. It's incredibly simple to me.
We need to become more responsible by standing up to the government. It's time we stop fearing them and start holding them accountable for their actions. And we need to start becoming accountable for our actions as well.
We need stop letting politics divide us. We need to stop fighting over petty issues like which politician slept with who, or turning immigrants into scapegoats for the nation's problems.
We need to start demanding that the government focus on what's important instead of letting them constantly throw us into a state of fear. We need to stop attacking each other everytime someone dissents. Without dissent, there would be no United States of America.
We need to start coming together in our homes and communities and uplift each other instead of tear each other down. The only way we are going to save this world is if we prioritize, organize and do the work that is required.
Letting ourselves stay divided over skin color, religion, politics, etc isn't going to save us or this world. We need to remember that if the world is destroyed, we are destroyed. But now is not the time to panic. We need to use that energy that we put into panicking and fighting and come up with solutions.
We need to uplift the poor so they can actually afford to live green. We need to get the companies to come down on prices of organic food and green products. We need to get our government to support these and other initiatives.
Whether you believe in global warming or not, there is no denying that we live in a polluted world that is dying. And that means we are dying and that means we need to get it together.
bebe
A true patriot would defend, expose, fight, and resist by all means the influence of secret societies, groups and institutions that require their membership to take oaths above and beyond the law and supremacy of the Constitution of the United States. These groups, like Skull & Bones, Bilderburg, and similar are enemies to the flag and its citizens.
Intention IS the KEY!
It is probably unwise to use words like "patriot" and "global warming" because both terms are misleading. The word patriot implies nationalism, which is one of the causes of war. I'm not sure one can be a patriot and not want to spread their fierce love of country to other world cultures.
Likewise, "global warming" (though a provable current event) is too easily mistaken for "warming" by people who are uninformed. When we have extremely cold winters in certain areas, even though they are caused by "global warming" trends, many people just laugh about g.w. Oh yes, they do!
Best to find other terminology for the "Declaration" rather than redefining commonly accepted words that are easily misunderstood or argued over...
When God paints the natural world happens. This miraculous place offers everything we need on every level. Many of us are blind to it's glory and rejenerative powers. To abuse the nature is to abuse ourselves. We must take better care of our Mother Earth!
As many within and among the ever expanding spiritual network know, the year 2012 is the year set for the great collective shift in human consciousness.
Not only is Mother Earth changing now, the whole solar system is changing. The increase in energy
from the Sun is the primary cause of global warming, although we've contributed our fair share, out of sheer ignorance.
The sun's increasing energy emission is in the
midst of changing the basic nature of all
matter. That means physical bodies will change.
This might be seen like a traumatic event,, but it
simply means we'll be transported into a higher level of our true being.
Ultimately it's about the Sun's energy as it bumps
up another notch and all matter on Earth going
through profound change. It's being called
Ascension.
I think companies must take back the containers they sell that are not easily recycled...i.e., number 5 & 6 that most local recycle centers cannot process or make all containers more easily recycled.
I also think we need to look at the present widespread use of pesticides in the home garden. We freely sell and use poisons without much thought about how these poisons effect the drinking water supply and the wildlife that suffers for our thoughtlessness and greed.
I don't really think of myself as a patriot. The words "patriot" and "patriotism" are a bit too nationalistic for me. The word "patriotism" automatically suggests "we against them". I tend to think of myself as a member of the global community. I care for the person who lives on the other side of the planet as much as I care for the person who lives at the other end of the street. The work I do is for the benefit of this planet and all of the people that live on it. So my suggestion would be to change the title.
No one has yet to mention that we should not drive our cars so fast. The faster we drive, the more energy it takes to propel our vehicles. In the 70s speed limits were reduced during the oil crisis. I think the speed limits should be reduced again.
". . .to secure the blessings of freedom to us and to our posterity" from the Constitution says what I still believe. We must reaffirm our commitment to this value. We must recognize the difference between freedom and license to be able to pass on the great blessings which we now share.
True patriots have sacrificed their lives to preserve these values and we should be willing to do what ever it takes to keep natural world in a balance that sustains us all. A modern patriot would accept the responsibility that goes with freedom.
Mandate lenders that all new homes have the stated option of rolling photo voltaic panels and solar hot water into their mortgage. The lender must list prominently the cost difference between monthly payments with and without the PV panels and hot water as well as the estimated monthly savings for the prospective owners. I would think $10K or $20 extra on a 30 year mortgage might, in many cases, be less than the monthly cost savings.a
I don't find 3 bullet points to be the inspiring, sweeping statement a Declaration should be. This is the time to really pull out the powerful words and put away sissy bullet points. Feels like death by powerpoint.
Because the environment is affected by human activities, we need to link environmental health more closely with social justice. By addressing basic human needs and poverty, we also address the outcome of our environment. The Declaration of New Patriotism should include a point about supporting those who live in our Global Community that need support to be "good stewards." For example, 2004 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Professor Wangari Maathai’s founding of the Green Belt Movement. A hand to lift up the people whose hands are working at the grass roots level is a hand of the New Patriot.
Just as 230 years ago we fought for a separation of church and state, I believe now is the time for a separation of corporations and state.
Patriotism could be defined as an antiquated idea which is only a notch above tribalism, which leads to antagonism and warfare between groups and countries. Those who want to experience the sin of pride revel in such ideas, and are ready to lash out at those who are not of like mind. A microcosm of this phenomenon may be seen at any sports arena, where rabid fans sometimes spill over into the playing field and try to (and sometimes do) kill one another. If patriotism is to be globalized, it must be redefined as universal love and respect for all life. We must no longer say, 'I am an American, therefore I am proud of my country' and then act in some vague emotional and agressive way against anyone who tends to disagree with us. We must take a global view and try our best to see things from other people's perspective, and realize that whatever happens to any one of us happens to us all. It is a very difficult transition for most but it must occur if we are to survive on this planet.
I would like to add parenthetically that a vegetarian diet would go a long way towards preventing environmental destruction, curbing obesity and soothing our bellicose impulses.
The problems of the world cannot possibly be solved by skeptics or cynics whose horizons are limited by the obvious realities. We need men who can dream of things that never were.
We have the power to make this the best generation of mankind in the history of the world or to make it the last.
patriotism is real actions, actions that require us to put ourselves out somewhat, not just waving a flag. it means supporting the civilization more than the borders. being civilized, following the rules of society, is a patriotic thing to do. my generation rebelled against rules, and there were some stupid ones to rebel against, but people have gone too far now. they disregard any kind of rule or social structure and just think of themselves. societies fall apart that way. we must be considerate of others in our behavior, and that means other life forms as well. then we can really be the exceptional country the flag wavers keep saying we are.
Being a PATRIOT, to me, is caring....not just about yourself, but more importantly, about other people, the environment, the animals, and the future, of this wonderful country...to lay down my life to defend all these things, if necessary.
Just a quick reply to Nancy on the bees - according to a report I recently saw (I think CNN), they think the problem is due to a suppressed immune system in the bees that seems to be linked to a new pesticide farmers have been using for the last 2-3 years. Most of the dead bees show viruses as the cause of death. Cell towers and other causes are being discounted.
I think being a patriot means loving your country, including the beautiful landscape, trees, parks, sidewalks, little shops, and the way people cooperate with each other. It means thinking about where your food and water actually comes from, and where things go when you throw them "away". Everything's connected, and everyone can make a difference.
Add a 4th bullet that states our ultimate goal is to become a role model for citzen, consumer and business conciousness and planetary stewardship for the rest of the world to emulate.
Patriotism is not sending someone else's children to die as soldiers on foreign soil and letting others pay the bills. Patriotism is found in those who are willing to make personal sacrifices to make the world a better place. This is recognized in the preamble to the US constitution where we the people pledge to: "... promote the general welfare ... for ourselves and our posterity ..." We are now faced with a situation where the entire eco-system of the earth is in grave jeopardy. Patriotism requires us to act now and to act decisively to avert the looming catastrophe that threatens civilization as well as the natural world.
Patriotism is the very effects that a person, city, country, planet do to end the destruction of our planet. As we continue to contaminate the air, land, and sea our world is changing for the worse. It is up to every Patriot to change the way the world does business and end the oil addiction. Our world is in trouble and it will take a patriot to make the changes in their corner of the world. God has provided us this beautiful planet and we are destroying it. Be a patriot before it is too late.
No one in the environmental community seems willing to look at the cost of illegal immigration on our natural resources because it is a political hot potato. We should focus on this before it's too late.
It is not easy to see how the more extreme forms of nationalism can long survive when men have seen the Earth in its true perspective as a single small globe against the stars. A man's country is not a certain area of land, of mountains, rivers, and woods, but it is a principle and patriotism is loyalty to that principle.
I think we need laws in the U.S. prohibiting vehicles left running-especially in the summer-with the AC on and no one in it while the driver is shopping, etc... And it seems that there are more & more foods & drinks sold in containers made especially to be disposed of-I know bottled water is great, but 4 swallows & in the garbage it goes. We need more recyling centers that do plastic. Teri Hoff
smytor has written much of what I was interested in getting through. The word "patriotism", "patriot" etc. all deal with nationalism and the favoring of one group, e.g. country, over another. It makes little sense in trying to deny this. If one wants to be sentimental in this way then there should be, perhaps, a "real world" reasons why this is appropriate. For instance one could claim I am a patriot because America defends the underdog, or I am an American because my rights are less infringed upon than in any other country. Of course these previous statements are not in fact true. That is the U.S. Supreme Court's latest ruling on abortion issues clearly shows that there is still a bias towards empowering men over woman, and the fact that corporations are considered humans even though they cannot bleed like real human beings is an interesting debauchle that is perpetrated on our own land. My point is not to point out the hypocrisy of this nation or any other but that the word for a good citizen, if it is "patriotism" in America needs to be changed to another that conveys universal laws, and beliefs to empower this day and age.
History has given "patriotism" this definition. It is good to know that patriotism fails and that there are other better viewpoints. Why try to redefine this word?
my first comment was to put the globe on birth conrol. and now my second thought is to eat with greater sense of awareness. when diet changes the thought process changes. there's no one diet fit for everyone.we consume more animal protein than the rest of this world and also sicker than the rest. good diet doesn't come from self discipline or deprivation. it comes from knowing what food works for you without getting any cravings. believe in individuality and believe in that not everyone's meant to be relaying on cows for food. eat less animals, open your mind to other sources of food.
We are living what we have brought upon ourselves. It's not 'them', it is 'us'.
I especially agree with Adlai, Mama, and one who said "Intention is the thing".
Right now and from this moment on, each of us pay attention to what we vote for with our $$$ and time. Create a new world with your deliberate thoughts, vision, and actions.
Eat your vegetables and fresh local produce, recycle everything and buy fewer new things. Have few children and adopt the orphaned. Speak your truth and demand the same from others. Get outside to feel yourself as part of the natural world. The rest will come if we put ourselves into action.
It is our party and the future is here now.
Equivocation is death.
We need more hybrid/alternative fuel vehicles. We need to do something about the bees. We need to use less energy as a whole (a big help would be businesses turning off lights after the workday).
The best formula I've seen so far to deal powerfully and politically and via grassroots energy is described in the small book, "Not-Two IS Peace" by Adi Da. This book's subtitle is: "The Ordinary People's Way of Global Cooperative Order." (see www.ispeace723.org).
RACING?-is one of the most ridiculous methods of entertainment mankind could've come up with! What a waste of natural resources & talk about global warming! When these big races take place & these guys are going around in circles for hours-WOW-NOW ISN'T THAT SPECIAL? Also, I'm always preaching @ my grown kids to drive the speed limit-what message do these races give?
Stop the adveritsing of cars! Just like for cigarettes. No commericals, no magazine ads... Cars are not glamorous, they're disgusting.
Patriotism is not ones love of fellow countrymen regardless of their actions but BECAUSE of their admirable actions. Help america be a beacon respecting known and unknown people, in their own arbitrary national border, by comitting to not blow global warming into the first or third world, our world.
Minimizing our personal global warming “footprint” must also include population growth education and population density education. Many of our problems are incorectly identified as shortages when in fact rate of consuption (and the adverse impacts thereof) are directly related to the ever growing number of people consuming. It's time this touchy but critical factor is openly talked about in public forum.
I agree with the 3 declaration points. But we need to better communicate the sense of urgency, that time is indeed running out. ie. Why does everyone know who's voted off American Idol, but not the danger the planet is in? We need media to make climate change more important than such fluff head distractions.
Patriotism......wow a word that most high school students couldn't define without a dictionary. What kind of world focuses on people like Paris Hilton and forgets to teach their kids about real issues....is Paris Hilton saving the world, I think not-MTV where are you??? Myspace do you even care?? When people like these start supporting this issue our younger generation will listen-Why isn't there a reality show about people helping the environment?? If you want people to listen, it has to be fed into the mainstream culture. I would like the big TV companies to do something more than air bad TV-The oil companies are trying, but the rest of the world is avoiding this issue-When they join the fight, maybe we will see real change. I challenge MTV, Myspace, and reality TV to do their part!
Fuel should be priced progressivly, so those using it wisely pay less and the gluttons pay more. For instance, someone filling their Prius for their commute to work should pay less for a gallon of feul than John travolta topping-off the feul tanks of his 707.
I hope all men can see that "no man is an Island". We effect all life and our childrens and our childrens childrens lives. We the people need to beware of others who put profit motive above lives.
Patriotism......wow a word that most high school students couldn't define without a dictionary. What kind of world focuses on people like Paris Hilton and forgets to teach their kids about real issues....is Paris Hilton saving the world, I think not-MTV where are you??? Myspace do you even care?? When people like these start supporting this issue our younger generation will listen-Why isn't there a reality show about people helping the environment?? If you want people to listen, it has to be fed into the mainstream culture. I would like the big TV companies to do something more than air bad TV-The oil companies are trying, but the rest of the world is avoiding this issue-When they join the fight, maybe we will see real change. I challenge MTV, Myspace, and reality TV to do their part!
TO NANCY:
On the "bee colony" situation, check out this link:
http://www.correntewire.com/organic_bees_not_dying
Main gist of article: “The problem with the big commercial guys is that they put pesticides in their hives to fumigate for varroa mites, and they feed antibiotics to the bees. They also haul the hives by truck all over the place to make more money with pollination services, which stresses the colonies.” The Organic Bee Keeper who wrote the article has solved the mite problem this way:
“Most of us beekeepers are fighting with the Varroa mites. I’m happy to say my biggest problems are things like trying to get nucs through the winter and coming up with hives that won’t hurt my back from lifting or better ways to feed the bees.
This change from fighting the mites is mostly because I’ve gone to natural sized cells. In case you weren’t aware, and I wasn’t for a long time, the foundation in common usage results in much larger bees than what you would find in a natural hive. I’ve measured sections of natural worker brood comb that are 4.6mm in diameter. What most people use for worker brood is foundation that is 5.4mm in diameter. If you translate that into three dimensions instead of one, it produces a bee that is about half as large again as is natural. By letting the bees build natural sized cells, I have virtually eliminated my Varroa and Tracheal mite problems. One cause of this is shorter capping times by one day, and shorter post-capping times by one day. This means less Varroa get into the cells, and less Varroa reproduce in the cells.”
a "patriot" is someone who is not afraid to fight his government to protect his country
blogspot:saynotoparents:i belive the constitution is siupposed 2 be r law not the fashist religous based laws taht came later there4 i think it iz patriotic 2 oppose george w bush belive in the enviornment equal rights 4 kids and drug legalazation like i do.
The line that reads, "Life, Liberty and the Pusuit of Happiness" should read, "Life, liberty, the Persiut of Happiness and an Education."
well the patriotism is not only the love for the land and the freedom we enjoy in this country is also to the elimination and make it a punishment to those who belong to that klan like group call the minutemen and I want the senate to enforce a proposal to bring the elimination of the minutemen because I believe there a small part of the ku klux klan
We need to insist that our leaders strive to bring The U.S. to the forefront of environmental responsiblity so that we lead the world on these issues rather than trailing it!
It's "patriotic" to drive electric vehicles. The batteries are here today - the hundreds of RAV4 EVs on the road today prove that.
All car manufacturers should be required to sell electric cars that run on domestically produced electricity. This is good for the country and good for the planet.
Chevron owns the patents for large NiMH batteries and prevents them from being sold to protect their oil revenues. That is very unpatriotic, and, giving the recent supreme court ruling, probably illegal.
Watch Who Killed the Electric Car!
I agree with what Jonathan Stolzenberg, MD said....politics is not the big issue, it's about being the change we seek, we either be/do or we blame this IS about US being! We owe it to ourselves to make the world a wonderful place to live in by utilizing resources & our own personal power in our daily actions & with others to take responsibility for ourselves & our sphere of influence - which, by the way, when each of us does that & we link , think, & act together from this perspective, will mean that our sphere of influence is global/local at the same time-the only way to act!
NOW, listen, all of you "global warming groupies...." Here's an inconvenient truth: the world has been cooling & warming for MANY years, seasons, lifetimes. Check out the research that has long term history. Start with this book: "Unstoppable Global Warming, Every 1,500 years" by F. Fred Singer & Dennis T Avery, Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. Realize 2 things: 1) information we have on only current data is out of context with the big picture & what the organism Mother Earth has been doing for many years...keep it all in perspective 2) Information on what we are doing now that DOES harm the earth SHOULD be taken personally- POLLUTION is a personal issue, NOT global warming! This means we need to focus on living with the Earth wholistically - AND STATE IT THAT WAY!!!!!!! Let go of the lie of global warming panic. Yes, the globe IS warming, but in the grand scheme of the history of the Earth, it is normal. Use the data to focus on the REAL issue : How do I/WE live wholistically, healthy, & responsibly from our God Source/selves? Stop calling it a Global Warming initiative...we get what we think, and I'd much rather think, live, & act WHOLE ME, WHOLE GENERATIONS, WHOLE HEALTH, WHOLE WORLD and that instead of fighting a "war on warming" that is not necessarily a war we want to fight (who wants war, and why fight Mother Earth & her wisdom?) but focus INTENTION on the reality: I live here with heartfelt & educated intention & act so with my neighbors, my community, the world, & the universe. BE the whole thing WITH it, call it what it IS, not what it ISN'T, and CAUSE healthy action that includes preservation of natural resources and healthy adaptation to what the universe is doing naturally! Live fully in balance with God, yourself, others, & the universe, with love & conscious intention & correlative acts and LANGUAGE that matches the greatest truth-nothing LESS!
OK, so if you REALLY listened & can get this, you're wondering what to call this Declaraion....How bout Global Life or let's start a new discussion that centers around the whole & right way....YOUR TURN- show up & speak/live it/share it! GlobeBlogGoodSpeak! :)
Patriotism is a love of one's country. That is the definition. We are not in charge of our country - yet; someday we may be. The US and State Governments decide where and how our tax money is used. Big businesses (that decide where the rest of our money goes) influence politicians, to say the least. At times they are the same (Cheney, Bush). We the people, who vote, elect thoase officials. Thus, patriotism is, consequently and necessarily, tied to politics.
Global warning does impact every country and the love of our country entails a reduction or stop of global warming.
Each action that each person takes each day that helps the environment counts, whether this is biking or busing to work, not buying and using the monstrous SUV to go get groceries every day (try walking 5-6 blocks and buy less!), reducing personal garbage, buying sensibly (products that are better for the planet than others - soap, laundry detergent, cleaners, tp, paper towels - try a cloth napkin!), and so on. Together we, as people, could be far more powerful than any big business or political machine. Unfortunately, we are not unified.
We can do our part individually and we can come together for the common good. Rare is the person who does both.
There is nothing wrong with being patriotic about our own country. We should be proud of who we are and what we do. Unfortunately, we are not - we all have underlying feelings of not behaving correctly even in own country. We know we are wasteful; we know we cause pollution; we know our development strategies cause sprawl and destruction of scarce resources; we know our market based system causes us to be opportunists; we know our politicians pander to our "what's in it for me now" attitude - and we feel guilty. We should. We know we should be concerned about our own children's future, but it is very easy to justify no action with the thought that, because the problem is world-wide, practicality requires we get the rest of the world to participate first. I think we need MORE local patriotism. I think we need MORE thought about living up to our own ideals as Americans who are honorable, honest with ourselves, generous with our blessings, thoughtful about reality, creative about solutions, energetic about trying new ideas, willing to work hard and participate for the good of our local comunities, our states and our country. We know how to do all that - we should just get to it, and insist that our political, social, educational and religious systems do it too. The rest of the world will follow - some would say it is already far ahead of us. Certainly, we find ourselves in the awkward position just now of having little moral authority to insist that the rest of the world do anything. We need to clean up our own house!
While concerned citizens should certainly do our part to influence the big government and corporate decision-makers to more effectively and more immediately deal with the problem, there is still much we can do right now, on our own.
One of the most powerful things people can do is to recycle absolutely everything possible and to use already existing things, rather than just buy, buy, buy more and more stuff. When we do that we tread far more gently on the planet. That means less new production, less strain on many natural resources, therefore less carbon emissions in the course of product manufacturing and transportation, and of course, less cost to individuals.
Buying a good used car is much less expensive than buying a new one, and that goes for furniture, household items, clothing, just about everything. Did you know that when you buy a new car, one minute after you leave the showroom that very same car is worth several thousand dollars less?
Look for the value point.
Get great deals and help save the planet doing it!
So, bring re-usable bags with you to the grocery store, organize local clothing swaps with your friends, use the back sides of paper for drafts, miscellaneous notes, etc., start pointing out waste and solutions to avoiding it to friends, co-workers and family, and keep thinking about ways to use less without being or feeling deprived.
A great innovation in saving resources is the FREECYCLE NETWORK. They are “changing the world, one gift at a time.” It’s all about passing on the things you no longer want to others who will use them. There are Freecycle groups all over the USA and the globe. Offer what you no longer want, or ask for something you want or need. No money, no trading, no business – just people giving each other gifts. It’s absolutely brilliant! The ultimate in community and recycling. Check it out at http://www.freecycle.org/
We waste so much in America. If we change that, we will all benefit greatly.
On patriotism and activism: I invite you to see an 8-minute clip of my multiple award-winning documentary "VOICES OF DISSENT: ACTIVISM & AMERICAN DEMOCRACY.
Please go to - http://www.VoicesOfDissent.us
Then, contact me at karil@pacbell.net to give feedback. Thanks.
to the swifboat veterans for truth, you damage John Kerry's chances of being elected president and I can't stand that a group of veterans that they said that are patriots and start to critize a man that served in the navy and Bush never saw action in the Vietnam war while in the Texas air guard I want to see that Bush's military records are acurate and swiftboat veterans stop supporting a man that got to the White House by the help of a third party candidate like Ralph Nader
ita anewed momentum.A momentum of a quantum varied long leap.
a global based USa as well as all PROGRESSIVE leap, patriotism of a generic dose worldly entwined.
A charity that honours localton oriented democracy, cut to the cloth that garbs a human protectective bond from ecological wedenned summaries.
Harm reduced analogy as greened borned a newer abode of a committment to your foundational values as stocked.
No to greed but yes to the newer decreed creed as seededly sowned in the heart of earthly capacity. a vision so strong that says human dignity is un barterable.
A newr norm that says its time for change without false arms, false prophets, a newer consummated sense in gist overall.
When truth ordained avenues are availed healings become naturally, and also show a newer empowernment as reflected, in doing away with bigotry, rooted shallow in symbolic vestages.
May we be guided by social justice as equality of autonomous cultural entwinement that rewards evry human aspired diverse oriented values that speaks to evry human regardless of their fai9th and all in the end is to make this earth a much more betterd place without any prejudice is aservice to all that go out of their way to protect human rights and aspire towrds humanist goals of harmony is the best foot forwrd we can aspire to draw closer apart from diverse modes that ultimately takes into accaount of alls toils even when not in clear wave length, to show a level of hope as lessonned.
A new day a newer reolve. Past grudges takes us no where.
its time we make ecological harm reduced goals into accaount to build a no nu clear zone to attain goals of human ecological ownership to all issues that in the past have not made a lasting feel of one world one hope as a newer resolve in our pursuit of a greener new global patriotism that does not get left lonesome as if the only faith adherer that cannot let go of past limitations.
Ptariotism to ecology beyond bordered borders is a spiritual, quest that will ultimately unite the un willing by way of SYMBIOTIC reliance towards a neighbouring secular mutifaithed goal oriented 1 united with a harm reduced ecology. A newr opatriotic vow as renewd courtesy of your forum today is a benchmark as shared in goodwilled hope.
May the creator bless all the globe including the USA !
One heart beat is God's gift to our Earth's rhythm. All living things who have existed on Mother Earth whisper the spirit of protection and admiration for the future gate keepers to reverence in its glorification and nurturing for all ages. We as humankind need to heed the signs and warnings for its life cycles and future adjustments. We are the fleas on the surface of the Gaia and as it changes due to humankind activities, we must adapt and adhere to its actions even if we lose or cease to live as we have become accustomed. It is very important that we share and pass on any knowledge we have gathered from the Gaia's changes to our future generations so they can continue the whispers of ancient ancestors who traveled and honored the same surfaces before us today. The rivers and oceans are the blood flows for our bodies and minds to survive on our Gaia. It brings us cleanliness and nourishment. If we continue to poison them, we do not live. Other living things in these rivers and oceans are showing us the problems humankind have and are creating. Listen and learn from their experiences so we can make a betterment for all on this planet. Money nor materialism at the expense of the Gaia is our main aim. We can not continue to expend the Gaia's gifts freely without consequences. It will ultimately cause changes to adjust for survival as it has done through out the ages. Humankind is only a minute experience relative to the Gaia. It has persevered much more than we who have and are damaging it as this is being written. Beware that our technological modifications bring much sufferings and displacement of the physical make-up as God had designed for the Gaia. You can only control it to a certain point, but beyond that it can break into an uncontrollable cycle which will bring an indelible experience we may all regret. Heed our sisters and brothers who know of this Gaia power long before our presence. Their spirits whisper in our winds blowing through all trees and in the sounds of the running waters from rivers and streams and in the crushing waves from our oceans. We are part of a problem to the Gaia, but working within its laws of unalienable rights and respect, a lasting resolve can be reached. Each action for the positive of life will firmly negate any counter action for the bad. In the spirit of our ancestors who earned the Gaia's respect ages ago, we walk and learn so we can sustain the Gaia for all future generations.
Mitakuye Oyasin
an old african saying: "do not think the ground you standing on was given you by your father, but remember that it is lended by your sons".
We would need multiples of the Planet Earth if all humans lived and consumed as Americans. What entitles us to exploitation? This is the moral consideration we must hold in the fore when making choices every day!!! Spread the word and walk the walk...
History IS repeating itself because humans have not truly understood why we war, why we invade, and why we consider Mother Earth a commodity. Global warming and the causes, do not, in my mind, call for any behaviors and policies that we as humans, should not be practicing anyway. That our species considers ourselves, "top of the food chain," allowing us to invade other species habitats, take animals, birds, fish, from the wild, as humans did thousands of years ago at the advent of the herding/agricultural age, continues to turn this earth into a giant slaughterhouse that comes full circle in every fiber of the human condition. Turning nature into, "resources," to grow unsustaianable and unhealthy economies, using a system of agribusiness that feeds more than(this is the number of animals slaughtered globally every year)54 BILLION "farmed" animals 75% of crops grown, is grotesque, while children die of starvation! www.powerfulbook.com is a review of the history of animal "domestication," that led to farming, and later to the industrial age rapidly destroying entire ecological diversity and our life support systems. In Dr. Will Tuttle's book, The World Peace Diet,(Lantern Books), his chapter on "As we sow, so shall we reap," examines the cause and effect, the consequences morally, spiritually, physically, and environmentally, of our food choices. I believe it is time to stop blaming, as we are all part of the same trap, enslaved system, that enslaved animals FBO humanity. Our entire modern world was built upon the ideology that nature and the animal kingdom, are on earth for human use and exploitation. So now, through this ideology, manifest in a very corrupt, dominant,crumbling, cruel and militaristic(while they tout a strong pro-life stance)political system run by a few corporate bankers, aided by the rogue Federal Reserve, we too, have become pawns, numbers, commodities, whose value IS how much we produce, like the pigs and cows trapped in the factory farming industry. While we may not ever return to the gathering days when humans were part of nature, rather than dominating her, we can surely spend our time and money on nourishing that which IS sacred, holy, merciful, and non-violent...And it must start with what we consume and how we consume. Patriotism must, in my view, include caring for the earth, our land, our forests, our air, water, and YES, the other prescious inhabitants suffering unspeakable victimization from the assumption, farce, that we own this earth and everything upon it. Being patriotic should, I think, mean tending to our life support systems and understanding that for billions of years, nature cared for itself, not needing to be "managed," by humans who have turned everything into an "industry." We must de-construct the language of "ownership," and the consideration of our planet for what can be extracted, meaning an entire new way of thinking about consumption, and other species that all have an inextricable part in ecological balance. We are part of an intricate web in which the human species is braking. Patriotic initiatives could include victory gardens in every community, teaching kids how to grow their own nutritious food, storing it as much as possible, ending our enslavement to trade for food that travels on ships and planes from far away. Our communities should become inter-dependent and much more sustainable, preserving resources and blessing every time we can use less, leave more, eat organic plant based diets, and create the non-violent world I dream most of us desire.
I don't think "mindful consumers" is a clear or strong enough phrase. It seems to connote simple thoughtfulness -- and it's very easy to WANT to do something about global warming, but still only do what is convenient (i.e. buy the less-expensive but gas hungry car, or turn the thermostat up instead of going and getting a sweater). Thoughts without actions do nothing to change a person's impact on the climate and the environment. Perhaps a better way to put it would be "Be mindful, proactive consumers, taking action to minimize our global warming 'footprint.'"
We need to create a world where everyone has clean water,air and food. Doesn't that sound simple?Can I box up some food and a water filter and send it to Africa or Malasia?Yes.If we can deepen connections across the world and value all people on the planet and make this simple,ahhh the world will become an ok place to live.
I feel strongly about how powerful our original declaration of independance is, however, if I had the choice to change anything it would be that "All men and women are created equal."
Over consumption, waste, toxicity and ruin of the environment is an American hallmark. It is our debt to pay to the world to do whatever we can to tame this beast, or else what right do we have to condemn India and China for doing only that which we have been doing for generations? We've given far too little or no thought to the consequences. It is time-past time to alter our behavior. For the sake of all life on the only planet capable of sustaining life.
The most significant and immediate impact on reducing green house gases is accomplished by dramatically increasing the efficiency of our current building stock (which consumes 40% of our energy and thus 40% of emissions). We must pledge as a society to to give the highest priority to implementation of the numerous existing and developing concepts which economically eliminate this waste. Government on all levels must commit to be receptive and flexible in supporting this evolving process. In my many years of examining buildings for efficiency, I have found that the average savings in energy, and emissions, easily exceeds 30%. The "war" on energy waste in the existing housing and commercial building stock needs to be tackled on a national, state, and local scale now.
I am grateful that we still have people who have not giving up on their will to cause the world to survive for their children and beyond. People like you who are not willing to allow new mobility technology to be dominated and monopolized by a single resource (oil). But what are we doing about it? Car companies are scrambling to create Flex-Fuel vehicles. Some are making cell energy vehicles. However, many other people and companies are using their God given talents to create even more choices. What would motivate the everyday, busy, hard working people like you and I to jump to something to reduce their emissions? What is in it for them right now? How can they benefit from all this new technology other than the long term recovery results? If you could make some extra money while helping reduce global warming would you do it? Would that be an incentive? View this -> http://www.eze-biz.ws/ Click on the KEY!! We can make our own changes in this life changing, world challenge of Global Warming and show others how they can help too. As I read some of your comments who realize that this Global Warming movement is BIG BUSINESS and you can be a part of it as we open a can-of-trouble on how we USE TO be dependant on products that were killing us and our home. (Also see “Live Earth: 7.7.07”)
I firmly believe the following statement to be true "Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel",Bob Dylan. Furthermore I like to qoute an elder statesman by the name of Patrick Henry who stated this,"Give me Liberty or give me death." "Time out of Mind my heart is in the Highland...where Aberdeen waters flow...near the Bourder country...There's no place left to go...I''l be going there when I feel good enough to go.",Jack Frost said that.Me,I'm homesick I just wanna go home --- to Scotland for now.
patriot: a person who loves, supports and defends his country.
America has some of ther most beautiful landscapes in the world. People from all around come to this country to enjoy it's splendor. It's time we all join together to help save it.
If we as a people do nothing, our children will not have a future. We have the greatest resouces available. We should pave the way for the rest of the world to follow. Create a fuel that the planet will can use as an alternative. Guess who they buy it from? US!
If we don't, the planet will no longer be able to support life. The planet doesn't care who has the money and who has been active to help save it. We ALL will suffer the consequences.
PLEASE do something now!
I believe the issue of global warming is critical enough to warrant a large scale, well organized form of public resistance/civil disobedience. As a teacher of world history and literature, I take much inspiration from Thoreau, Gandhi, and MLK jr., among others.
Let us choose a date in which we stage an oil boycott that will send a very clear message to those in power. The boycott is simple: do not purchase or consume any products that contribute to green house gases for a specific amount of time, the longer the better. If we all know well in advance, we can plan to take time off work if necessary. We need to force the issue.
Gandhi and his followers we able to completely shut down British controlled interest in India simply by not going to work. Perhaps it's time we consider a similar approach.
The era of the great oil boycotts has arrived.
PH
I have Not been active in the past. I believe strongly in issues but NOT in reactionary methods... which has often led me to NOT take action...
As I get older I see that not taking action has resulted in disappointing outcomes that could have been different, so now I am beginning to take part... as here...
I *think* I am an average American, but a cautious one. After labeling myself as such, and thinking that perhaps I speak for others of my type... here's my thoughts...
We need to pull in more folks of my type - the cautious but concerned ones, so...
Is CRISIS too strong a word? The wording on the letter regarding America taking a stand on Global Warming seemed a little more comfortable for me - More as: An issue that MUST be addressed.
I agree that Active Citizens is better to come first - that is what lost us the election last time - still not enough of us active - by just so small a margin!
I think the rest of it works great for folks like me - simple things that we can feel comfortable doing - and are willing to commit to - because the level is comfortable: Mindful consumers and Spreading the Word... I like those....
With that in mind, is there a different thought than pressing our elected officials - For me, just writing them is a big step!
As part of the move toward world patriotism AND countering global warming, something must be done to more effectively deal with international conflict resolution and the influence of our military-industrial-congressional complex. We need a cabinet-level Department of Peace supported by a small portion of what we currently invest in the Pentagon.
We can blame the corrupt goverment, the greedy corporations and the politicians on the take, but the real fault lies within all of us. We our more empowered than we think or were led to believe. Take the price of gasoline. If we all boycotted one gas station because of price gauging and/or unethical practices I'm pretty sure that the gas station will lower its price. Supply and Demand and Mind over Matter. If you don't mind it don't matter.
Here is my declaration:
Be it resolved this day that we as citizens of America and the world take it upon ourselves to do all in our power to protect and defend the environment of this planet against those forces which act against the principles of truth, morality, and Democracy.
Just as our Founding Fathers sought the rule of reason in building a nation based on the inalienable rights of citizens to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, so must we pledge ourselves to building a world based on sustainabilty, moral accountability, and peace.
Environmental Democracy is the cornerstone of a peaceful world and a moral imperative for those who have yet to be born. It is then our moral duty to secure that sustainability and peace for future generations.
Spread the word including the urgency. Educate our friends, neighbors and loved ones that unlimited growth on a limited planet is impossible. 6 billion humans, even if all were conservationists, is not sustainable. Empower women worldwide to control their own fertility.Limit your family size and encourage others to do the same.
Humans are responsible for destroying our environment and now they must take the same responsibility to restore and save our environment which includes all living beings, plants, animals, fishes, birds, insects, water, land, etc. We are all interrelated and dependent on each other on Mother Earth. Pat
we must fight for every second. do what we must do to help our future.
Severely curtail the amount of mowing that is taking place.
Especially, commercial property, the embankments and shoulders along roadways, and other public and private lands. Mowing consumes energy, oftentimes entails the burning fossil fuels, and ironically diminishes the volume of plant matter that absorbs CO2. Many States, Counties and Cities need to realize that they simply can't afford to keep spending the money on mowing anyway.
And how about those honeybees? Think the addition of a few prairie-like "forgotten areas" might provide some valuable habitat? You bet it would!
It is going to take wide ranging and seemingly radical changes in our lifestyles and consumption habits if the species known as man wants to stick it out - frankly, its probably not going happen. We are all riding an environmental bubble. Remember, Global warming aka climate change is not a shift to a new static state. It is an ongoing process that at best we can hope to slow down and minimize our discomfort with. If you want to know what it’s truly all about refer back to the Pleistocene epoch.
Vast clouds of oceanic hydrogen sulfide, and finally death of soil bacteria.
Declaration of New Patriotism (Second Draft)
**Reverse our growing dependence on oil and other fossil fuels, and nuclear power, by making the U.S. the LEADER in renewable and non-polluting energy development and production.
**Make the U.S. the MOST energy efficient economy
**LEAD the effort to solve global warming by enacting mandantory caps on carbon pollution.
**Reduce our growing dependence on oil by making our cars go further on a gallon of gas.
**Overturn Mr. Bush's oil & gas drilling approvals in ALL environmentally sensitive areas.
**Overturn all tax incentives to oil, gas and coal producers & impose excess profits taxes on them. Use the money to fund development of any and all promising alternate energy source technologies.
**As soon as technologies are marketable, share them with other countries including populous China, India and Pakistan, and urge their immediate use.
** Impose penalty taxes on energy-producers and suppliers who use coal & other fossil fuels, or nuclear fuel sources to produce power. Use the funds to develop alternative energy technologies. Allow such old-technology, polluting energy-producers to pass any costs to shareholders, NOT to consumers.
**Award tax incentives to energy-producers and suppliers who use non-polluting and renewable fuel sources, not coal and other fossil fuels, and nuclear fuels.
**Oil, gas, coal, and nuclear fuels destroy our environment and our economy. Charge companies who profit from their use.
The following is a response I made on another blog site-
Offshore drilling expansion, ANWAR, "clean coal", are all simply sticking your finger in the dike. Fossil fuels are old technology, the future...our future, our national security, depend upon energy independence for centuries, not another 10 years of a 19th century technology.
I would argue that the environmental "extremists" as you call them, actually demonstrate a GREATER patriotism and love of this Nation by being willing to sacrifice the "easy buck" in favor of the long term health & survival of the Country. How is it "American" to leave your children a bleaker future with fewer resources? How is it "American" to insist upon your creature comforts rather than "sacrifice"? How is it "American" to weaken the protections of the Clean Air & Clean Water Acts, that protect the very basic needs of survival, so that the profit margins of the Energy Industry are not reduced?
It would seem to me that the person who is willing to invest in new technologies, new industries and the jobs that will come from them, is demonstrating a far greater love for his or her nation than the person who is willing to destroy coastlines to fill up for the next ten years....
The earth is supposed to be a liveable environment. It is up to us to keep it that way! Everyone needs to do their part(s). Even if it's just starting off with the simple stuff, like riding your bike or walking instead of driving to certain places.
Hairi Lasisi
Newark, NJ 07104
Clobal Warming is not a world issue rather is a country issue, also it should not be a political issue. The advise may help the other country such as those that called Industrial Nation. In the United United State, the global warming is important because in many years to come United State will see the differences in air pollution.
The pollution may not only be in the sky, or water, or to affect the agricultural, but the air we breath in and out is very important so that we will not die young. The pollution is at work -place, is at school, is at the church, is in everywhere, so as it is important to take good care of our environment
These advise may also be as good to the other Industrial Nations and so called the third world, it should be upto them to follow the advise.
Any executive decision, declaration, or mandate by the president, secret or public, should be voted on by congress. The American public should be kept informed at all steps of the process. Anything else would lead to an evential dictatorship. Which is what we are experiencing now, I fear.
Patriotism was generated and demonstrated by our founding fathers. They pledged their 'lives, fortunes and sacred honor' to preserve liberties now compromised. Patriotism nourishes a nation and ultimately the world. 'Patriotism' as currently co-opted by our leaders has become an excuse for violence.
As we continue to argue about global warming impact. The real arguement is private sector and public sector together. Without working together we will never able come up with a real solution to global warming. We must encourage the private sector and public sector to invest in renewable energy source. Such wind power, solar power, public transporation, nuclear power, biodiesel. Renewable energy is part of solution in global warming
After researching this subject, I don't believe we are causing global warming by any means. It's been recorded that even Pluto is heating up, and that ice caps on Mars are melting as well. It should be noted as well that only 6 countries in the world believe we are to blame. However, I have no problem with the idea of destroyingd all our poluting factories, and large corrporations that posion our world.
As we continue to argue about global warming impact. The real arguement is private sector and public sector together. Without working together we will never able come up with a real solution to global warming. We must encourage the private sector and public sector to invest in renewable energy source. Such wind power, solar power, public transporation, nuclear power, biodiesel. Renewable energy is part of solution in global warming
Patriotism includes trying to right the wrongs of your country. As the most powerful nation the world has ever seen our leadership should be setting an example in all areas of the humanities, including staving off global warming. Stiffing the Kyoto Protocol because it would be injurious to our economy is a shameful position. Regime change begins at home!Now.
As we continue to argue about global warming impact. The real arguement is private sector and public sector together. Without working together we will never able come up with a real solution to global warming. We must encourage the private sector and public sector to invest in renewable energy source. Such wind power, solar power, public transporation, nuclear power, biodiesel. Renewable energy is part of solution in global warming
As we continue to argue about global warming impact. The real arguement is private sector and public sector together. Without working together we will never able come up with a real solution to global warming. We must encourage the private sector and public sector to invest in renewable energy source. Such wind power, solar power, public transporation, nuclear power, biodiesel. Renewable energy is part of solution in global warming
I am happy to see so many good ideas.I thank you all for them.
Mine are much the same, so likely
this will be redundant.
A patriot is one who respects our
Mother the Earth and all her Environs. Patriots take good care
of their corner of the Mother and
respect ALL of Her.
Patriots do not over-fill the Earth with too many offspring.
All this means as others said,
to be a conscious consumer and to
remain informed,to take this message as much as possible to those who do not know;sometimes
this can be risky when people do not wish to know.(I live in such a
region)
Finally in respect to this country
to not allow our Bill of Rights to
be abrogated by those who think
only of money and power.I'll not
name names as I am sure we all know who these are.
How about revising the 2nd paragraph as follows:
Today, we recognize that patriotism must include environmentalism to truly strengthen America's national security, national health and well-being. Further, patriotism must include a shared commitment to the welfare of our planet.
I'd add a second bullet point also:
• Be mindful consumers, by reducing our use of petroleum and petroleum-based products (such as most plastics and many pesticides) to reduce our need to negotiate for oil with unstable and potentially hostile nations.
I like the term GREEN PATRIOTISM, see www. greenpatriot.us
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