It’s True, Good Did Not Triumph in Recent U.S. Politics, But the Game’s Not Over
Here’s the latest installment of the Green Auto Digest, whose feature article presents a sad fact: especially given the energy policies of the new administration in the U.S., petroleum is ruling the day.
This, however, should be likened to a pendulum that has swung as far as possible in one direction (greed, environmental exploitation, and indifference towards the health and safety of the world’s population). At any time now, that pendulum can and will swing back in the other direction.
The metaphor also applies to the zeitgeist of America as a whole. As American investigative journalist Allan Nairn said earlier today, (and I paraphrase) The U.S. has elected a demagogue, who, true to form, has reached into the soul of the people and pulled out the very worst in terms of hate, fear, exclusion, and lack of concern for the well-being of others. But these voters, almost to a person, also have within them a face of decency and compassion. The pendulum is bound to swing back in this direction at some point.
If you think this is simply the optimism of rose-colored glasses, ask yourself how Bernie Sanders, in the absence of malfeasance on the part of the Democratic National Committee, would have been his party’s nominee, and very likely the new U.S. president. My point: the pendulum is held in place by a thread–one that can and will snap at any time.
Yes, Trump’s government is one of Wall Street billionaires, oil companies and inept/corrupt politicians, at war against a free press, public schools, the poor and working class, women, people of color, LBGTs, Muslims, civil and human rights, and a healthy environment. But don’t believe for a moment that this temporary triumph is anything that can’t be blown away by the next strong wind.
Craig,
I suppose it’s pointless to point out that Donald Trump received almost no support from Wall Street , in fact for a Republican candidate, his campaign was remarkable for the lack of funding from corporate donors. (unlike his opponent who received massive funding support).
There’s no evidence that President Trump is opposed to a free press, ( advocating more effective libel laws, isn’t really an attack on a free press).
Far from being and enemy of the poor and neglected, it was they who voted him into office.
What evidence is there to show he discriminates against women ? On the contrary, in his own family and extensive business enterprises he has proved to be a very non-discriminatory promoter of woman’s rights.
There’s no evidence of him discriminating against people of colour, again to the contrary he actively promoted equal opportunity in his business career.
His views on LBGTs are also fairly progressive and certainly non-discriminatory.
His veins on Muslims, seem to be confined to religious extremists and terrorists. Outside the US, moderate Muslims have no objection to Trump, indeed, again to the contrary they welcome him as a partner and business colleague. Several prominent Muslims call him a personal friend.
Now, I wouldn’t have voted for Trump, but I haven’t noticed him growing horns and a tail !
He may actually prove a real friend to the environment by supporting clean(er) technology for economic reasons. Elon Musk believes this to be the possibility.
He may not be the President of your choice, (not mine for that matter) but so far he’s shown no signs of being the Devil either.
My question to you as an American is this:
Do you think spending the next four years ranting about the evils (real and imaginary) of Donald Trump, more productive than seeing what environmental objectives can be achieved from the opportunities his term of office may provide?
Donald Trump may self-implode, or he may not. But right now he’s the US President, backed by a majority in Congress. That’s the reality. The US people are weary of political infighting and campaigning, they want (and need) a period of solid, pragmatic government.
Environmentalists and clean tech advocates of every persuasion must recognize the change in dynamic and seize whatever opportunities are available.