Fighting for Environmental Protection
Though we tend to think of current-day U.S. politics as being the most contentious ever in our history, that’s not the case. There have been many such periods, starting with the American Revolution itself, in which 70% of the colonists were actively rooting for the British. Even though it was only a small fraction of 30% who wanted independence who actually fought, victory resulted from the intensity of purpose and unadulterated passion of this tightly unified army of rebels.
Perhaps there’s a lesson here for those of us who fiercely oppose Trump’s war on the environment. Certainly it’s something that informs Bill McKibben’s approach to resistance against the onslaught (see video). Yes, we need a solid strategy and efficient use of monetary donations, but above that, we need the tenacity of our heroes from 240 years ago, the first people to call themselves Americans.
Fortunately, it looks like this is precisely what we have, e.g., millions of people taking to the streets, refusing to accept the lifting of environmental restrictions and the consequent destabilization of our climate, acidification of our oceans, loss of biodiversity, spike in cancer and lung disease, and the demise of our country’s reputation on the world stage.
Coincidentally, today is the anniversary of the day the last U.S. troops left Vietnam at the close of the war (1973). What brought the conflict to an end? In the words of (then U.S. Secretary of State) Henry Kissinger, “If it weren’t for the opposition to the war on the part of the common American, we’d still be there.”
Check out the size of the crowd that’s about to march on Washington on April 29th (Trump’s 100th day in office). Better yet, join it, either in D.C., or any of other cities across the country (and around the world).
I’ll be joining my brethren in Santa Barbara, California–a small city (89K residents) that routinely sets records for the percentage of the total population that turns out at such gatherings.
Your voice matters. I hope you’ll make it heard.
Good balanced article!
The fact that we’ve been through conflicts before and came out OK gives us reason to expect that we will come out OK again.
Craig,
Are you sure you mean what you wrote?
” victory resulted from the intensity of purpose and unadulterated passion of this tightly unified army of rebels ”
I mean, isn’t the above just a slightly re-worked quote from a speech by Benito Mussolini ?
The idea that a violent fanatical minority, if united, can dominate a majority is the basis for fascism (or Communism), isn’t that the antithesis of liberal democracy.
You remind me of those radical students who in the name of “free speech” and “intellectual freedom” demand the right to silence those whose opinions they dislike !
I would imagine such demonstrations will serve to strengthen the Administration and provide a welcome distraction at a time when it’s finding it’s lack of in depth policy research is sapping it’s focus and energy.
Dealing with demonstrators and rambunctious opposition have proved to be one of the Presidents great strengths, news of a massive demonstration and accompanying media circus, must be a cause for celebration in the White House.
Craig,
Slightly of topic, but still relevant. The Trump Presidency may be having troubles with policy construction and implementation, but in the UK the Conservatives are showing how careful planning and preparation, pays dividends.
The UK government has formally triggered article 50, enabling Britain’s irrevocable departure from the EU.
Her speech to the House of Commons was calm, rational and detailed. She addressed the mechanisms, timetable, aspirations as well as implications. The speech was measured and devoid of overly emotive rhetoric.
It hit the right note with the UK people, and surprisingly with the nearly three million EU residents living in the UK.
In contrast her opponents foundered, at the best they looked lame at worst predicting doomsday and saying basically that without European leadership, Britain is puny.
(Not a tactful political statement for the citizens of ” Great Britain” !)
While forty eight per cent of Britons didn’t vote for Brexit in the referendum, support for Brexit has since grown to 80% of MP’s and UK voters now support of the government moving quickly ahead with Brexit and taking advantage of new opportunities.
The sky hasn’t fallen ! Scottish nationalist’s are vocal but with the likelihood of electoral obliteration in both their own local and national elections, as resurgent Scottish Conservatives candidates seem poised to win seats they haven’t been close to winning for 100 years, their views may become irrelevant.
It will take time for the EU to absorb the implications and understand threats and coercion will only result in further defections.
By leaving the EU, Britain may have not only strengthened it’s own destiny, but provided the much needed impetus for EU reform, ensuring the EU’s survival.
Now, as advocated by the UK Foreign Minister Boris Johnson, it’s time for “Great Britain” to apologize for the years of neglect and seek rapprochement with it’s old Commonwealth, in particular Canada, Australia, New Zealand,India, Malaysia and Singapore.
The possibilities are exciting.
The UK Prime Ministers speech was a masterpiece in confidence building, but the delivery was effective due to detailed preparation and careful planning.