I've kept mum on this subject, because it angers me so, and mainly because I cannot watch the videos or see the images or hear the lies coming from those at fault or the people that are supposed to represent us mouths'.
The reality of what we have done and continue to do to this beautiful planet is so heavy on my heart. So I gave in today, after the weeks of hearing of dead sea turtles and dolphins washing up, an infant whale was found dead and before I even searched out for images of the disaster, tears came to my eyes. And knowing that even me and my family, small as it may be, our personal reliance on oil is partially to blame for this tragedy. And it makes me feel so sick, selfish and terribly ashamed.
The $20 billion dollar "donation" from BP is laughable. The cost of this disaster is more far reaching than that. Lets take a look at the list shall we: (1) loss of livelihood in those that make a living as fisherman and shrimping (2) the restaurant owners who have or will have to shut down because of the lack of fish and shrimp (3) the people who will loose their jobs because of this (4) the kids who will not be able to go to college because their dad or mom lost their job because of this (5) the beautiful creatures that have lost their lives to this (6) the other animals that live off of the animals that have died and will continue to die will also suffer long term (7) those men who lost their lives on that rig (8) the people that are volunteering to help clean up this mess are being exposed to toxins and dangerous efforts (9) and lastly, the long term environmental effects of which we have no way of knowing how far they will reach or how long it will last.
Was the "dead zone" in the gulf during the summer months not enough of a warning sign here? How about the astronomical melting of the glaziers and the fact that polar bears are dwindling. How we, ourselves, as animals, are becoming rodent and cockroach like every-day. And why aren't Americans talking about this? Only those that live in the areas affected are saying anything. The complacency of this nation is admonishing to say the least. And people wonder why I say I'm not sure if I want children. It's already depressing enough knowing that your kid can't play in the front yard, or walk next door without a security detail. Environmentally speaking, I don't want to have to explain to my children what a polar bear was and why they went away. The fact that a species has to have not been seen for 12 years before it's declared extinct is a ludicrous thought. But, now I'm off topic and worked up.
So with the Louis Armstrong song in my head, I will continue to do my best to donate to wildlife relief efforts around the world and of course the BP clean-up effort. But my part in all of this is not lost on me. I am now going back to vegetarian, nary a fish shall pass these lips. I'm already doing Green Mountain clean energy thing, as well as the planet bag thing and the seventh generation thing, organic foods and clothes and of course recycling, I'm lost as to what more I can do, but I will find it, I will find out.
Man, when perfected, is the best of animals; but when isolated he is the worst of all; for injustice is more dangerous when armed, and man is equipped at birth with the weapons of intelligence, and with qualities of character which he may use for the vilest ends. Wherefore if he have not virtue he is the most unholy and savage of animals, full of gluttony and lust. -- Aristotle, Politics
The Charlie Calendar Lives On!
2 months ago
well said. i honestly think that this oil disaster is the beginning of the end for this planet and it eventually becoming uninhabitable by humans. it may not be in our lifetime, but it's soon. it's going to take a huge mass of people to start making a difference and produce real change. brian and i are also trying to do our small part. brian has pretty much expressed how he wants to be vegetarian and pretty much eats that way everyday except for some dinners (unfortunately because of me). i've really been thinking about going vegetarian, but find it so difficult. i've at least been trying to investigate where our meat is coming from and trying to at least purchase what is labeled as being grass-fed, cage-free, organic, etc. i know that i need to do more though. i too also continue to donate to wildlife causes. i know it starts out with the little things. i just hope that considerably more people can start to make these efforts so that it can actually make an impact. it's hard for most americans because they simply can't afford it. alternative diets and lifestyles are expensive. if those who can afford can pave the way, then hopefully it can become something that everyone can afford.
ReplyDeletep.s. weren't you shopping around for a hybrid? did you end up getting one?