Now is Our Time
Michael Brune, RAN’s Executive Director, just sent out this email asking all of us to bring our excitement and inspiration from yesterday’s election to a discussion around how we should move forward together. Take a look and use the comments to add your voice. Michael and other RAN staff will join in as the discussion grows! –Robin
Last night’s decisive victory by Barack Obama proved that a message of hope can change the world. It showed us that yes, we can end the cultural divisions that paralyse progress, and that by uniting in a common cause, we can all be agents of change.
In the words of the president-elect, now is our time.
As we embark on a new path of possibility, we must also start a dialogue about how, together, we will move forward. Today, I invite you to join that conversation.
Since the Reagan administration, RAN has served as the mosquito in the tent of corporate America, drawing attention to our planet’s most critical environmental and social issues. We have been and will remain catalysts of change, and we welcome a president who believes that with hard work and a shared vision, we can transform the world for the better.
We have an opportunity to bring about real change in the world’s mightiest corporations. But with opportunity comes responsibility, and now is the time for all of us to work together to protect our planet.
Are you ready to take this historic, grassroots movement to the next level? The question we all have to ask ourselves is how, as individuals, we can work collectively to ensure and shape the change promised by an Obama presidency.
So please, let us know what you think. Use this forum to share your excitement, and lend your voice to this important–and inspiring–discussion.
Moving forward together,
Michael Brune
Executive Director
Rainforest Action Network
109 Responses to “Now is Our Time”
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November 5th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
This is such an awesome moment in our history. So uplifting, after such a long time of downward spiral for our environment and our national spirit. I am in my late 50’s, but I am SO ready to do whatever is asked of me to bring the change we need. Americans have demonstrated a willingness to sacrifice for the common good before, but it’s been a long, long time and the question remains as to whether we still have that quality. Or have we become so accustomed to comfort and leisure and luxury? I hope not. The next 4 years will demand tremendous effort on all our parts, to accomplish what we have asked Barack Obama to do. But, for now, I am basking in elation and great quantities of hope.
November 5th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
I am so happy and ecstatic, i can now have hope in teaching my classes and change for the future. i’m still here doing all that i can to stop deforestation along with you. thanks for hanging in there.
November 5th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Let’s not get comfortable, folks. California just voted against equality for gays. Pay attention, stay vigilant and never rest when it comes to liberty & justice. It’s your duty to keep an eye on our leaders.
November 5th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
We have made the most important step, at last. Now we have to preserve our forests from further predation and see how we can restore our green areas. Global warming has to be reversed.
November 5th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
How exciting this race has been, a lot of knuckle-biting and cautious hope, bursting out into exultation! But let’s not take our eyes off of Bush, as he tries to gut our environmental regulations and give our wilderness away to his cronies before he leaves office and while everybody is distracted. It’s not safe to ignore him…YET!
November 5th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
As a UK citizen I’m glad that Obama has a real climate change agenda, but he did not mention this as his top priority. All other policies are meaningless if there is runaway climate change, so a genuinely holistic programme requires climate change as top of the list, and I’d add Bioptech to that.
November 5th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
For our planet and all wildlife I am thrilled…the present administration made it clear in every way that they could care less…I truly believe Obama DOES care and will act on his convictions for ALL of us!
November 5th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
The best thing is that we put an end to the horrors that could have happened to the animals if Palin had been allowed to have an influence over our wildlife management policies. Hopefully we can put an end to her aerial gunning of wolves and bears in Alaska, but at least she won’t be let loose on the animals in the lower 48.
November 5th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
Diplomacy is key to protecting rain forests. Obama gives me hope that the whole world can unite to save our home on Earth. With cooperation, the planet can continue to support human and animal life.
November 5th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
In the sumnmer of 1957 I immigrated from Switzerland to the U.S. and have lived in Los Angeles for fiftyone years. I never dreamed I would see such a historic day when an Afrian American Candidate by the name of Barack Obama would be elected in a sweeping victory very much thanks to empowered younger generations. A new dawn is breaking and Change has come to America. I am so grateful that I have been granted to experience this in my lifetime and am privileged to be part of the process to protect our awesome world and to help to preserve it for my 3 year old grandson, Brendan, and his and future generations.
November 5th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
I believe now America has a chance to be the once great country it once was.I agree until Bush is gone a close eye has to be had, as he can still do a lot of damage.For Truth, Liberty and Justice.
November 5th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
I am so grateful. I thought the current administration might steal the election again, like happened in Kenya a year ago. That was not a landslide, it was a loveslide! I feel like so much heavy fear is lifting from me moment by moment. I had no idea the administration was so oppressive for me!! Now i feel freed of some kind of tyranny. I have absolute faith that together, we really can transform the earth into a place of beauty and reverence for all of life. I’m excited about this possibility. Lets all work together. As that “Hopi Prophecy,” that travelled around the internet said: “Gather yourselves, Banish the word ’struggle’ from your attitude and your vocabulary. All that we do now, must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for! This could be a really good time!”
November 5th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
De-regulation was the prime domestic priority of the Bush/Cheney Administration. The destructive force of their actions in the executive branch was vast. I danced and screamed when they announced Obama had won Virginia, but the years of George Bush will continue undiminished if we don’t roll back his careless acts of de-regulation.
We have to focus Obama’s attention on re-staffing agencies with adequate personnel to protect public health and resources. We also need him to protect the public’s interest in the water, air, forests, air -waves, health, drugs, transportation, and energy – resources that actually belong to all of us – by getting the rules and regulations of our democracy back in order.
Yeah it sounds like dry stuff, but this is how all the goodies were stolen, and will keep getting stolen unless de-regulation is reversed. For a good tour of what de-regulation has done to the environment, check out “A Snow Mobile for George” at http://www.asnowmobileforgeorge.com
November 5th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
A time for promise and hope has finally come our way. Our beautiful trees and enviroment have been crying tears of sadness for a very long time, and now its time to help them dry their tears and fill their spirits with hope for a new future. A time for our wonderous trees in our Rainforest to grow strong, tall, beautiful and old as they were designed to do. For each of us to follow our own truth which is the way it’s suppose to be and many have forgotten how. It’s a time to know the “sunrises”, truly mean the new beginning of a new day and sunset gives promise to another day well spent and a new day of hope and joy with all new beginnings within each and every spirit willing to take the journey. With those of us who have awakened in spirit it is our job to help others awaken as well not only thru our spoken word but thru our efforts to show and teach. It is my true joy to walk with like-minded people who share but one huge dream to be at one with Mother Earth, learn and share as much as we can on this wonderous journey that we have been so kindly gifted with.
Luminous Love and light to all,
Sally
November 5th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
While it gives me hope that most of the American people put their vote behind Obama’s seemingly progressive agenda, we should not feel relieved quite yet. We as citizens need to rouse our communities into taking action, and doing the right thing for the landbase that we depend on. The many interconnected issues that we face provide us with an upward battle, and it is crucial that we gain momentum and build solidarity across the globe and at home. The decisions are still being made by a privileged few, and they are still making most of their decisions based on business interests. We need to exert pressure on big business and governments, have our voices heard, and take the power back. Keep up the education, activism, love and rage.
November 5th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
In order to help Barack we have to first be good role models. Do the right things, continually educate ourselves about what’s going on in the world, and keep talking with everyone about what’s going on and what we need to do to improve every day. People had given up on changing things in America and so things became the worst they’d ever been. We all need to plug back in and participate. The world is what its’ citizens make it. Barack helped us to wake up again.
November 5th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
It is with great relief that I witnessed the coming of Obama to the white house.Maybe know we can all pull together to make our planet a welcome place with true justice and opportunity for all to prosper.NO MORE CORRUPTION PLEASE
Bush the oil tycoon can rot in hell.
November 5th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
Obama made note that in many ways his election is only half a step of victory. This is because there are a lot of people who want change, and bringing that voice together into harmony will be very difficult. If there is anything that I can add to this discussion, it is that I think we must all think about our prioritization and plurality. Yes we want to save every forest, yes we want to prevent drilling, but we must be aware that we will most likely not make every goal that we had under one term of Obama. So I think we must do our best to choose the goals that can fit into others goals, we must find compromises and solutions that make the change we want more palpable for the rest of America and for the heads of the major corporations. Many environmental changes would not be that hard if there was only slight changes in our ways of life, but some are very difficult. We must remember to not ask for everything, but ask for the best ways to begin this change. Otherwise a disenfranchised public, combined with aggressive corporations could take back this change that is made. How can oil companies be given opportunities to invest in clean technology? How can loggers and coal miners be given access to the training and employment in green jobs? These are the questions that we must think about on the policy level. They are also the campaigns that I feel we must support on the grassroots level.
The realnews (an independent video news network that I would recommend everyone see) showed an interview with Ralph Nader. Nader was aggressive on Obama and for some good reason. While I felt that Nader may have been a bit out of place he did make one good point. Obama must not just be blankly supported but smartly supported. We must not stop lobbying congress for the changes that we believe must happen, just as we must not stop lobbying our neighbors to get on the band wagon for change.
So to summarize, I think we must think in ways of pluralistic solution and I think we must push hard for that pluralistic solution. If anything, now is our time to do the organizing that we know may make a much bigger difference. Obama’s election was a catalyst, a space, and a promise. Now it is up to us to fulfill it.
November 5th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
Hold your elected officials accountable at the local, state and federal level. Demand a clean, renewable energy economy to create millions of jobs in our OWN country… and to create opportunity… to create HOPE for all of us. MLK gave an ‘I have a dream’ speech. Now it’s our turn. It’s our dream. Go to Washington… Cash that check!!!!
November 5th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
WE NEED TO MAKE THE CHANGES – Let’s stand together in taking action toward a BETTER WORLD!
Now is the time for the USA to look at its huge role in polluting the Earth with its industrial toxins being released into the air, into the water, and onto the ground. Our economy is not based in the elite owners of industry (and their cutting corners to make a bigger profit), as much as it is in the POWER OF THE PEOPLE. There are other processes and means of producing the same products, but without the huge amounts of toxic pollution. WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE BY STANDING TOGETHER FOR WHAT IS BEST FOR OUR SPECIES AND OUR EARTH!
Further, the world’s dependence on oil needs to be changed to a dependence on alternate power sources. While gas is the fuel of today, it is NOT the fuel of tomorrow. Air powered auto engines have been in use in Sweden and Italy for years. The fuel is the air around us compressed to run an electric engine and the ouput is simply the same air that was put in. The air powered car can be a perpetual transportation machine that has ZERO EMMISIONS.
Also, our future financial security depends on MORAL CAPITALISM. This is not the “take as much as you can” schemes of big business tiday, but the SHARE AS MUCH AS YOU CAN attitude that our biggest businesses and richest citizens need to implement. A “good days pay” should not be a small morsel of “the pie,” but a fair share in the profits of the company or corporation each worker is supporting. With this attitude the morale of each worker will be higher as they now share a part of the organization’s profits.
Finally, the main problem we face as a race is the overpopulation of the human species on the Earth. The reduction of our numbers would reduce many of the problems we face today. Everyone alive would get a bigger share of the wealth. There would be less environmental destruction due to the pressures of the needs and desires of humans.
G-d Blessed us with LIFE, now we must MAINTAIN it in a balanced, harmonious way!
November 5th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
The moment of truth has arrived. After so many years in the intellectual desert we have emerged and we can at least see the distant oasis just beyond the horizon. But will we reach the oasis ?
Yes we can ! But eternal vigilance is required.
Having an administration that is inclusive and also empathetic to our goals is a good start and should not be
wasted. Continued pragmatic radicalism is necessary with a reachable goal always in sight.
November 5th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
from Australia – tears keep coming, so much gratitude and amazement that Obama got in, wow! love to everyone in the USA who worked to make this happen, the whole world’s with you, you CAN reclaim your country from the corporatocracy. we all can and we’re in it together.
on another note, i don’t think we can ever expect government to achieve the changes we need, they must always come from us and the government will follow because they have to…so lets lead the way!!! huge love
November 5th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Now is the time to push harder than ever before. If we are to hold Obama accountable for the amount of change we wish to see, it is truly going to take all of us from a grassroots level.
California just abhorrently passed one of the most if not the most discriminatory constitutional change in history. We corrected many original constitutional mistakes of discrimination, but to CHANGE the language to encompass such fear and hatred is an abomination after how far we’ve come.
We must also take responsibility for failing to pass legislation for more renewable energy. We have watched every piece of legislation for more renewable energy get gutted or dropped and our first chance to vote for more was tainted by $30 million dollars of corporate utility propaganda to turn our gut instinct from a YES vote to a frightened NO.
We can’t wait on this transition any longer and if California voters cannot take the time to be educated enough to know the truth, we cannot expect the rest of the nation to either. It will take a serious effort from all of us to BE MORE INFORMED, SPEAK UP, TAKE ACTION, and encourage others to do the same.
Obama cannot do this alone and we cannot expect him to. We must push harder than ever with the next 4 years of Democratic leadership. They are gaining a spine and we must help them keep it.
November 5th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
Yes, Obama’s election is great, but I still mourn 8 years of lost life and treasure and lost opportunity. We should recall that as we move forward.
President-elect Obama hopefully will listen and learn. His position on “Clean Coal” is largely untenable; for instance, mountaintop removal has to go. He has been silent on the extinction crisis which is really THE most important issue – from a survival viewpoint and an ethical one. He will also need to move quickly and strongly to roll back the Bush atrocities on the environment. At the same time, he must address not only climate change, but deforestation worldwide. All remaining wilderness in the US needs federal protection and all eligible roadless areas must be put off limits permanently through wilderness designation. He must address the destruction of the oceans. The health and well-being of people in the developing world has to be dealt with more compassionately, and family planning funding should greatly increase. Thanks to the massive failures of the Bush administration, dealing with these issues will be massively more difficult. We have to remember that, but we must not permit the environment to be placed near the bottom of Obama’s “to do” list. We must insist that he will appoint folks who will value the natural world. Hopefully, he will bend an ear to the conservation community when it comes to these decisions.
November 5th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
it’s not the economy stupid! it’s hope and dreams and imagination and chaos and life… it’s us… it’s the planet that gave us birth… it’s the universe… it’s the essense of dignity… it’s more that we can articulate… we’ll never be the same again because yes sister, yes brother, yes we can…
November 5th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
I’m excited that we’ll now have a presidency that’s not anything like the Bush administration. (But I’m not taking my Obama poster in the front yard down yet; keep showing the support! =])
I thank God that we will have a new president that actually cares about the negative impact we have on the planet, and how he’s actually going to do something about it. It’s absurd to not do anything about global warming, to deny it, and I feel a change for the better approaching. In fact, it’s already come.
God bless this planet and all of the species that inhabit it. <3
November 5th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
It is remarkable and scary to me that in spite of the economic crisis, in spite of Obama’s amazing fundraising success, in spite of the record voter turnout, and in spite of the millions of volunteers who worked tirelessly on Obama’s campaign’s behalf, McCain still got 46% of the popular vote. If any one of those factors had not been in play, I fear we would have had 4 more years of this political nightmare.
I got a big wake-up call yesterday while canvassing for Obama in Indianapolis. The McCain supporting, pro-gun, anti-choice world view was everywhere you turned. How do we reach these people and get them to think about other issues beyond their right to bear arms? I think one thing we need is a major effort to transform the worldview and environmental awareness of the red and swing states. Seems like much (not all) of the good work going on happens in all the predictable places — west coast, east coast, and a few dots in between.
November 5th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
Now is the time for progressive thinkers of all races, sexual orientations, sexes, religious/spiritual creeds & nationalities to come together and truly unite our causes of environmental preservation, sustainability & justice; civil rights for all; economic equality; access to healthcare; reproductive rights, and more. The religious/political right has gained so much ground in the past decades because they are a united force in their patriarchal, pro-landowner ‘rights’, extreme capitalism, fundamentalist religious beliefs. Yet there are cracks in their foundation, largely because many in the religious right have also been hurt by their own forces. The left needs to unite, and open the doors to the disenfranchised into our fold, which we know is the right way, because the liberal left- from environmentalism to civil rights -represents universal truth.
November 5th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
I am feeling hopeful upon the election of Barrack Obama as President of the United States. I wish him and his family well as they step into the limelight and as President Elect Obama picks up the responsibility of this leadership position. I also intend to do my best to be a helpful citizen of this country as well as a steward of this beautiful Mother Earth upon which we all walk. May all beings be healthy and happy and may we all live in harmony with one another. For all my relations…
November 5th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
I am always glad to see a moment in history where there is a change for the good. Even at this point I remain watchful for those who don’t want change because they are our greatest enemies. Even if my body deteriorates, I will still do what I can for Earth Mother and those who live upon her. I will continue to write letters; sign petitions; make posts in newspapers and magazines; plant trees, shrubs, flowers, and whatever plants I can; rescue as many creatures exotic or domestic to our area; donate whenever I can; and do all Creator will allow me to. I wish it were where I could do everything but I will work with all of you as we together can create a better future for all. I bid you all peace, blessings, love, hope and harmony. Keep me informed as we work together. Love, Spiritwalker
November 5th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
We were so excitied to see the Bush era end.Sustainable energy using solar/ wind and tidal is a future we would be proud to hand on to our children and grandchildren and allowing the natural world to survive and florish. This is a world to be proud to live in. We must never allow an politican to tell us that the environment doesn’t matter over business as usual. Live sustainably with local foods supporting your own area with foods in season and birds and animals free to live in the natural world. Congratulation all Americians for showing the poolies that PEOPLE POWER can move mountains. Big Oil is no more.
November 5th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
Barak will need each and every one of us to make changes in our own lives so that all can benefit and mother earth can begin to heal. Are we truly ready to join him at this crucial time in the history of our planet? I beleive we are!
November 5th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Yes, this is a great time feeling so much relief and waves of elation we have held this deep peace in our hearts for so long and now it’s time to spill it out and give it wings, we will do it as communities, as friendships, as dialogue, as change every step of the way, because we have wisdom as individuals and now is our time to shine brightly with no more fear… in love, peace & great respect… we are blessed…Mary
November 5th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
congratulations to ALL :)
from a Canadian above U … he … he … hee !
Change is the ONLY constant … observe nature …
DREAM the DREAM …
THINK the THOUGHTS … SPEAK …
TELL EVERYONE YOUR VISION
FEEL IT COMING TO LIFE …
C IT
MAKE IT HAPPEN … TALK TO ANYONE WHO WILL LISTEN … HEAR YOUR VOICE
REMEMBER : SPEAK and FOCUS on the GOOD
ONLY GIVE the GOOD your thoughts and words … YOUR
ENERGY
SUPPORT and LOVE each other … all things are possible:)
we are observed by ACTIONS
namaste (may the light in u shine upon the light in me)
November 5th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
I send congratulations and good wishes to Mr. Obama even though I was a McCain supporter. We ourselves must make the day-to-day changes to improve our environment. Looking to the government to solve most of our environmental problems is not the answer. I am vegan, recycler, environmentalist, animal rights activist, and yes a conservative. Is there really room for everyone in this new era? Or will I continue to be shouted down by people who may not agree with my views? So much for diversity.
November 5th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
The environmental movement should embrace veganism. The following quotes, facts, figures and statistics are excerpted from Please Don’t Eat the Animals (2007), by Jennifer Horsman and Jaime Flowers:
“A reduction in beef and other meat consumption is the most potent single act you can take to halt the destruction of our environment and preserve our natural resources. Our choices do matter: What’s healthiest for each of us personally is also healthiest for the life support system of our precious, but wounded planet.”
—John Robbins, author, Diet for a New America, and President, EarthSave Foundation
One study puts animal waste in the United States to between 2.4 trillion to 3.9 trillion pounds per year. The United states produces 15,000 pounds of manure per person. This is 130 times the amount of waste produced by the entire human population of the United States.
A 1,000-cow dairy can produce approximately 120,000 pounds of waste per day. This is the functional equivalent of the amount of sanitary waste produced by a city of 20,000 people.
A 20,000-chicken factory produces about 2.4 million pounds of manure a year. Poultry factories are one of the fastest growing industries throughout Asia.
One pig excretes nearly three gallons of waste per day, or 2.5 times the average human’s daily total. One hog farm with 50,000 pigs in France produces more waste than the entire city of Los Angeles, and some pig farms are much larger.
Factory farm pollution is the primary source of damage to coastal waters in North and South America, Europe, and Asia. Scientists report that over sixty percent of the coastal waters in the United States are moderately to severely degraded from factory farm nutrient pollution. This pollution creates oxygen-depleted dead zones, which are huge areas of ocean devoid of aquatic life.
Meat production causes deforestation, which then contributes to global warming. Trees convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, and the destruction of forests around the globe to make room for grazing cattle furthers the greenhouse effect. The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations reports that the annual rate of tropical deforestation has increased from 9 million hectares in 1980 to 16.8 million hectares in 1990, and unfortunately, this destruction has accelerated since then. By 1994, a staggering 200 million hectares of rainforest had been destroyed in South America just for cattle.
“The impact of countless hooves and mouths over the years has done more to alter the type of vegetation and land forms of the West than all the water projects, strip mines, power plants, freeways, and sub-division developments combined.”
—Philip Fradkin, in Audubon, National Audubon Society, New York
Agricultural meat production generates air pollution. As manure decomposes, it releases over 400 volatile organic compounds, many of which are extremely harmful to human health. Nitrogen, a major by-product of animal wastes, changes to ammonia as it escapes into the air, and this is a major source of acid rain. Worldwide, livestock produce over 30 million tons of ammonia. Hydrogen sulfide, another chemical released from animal waste, can cause irreversible neurological damage, even at low levels.
The world Conservation Union lists over 1,000 different fish species that are threatened or endangered. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimate, over 60 percent of the world’s fish species are either fully exploited or depleted. Commercial fish populations of cod, hake, haddock, and flounder have fallen by as much as 95 percent in the north Atlantic.
The United States and Europe lose several billion tons of topsoil each year from cropland and grazing land, and 84 percent of this erosion is caused by livestock agriculture. While this soil is theoretically a renewable resource, we are losing soil at a much faster rate than we are able to replace it. It takes 100 to 500 years to produce one inch of topsoil, but due to livestock grazing and feeding, farming areas can lose up to six inches of topsoil a year.
Livestock production affects a startling 70 to 85 percent of the land area of the United States, United Kingdom, and the European Union. That includes the public and private rangeland used for grazing, as well as the land used to produce the crops that feed the animals. By comparison, urbanization only affects 3 percent of the United States land area, slightly larger for the European Union and the United Kingdom. Meat production consumes the world’s land resources.
Half of all fresh water worldwide is used for thirsty livestock. Producing eight ounces of beef requires an unimaginable 25,000 liters of water, or the water necessary for one pound of steak equals the water consumption of the average household for a year.
The United States government spends $10 million each year to kill an estimated 100,000 wild animals, including coyotes, foxes, bobcats, badgers, bears, and mountain lions just to placate ranchers who don’t want these animals killing their livestock. The cost far outweighs the damage to livestock that these predators cause.
The Worldwatch Institute estimates one pound of steak from a steer raised in a feedlot costs: five pounds of grain, a whopping 2,500 gallons of water, the energy equivalent of a gallon of gasoline, and about 34 pounds of topsoil.
33 percent of our nation’s raw materials and fossil fuels go into livestock destined for slaughter. In a vegan economy, only 2 percent of our resources will go to the production of food.
“It seems disingenuous for the intellectual elite of the first world to dwell on the subject of too many babies being born in the second- and third-world nations while virtually ignoring the overpopulation of cattle and the realities of a food chain that robs the poor of sustenance to feed the rich a steady diet of grain-fed meat.”
—Jeremy Rifkin, author, Beyond Beef: The Rise and Fall of the Cattle Culture, and president of the Greenhouse Crisis Foundation
Lester Brown of the Overseas Development Council calculates that if Americans reduced their meat consumption by only 10 percent per year, it would free at least 12 million tons of grain for human consumption–or enough to feed 60 million people.
November 5th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
I am not only excited about the possibility of stemming the tide of climate change (a critical first priority), I’m excited about what this could mean for the average struggling American and poor people the world over. Many Americans have become jobless, gone hungry, and lost everything due to the Bush doctrine. Imagine, just imagine, if we spent our money on peaceful endeavors (healthcare, science, the environment, education, community development, curing AIDS, providing safe, clean water – to everyone) instead of on war. I cannot imagine a more secure world than one in which we are all free, safe, and well fed (and Americans were better known for humanitarianism than for aggression?). It sure seems like that world would be freer of consumption, and that people who were not worried about losing their house or paying their medical bills would have more time to devote to their communities, their country, and the needs of others. We need to stop hoping and start fighting. Not just for the environment, but for all the people that depend upon it.
November 5th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
This is for you Margie….
No, you will not be shouted down, not by me, and thank you for writing. I think that there is so much that we can all agree upon.
For instance, I think that our media (liberal and conservative) has fueled the divisiveness in our country, and set a hostile tone. It has failed all of us by not asking the tough questions and providing the analysis that we all need to make good decisions. Maybe we can agree on this?
Kudos to you for all your efforts to make the world a better place.
November 5th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
While I too bask in the glory of hope and humility inspired by the Obama victory, I know this feeling is inspiring me to recommit myself to continued vigilance and hard work on behalf of pacha mama. Two issues that I believe are quick, easy, and very time sensitive items are:
1. Bio-fuels – I continue to hear the President-elect (God that feels good!) speak of bio-fuels. It seems important that RAN provide thorough education about which bio-fuels are sustainable and which create devastation.
2. In striving to demonstrate that Obama will be a coalition builder, his people are indicating having at least one Republican in his cabinet. In order to demonstrate that he truly intends to represent the diversity of political persuasion, I believe he should also appoint a high profile Green party member to his inner circle.
November 5th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
While I’m certainly glad that Obama won, not McCain and that awful Palin woman, I am not a Democrat. I am a member of Green Party, and know better than to believe that a candidate elected from the corporate party system (Republicans/Democrats) can usher in true change. The Rs and Ds have had all the time in the world to show us what they can do; and they do terrible things.
If Obama proves to be better than his colleagues, it will be in spite of his party affiliation.
November 5th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
I gotta agree with Marjorie. Those of you that read ” Confessions of an Economic hit man” ( if you didn’t ? Buy it. John is a big supporter of RAN ) will understand that the Corporate International Army, CIA, will be having a little ” talk” with Obama real soon.
November 5th, 2008 at 11:50 pm
Hi all
From the Netherlands; I’m excited about this new change de US has to make some radical changes after this Bush administration. Altough, I hope sincerelly that Obama will take up the green movement to another level, without ‘clean coal power plants’.
November 6th, 2008 at 1:08 am
This is Helena Dworeck from Finland. Iam really happy that Obama will be the next president. I will be atching what he will do to global environmental things and to the poorest people in this world, who suffer most of this economical chrise.
November 6th, 2008 at 2:21 am
The issues that this planet and our global community are facing can not be solved by one man and one country alone. America is indeed in a position to affect an enormous amount of positive change, but long-term solutions must come from the bottom up. I hope environmentalists around the world work even harder in their local communities and unite their independent voices to really make a crushing impact on the power weilded by industry, corporations and all those who seek to destroy our only home for a few more dollars.
November 6th, 2008 at 3:27 am
I truly hope that Robert Kennedy Jr. accepts the role to head our EPA
November 6th, 2008 at 3:55 am
The Forests primary are the only natural system, supplied by creation, able to adjust and maintain balance: of atmosphere, climate, the greenhouse effect, production oxygen, the ozone, absorption of CO2, DNA-General and production H2O.
When this vital concept will be part of the dimension of the political man, perhaps, we could to have a hope to live long in the common home (the Planet Earth).
The rainforests are natural source for the production of oxygen and water (fuels essential for life on the planet)and absorption of CO2.
Limiting pollution without worrying about the sources of absorption of CO2 is a counterproductive strategy that entails stricter rules to curb emissions of CO2 and increase penalties for the economy.
For set one table for discussion that allows us to get impartial rules: Weigh on balance. On one flat, put Stop the destruction of forests and on other, put climate package kyoto,
More is quantity absorbing CO2 = More commercial investments.
In our opinion, the beginning for solving the problems is primarily linked to Stop the Destruction of Forests.
Visit our site. http://www.atmosforests.org
November 6th, 2008 at 4:37 am
The writing has been on the wall for over 30 years; my entire adult life, I have done everything I could to make pro-environmental choices- it has mattered very little. I got fired up when I heard President-elect Obama speech about how we are the instruments of change and how there is work ahead and I was thinking “yea, tell me what to do.” Then I realized, as concerned individuals, we ARE and have been doing what we can. Some problems are bigger than us, and it is long past time for the government to step in and step up with STRONG regulations and protection. We are to the point where “jobs not owls” will kill us- we need environmentally friendly jobs that will save the Planet and the most vulnerable of us- the poor. Please President Obama- listen to Al Gore and support each and every one of his initiatives.
November 6th, 2008 at 4:38 am
It’s still hard to believe that this long nightmare is over! Yes, Bobby Kennedy, Jr. would be excellent as head of the EPA or Interior Secretary and Robert Reich would make an exceptional Secretary of the Treasury, but regardless of who is appointed ANYONE would be better than those appointed by the Bush regime. Having said that, recall all the friction we encountered under the Clinton Administration? With the added hurtle of a Bush-era Depression, protecting the planet in the Obama era will still be a struggle.
November 6th, 2008 at 4:41 am
We finally have a leader. The last 8 years have been a horrible nightmare for us and the environment. But “We the people” must stay vigilant, active in the process and aware of the what they’re doing. We cannot keep the shroud of apathy around us any longer. Tears of joy upon hearing the news of his wondrous win have turned into conviction for change alongside Obama. Working together, we can do whatever it takes to make this planet healthier.
November 6th, 2008 at 4:48 am
I had forgotten what hope actually felt like. When it came flooding back into me as I realized Obama had really won the election, it was overwhelming. I believe that he will do everything possible from the level of the federal government to address climate change, but we must help. It is going to take severe conservation on all our parts. It will not be comfortable. But with him as president we can feel that our collective discomfort is being appreciated. He can inspire more people to participate than anyone else possibly could. Our world is on a collision course with ecological disaster. Let’s decide to turn this ship around and hope, hope, hope that it’s not too late.
November 6th, 2008 at 4:59 am
For all the talk about Obama being a redistributionist, he is a capitalist who with intelligence will likely employ a mixture of uniquely American entrepreneurial and innovative strategies, alongside a socialist model of community organizing, to try to ensure the right changes are made with the urgency of now. My fear too is that the corporate forces will get in his way, and I’m sure he’s read enough history books to know that. So let’s hope for the best!
November 6th, 2008 at 5:16 am
I am a 56 year hold French Canadian business man. The election of Barack Obama is for me best thing that have happened for the USA and for the world during the last decade. This is a unique moment in the history of the world that open opportunities where each individual could contribute to build a better word. This historical event is only the spark that has trigger the new movement for changing our world. Barack Obama would only succeed in briging his (our) vision to life if he is suppported by each individual that share the same vision of a better world (this election and the way that Barack’s has brought the ordinary peaple to realize that they can contribute to the process is the reason for that unbelievable success). Today, the real people around the world are proud of the USA and look at the future with joy and hope.
November 6th, 2008 at 5:28 am
I am looking forward to things turning around after the past eight years of being on the road to disaster.
November 6th, 2008 at 5:44 am
I am very worried that because of high expectations and because it IS a very difficult situation (economic and otherwise) the Democrats are likely to screw up. How can all the volunteers help AFTER the election?
November 6th, 2008 at 6:20 am
Now that the election is over the real work must begin immediately. It is more important than ever to remain vigilant and not let the corporate-dominated Democratic party off the hook vis a vis environmental issues. In particular, the grassroots must hold Obama and Congress’s feet to the fire re funding and implementing Obama’s proposed Green economic recovery plan (which should also reward conservation efforts), and vigorously oppose his support of possibly increasing nuclear, “clean” coal and offshore drilling energy options. Much of the environmental community fell asleep at the wheel during the Clinton era, when little was accomplished, and too late, environmentally.
November 6th, 2008 at 6:31 am
Let us work together to make “green the new red white and blue”. America can lead the world again if we build our economy renewable energy and green practices. Each person can do their part if we come together.
November 6th, 2008 at 6:57 am
Im so excited about Obama and the reaction from all over the world he is going to prove to be a savior for the human race, the animals, and Mother Earth, for all those who dwel upon her; we are rejoicing! All My Relations, We are all related, ducie
November 6th, 2008 at 7:28 am
Yes We Can! I am so happy that sanity has triumphed over this nightmare of the past 8 years.
I only hope that everyone can come back to reality and realize that the work to make a greener more prosperous America and World must start immediately!
This momentum must be acted and seized upon this week, and continued each and every day.
We need those Green Collar jobs to be opened now, to save this economy and help our ailing planet.
Thank you all for believing that Change can happen!
November 6th, 2008 at 7:29 am
Eventhough I am from Thailand, I’ve been against McCain/Palin since I knew about them and the only choice left was Obama. I am glad that I will not have to be stressful about it and I am glad that the world has hope for peace and the environment has hope for the better. Eventhough Obama is just like other politicians who just build their images to get elected, his image is good and I hope he sticks to it.
Hooray for what we have been fighting for!
Niz
November 6th, 2008 at 7:45 am
It made me proud to be a parent, when my ten year old son shared his interest in what is happening in our country and its effects around the world. I consider this election a victory with strings. I will do what i am able to educate myself and my family about the issues we face as a country and the impact they have globally. Congratulations to Barak Obama! I am very proud of America for making, what i consider the best choice for president.
We now have the obligation to keep our new president responsible for what he does on our behalf. Keep up the good work RAN, I always look forward to your e-mails.
November 6th, 2008 at 8:00 am
i am going to try to be involved with you guys….. it will not be every day, but i see that you have a line of thinking that pleases me.
and thanks
November 6th, 2008 at 8:17 am
WOW I so proud and elated to be an American. We have walked throught the dooeway of Hope. Now is the time to unit with community of all to recharge each others will back to living life with love, and kindness to all. We (my son Ryder 9 and I)are here to help in that transtition.
November 6th, 2008 at 8:21 am
Now is the time to cherish our trees!!!! Now is the time to breathe relief (I hope)… Now is the time to KNOW (we need to know) that the water will be cleaner, the wilderness stands safely uncut, the coal companies are not cutting off the tops of West Virginia mountains.
Let us begin to NOW reclaim our beautiful land! No time to lose.. It has been so hard for these past eight years…!
whew!
Now is the time!
November 6th, 2008 at 8:38 am
Congratulations U.S.A.!! You have shown the world that the American dream is not only possible but valid and real.
The world breathes now a new fresh air of hope and optimism.
November 6th, 2008 at 8:44 am
If the rumors are true and Robert Kennedy Jr. becomes the next EPA Administrator, there will truly be real change on the environment in this country. “Protection” will become a prominent part of E”P”A again! RAN should focus on encouraging environmentally-proactive appointments to U.N. Ambassador and other influential foreign-branch posts in order to effect the same change abroad.
November 6th, 2008 at 8:55 am
Like everyone, I’m ecstatic about the November 4 outcome: President Obama… wow!
It’s two days later and I don’t feel we have anytime to rest on our laurels.
Bush & Co. is still at the helm till January 9. Even after Obama takes office – probably a three hankie event – he’s still up against a status quo that’s been in place since 1968 and in order to shift this inertia we need to remain vigilant at all times.
Not to get too woo-woo, but there are dark forces that DO NOT want this shift to happen!
President Obama will need everything “WE THE PEOPLE” (and that really means something now!) can muster.
God and/or Goddess Bless America!
November 6th, 2008 at 9:05 am
I couldn’t be more excited for our country and all its inhabitants – humans and our wildlife friends. As soon as I heard Obama won, I broke into tears that our prayers had been answered. From those beginning moments of victory, just watching people of all colors, ages and genders joining together to celebrate a new beginning was beautiful. I saw hope replace fear in the eyes of so many. I would like to thank all the people who stood up to for America. I was a pollworker and was grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this historic election. Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who spoke up, had faith in the system and voted! Our voices were heard. :)
November 6th, 2008 at 10:13 am
I think, the poverty in the World is consequence of attitudes of great countries and underdeveloped countries too. In the poor countries it will follow the deforestation while poverty exists, because people sell wood to live and depredate the forest to live. It is task of all of reducing the protections to agricultural products in the great countries to have right prices in agricultural products. It is important to think about the planet is a place of all the people in the world, and Obama, is a possibility in this idea
November 6th, 2008 at 10:16 am
It’s really great to see so much enthusiasm from our friends at home and abroad. My hope is that we can move ahead together. For eight years (plus), RAN has fought to challenge corporations to act for people and the planet when government would not. We now have an opportunity to challenge those same corporations to make way for the systemic change we need: clean energy and healthy forests that will turn the tide of global warming.
November 6th, 2008 at 10:22 am
In the ½ hour television broadcast on October 29, 2008 sponsored by the Obama campaign, Barack Obama said:
“ I will open the doors of government and ask you to be involved in your own democracy again.”
Here is a way to make that happen.
WE THE PEOPLE
Americans are ready for change. Everywhere we look, from collapsing eco-systems to financial systems; it is increasingly clear that successful paths forward call for dramatic technical, business, political and cultural transformation. Based on a belief that decision making by and for the people defines democracy, the change that we Americans are ready for includes a government responsive to each and every one of us. The maturing power of the internet is capable of giving each voter a voice in government, finally making true democracy a reality.
THE PROBLEM-
Over the last century, government has become increasingly owned by the financially powerful. In the fifties, Eisenhower warned about the “military industrial complex” wielding excessive power. The expansion of the military during the Cold War taught Corporate America and other special interests how to work the wheels of government to their favor. It has gotten to the point where elections are inconvenient delays in the ongoing purchase of advantage by special interests. Attempts to create legislation that breaks this relationship have never been successful but the relationship between powerful special interests and Government needs to be broken if a successful future driven by representative democracy is going to exist.
THE SOLUTION-
Here’s an example:
Medicare Part D is the prescription drug benefit that was passed in 2006. A clause in the bill makes it impossible for the federal government to negotiate discounts for drugs from the pharmaceutical industry. Most citizens agree that this clause is unfair and benefits the drug companies but since our voices weren’t heard, the bill passed with this clause intact.
So, imagine;
In the next administration, a bill comes up to eliminate this clause thereby giving Medicare the ability to negotiate bulk discounts on drugs. As this bill begins its travels through Congress, millions of citizens weigh in on the bill through a secure internet voting site. A brief description of the bill along with the pros and cons of passage will help voters decide how to vote. Votes will be tallied, publicized and become part of the Congressional and national debate.
What will the drug company lobbyists answer when the Congressperson they are working with says: “I know you want me to kill this bill, but the vast majority of Americans support it and don’t I work for them?”
The obvious outcome of this example is that the government would be authorized to negotiate bulk discount prices for drugs.
Less obvious outcomes include:
• Accountability – Our elected representatives will know the will of the people on the specific issues being voted on. The people will also know how their elected representatives’ vote on issues they care about.
• Legislative add-ons or “earmarks” would have to pass the scrutiny of voters.
• Our Representatives will have the voices of millions of voters who will give them the cover they need to stand up to special interests.
• Legislators will be inclined to introduce bills supported by the will of the people, such as campaign finance reform and strong global warming legislation.
• Voters will have a powerful tool for civic engagement.
• Interest groups will improve their effectiveness by rallying the support of their members around specific bills.
HOW WILL THE “WE THE PEOPLE” SITE LOOK?
• The success of the website depends on voters’ trusting its non partisan perspective.
• A federally funded site including public access to the internet for voters who don’t have their own computers.
• A secure, ideologically independent site protected from ballot stuffing.
• Non partisan distillations of pending legislation with links to the actual bills.
• Vote tallying capability including national, state and congressional district.
• A “suggestions” box for legislation important to voters.
PROMOTION AND USE OF THE SITE
Once built, promoting the website will occur via invitation through the hundreds of organizations that involve voters in civic action. From the lists of campaign donors to the National Rifle Association to the Sierra Club, all shapes and sizes of interest groups will be encouraged to invite their supporters to sign up as “WE THE PEOPLE” voters.
As voters see the impact of their votes on actual legislation, the use of the site should increase dramatically. Interest groups will advocate to their members with the knowledge that successful advocacy will determine the success or failure of legislation. Active advocacy to voters will promote a healthy debate around issues and bring increasingly more people into the conversation.
It is time for America to regain its leadership role in the world. With the power of the internet and participation of voters, we can build a participatory and effective democracy. New leadership, serious about the promise of change, has an incredible opportunity for creating a truly democratic system of government that effectively engages “We the People”.
November 6th, 2008 at 10:22 am
Congrats to President Obama. I do believe he has what it takes to create postive global change.
From an energy point of view, the emphasis has got to be on clean energy (solar and wind). The world can no longer rely on oil, coal and nuclear power as these all have negative side effects that are killing our planet. It’s time we give companies who are engaging in clean energy production a chance.
November 6th, 2008 at 10:24 am
It is great news for the planet that Obama has been elected president of the USA. However he must be kept in the picture from an environmental point of view, so as he can make informed decisions and reverse the damage being done to the worlds ecosystems. Some of his policies like nuclear and clean coal are among the areas where work has to be done by eNGO’s and RAN, to bring those to his attention. He must also bring the USA on board with the Kyoto Protocol or convene an even better and up to date international agreement that will tackle climate change and reverse rampant deforestation.
November 6th, 2008 at 11:30 am
This is a beginning, BUT unless we start working on the REAL problem of human over population, we are only putting off the inevitable destruction of ALL wild places and animals. As more and more people are born and less die, there is less room and resources for all wildlife. I do NOT want to live in a world that is animal free and concrete rich.
November 6th, 2008 at 11:42 am
I have 2 major concerns becaus of my great grandchildren. One is to preserve the environment. The other is to achieve a balanced budget as soon as possible. The rate at which we are spending money we do not have is threatening.
November 6th, 2008 at 11:57 am
I am thrilled that we will have this new president. I hope that he too recognizes the primary importance of protecting our lovely and imperiled wilderness areas. The arctic wild places must be insured against drilling, and our roadless areas must be kept intact. These and other environmental issues are a top priority. I hope that President Obama will be a great leader in safeguarding our wild heritage as well as helping us to work peacefully with other nations in solving world problems.
November 6th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Sorry to burst this little bubble of euphoria but it is potentially fatal to think that politicians have real power. For they too have their masters, two of them – the people and the dollar. The dollar equates to survival. It is the currency that the human race itself has created that we are up against. And those with the most survival credit (currency) will always have the greatest potential to buy out other players in the game of survival. Human existence has evolved to a new level. Economics, driven by priveleged access to technology, is the new order of organism that rules this world, like the ugliest, most ravenous T. rex you’ve ever seen. This is what we are up against. And it will take major sacrifice to triumph over such an undeniable, massive and amoral beast. The long term solution will be population management. The human race will find its own point of self-limitation. It’s inevitable. There is finite potential in the resources this planet can provide. All other macro-environmental change is reliant on reducing fundamental pressure on resources. As resources exponentially dwindle, what is left will be hoarded by those with the most survival credits (money, influence). I guarantee that things will get worse before they get better. Obama is one man, one single human being, playing a character in a well scripted play written by those with massive amounts of survival credit. All they have to do is plant a thought that his family is at risk and he will fold like Superman on washing day. It’s human nature to protect your family. Don’t be foolish enough to think that the powers won’t exploit this. Remember the amoral beast. It is not driven by the softer emotions. Its base instincts are not to be underestimated in its drive for survival.
But it’s not to say that there is no other path. However, to be in the game with a chance, it will take more than peace, love and faith in the universe. The rules are set by the dominant organism. To fight it will utimately mean sacrificing the very values that we strive to protect. “In order to have peace, we must prepare for war”. Life is one big irony, for better or for worse. One thing for sure, survival has never been determined by the softer emotions though the right to experience them is the prize. It will take unthinkable acts to put the destroyers of the world in their place. They are only influenced by two things – fear of death and love of money/power. Get to them on these and you’ve got a chance to win the game. But first you have to get to them. This is the only way to protect the world before it protects itself. These are our two options.
Please, someone present an overwhelming argument against my own. And please base it on organic truths, not on emotionally driven rhetoric, or blind faith in a god or a higher spiritual power. This denial driven by the softer emotions and plays into the enemies’ hands. Let’s get to the ugly truth people. Please tell me there is a third option. The path we are on will leave this planet to the organisms surviving human self-destruction. No-one is more powerful than the forces of nature that created us. What are we REALLY prepared to do?
November 6th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
This is an exciting time to be alive – and it’s great to be an American for a change. All my adult life – and much of my teen life – I’ve been dismayed by the increasing ability of those holding the most moneyed power base to maintain their status and their power. This is the first time in my lifetime – since the year I was born and Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated – that I can say I’m proud of my country. I know that Obama is but one man. But if he can achieve for good that Dubya managed to tear down – we’re living in better times. And the fact that we have an African American as our leader – c’mon people! This is a great time to be here! And RAN has a real responsibility – as do we all – to help him achieve the goals of the nation. For his campaign showed that the grassroots, the people, when organized, can achieve what would heretofore been considered impossible. Together we have a lot of work to do, a lot of good we can achieve. RAN has my support.
November 6th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
I can’t believe this is finally happening.All i hope is that it will be for the better by far.Let’s hope Obama sticks to his policies and knows who he is effecting.I think this is a great moment for us and the worl.We are finally going to have a bit more power in the situation to do something about it.RAN is doing everything it can and now it can do more than ever i think.We have been doing everything to stop people from using palm oil and from cutting down trees or obtaining more coal from natural mines.Now we can do more for the worl.Let’s all think of the environment and animals in the world if we figure this out.WE can make it happen.
November 6th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Thanks for providing this forum for comment. We see how the Obama campaign used the internet to connect the world to support a leader who cares. RAN can do the same to channel its members’ views to President Obama. As you say, you’ve been fighting the good fight for quite a while now, your message is strong and, without a doubt, will find a more sympathethic ear in the White House. We can’t expect perfection, but we can expect a miracle, so keep up the good work and we will support you.
November 6th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
I welcome R&D into renewable energy and resist off shore drilling, ‘clean’ coal, natural gas and nuclear power. This indeed has been a historic election, I canvased regularly for Obama and feel elated about his election. He DOES need to hear from us to put alot of his efforts into renewable energy sources. At this time he favors ‘clean’ coal technology, Illinois is one of the most heavily nuclear states and I suspect he is wavering on off shore drilling. Our work is far from over.
November 6th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Hi everyone, thanks so much for these inspiring messages. I’m in Seattle right now for the next stop on my book tour and I’m about to debate an executive from Shell. I’ll post again tomorrow with some of my reactions to this great discussion. –Michael Brune
November 6th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
Finally after years of supprssion and a country lead on greed and the hunger of power . history has been made,was only a few decades ago thought un-thinkablal. we see anything is possible . we are a global villiage who need global unity. Obama will bring change he is the voice of our hope .
November 6th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
Dear RAN,
I just signed this petition asking that Obama appoint a Treasury Secretary who can clean up Wall Street, not one who helped deregulate it. Right now, the leading candidate for the post is Clinton administration official Larry Summers, who had a hand in reducing regulations on banks in 1999.
We can’t fix this mess by handing control to the people who made it.
Read the petition and sign up here:
http://action.openleft.com/page/petition/nosummers
Thanks!
November 6th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
Everyone should check out Obama’s new site, change.gov . It’s another great forum for sharing ideas, and I think he’s really going to listen. It’s a super cool site!!
November 7th, 2008 at 4:08 am
On March 12, 1930, Mahatma Gandhi led the Dandi march to make salt, with growing numbers of Indians joining him along the way. It sparked acts of civil disobedience against the salt laws by millions of Indians.
To quote an earlier post “we as citizens need to rouse our communities into taking action”. Without this support, the new administration will struggle to move its agenda forward.
There are tens of millions of people today inspired by Obama’s victory and eager to make a difference. Let’s organize a march for next spring, from Wall Street to the heart of coal country in Pennsylvania.
November 7th, 2008 at 5:23 am
In his victory speech, Barack Obama referred to “a planet in peril”. We must constantly remind the President and Congress of this, and make sure scientific advice is put into laws and regulations. Industry lobbyists are not going to fold up and go home – we must raise our voice louder than theirs, and not rest on our laurels.
November 7th, 2008 at 5:28 am
OK now we’ve got Barack on our side. Let’s all find out just what we’re facing.
The Secret History of the American Empire by John Perkins will give us the ammunition we need. Beg, borrow and steal this. Printed in 30 languages. You’ve never heard of this because your media is afraid. America, we don’t really know our enemy until we read this. Yes we can.
November 7th, 2008 at 7:34 am
im just hoping for change. and happy :)
November 7th, 2008 at 8:37 am
Now is the time to take our convictions and share them with those around us. This is the time when we have the power to voice our opinion and know that it can be heard, that it cannot simply be dismissed. I am excited to take my passion and creativity and start integrating it into our struggle! Everyone has their own unique way that they can make a difference and I have a feeling we are going to be seeing a lot of people taking action in ways we’ve yet to see!
November 7th, 2008 at 10:19 am
#77 Dave C
There is an answer … all of us … you and me … become self sustaineable … do u remember when we grew our own food? In our back yard … or a plot down the street. We walked … there is so much land available … search land out … empty lots … plant your own seeds … grow our own food … stop buying STUFF … as STUFF is purchased at BIG BOX STORES … which is manufactuered off shore … which makes OUR LIFE EASIER ??? We pay a price for making our life EASIER … BUT ALAS … we have found out LIFE is not better when it is EASIER … be creative … be responsible for ourselves … no one can FIX life … EACH ONE of US needs to … BE THE CHANGE …
REDUCE … buy only that which sustaines us
REUSE … EVERYTHING … if we cannot reuse it … do not buy it
as a LAST resort RECYCLE
WE have the technology … the brains and the brawn to become TOTALY self sustainable … which means being accountable and responsible for all that we do … think and say …IT IS UP TO EASCH OF US TO MAKE THINGS RIGHT …
no more pointing fingers … LOOK IN THE MIRROR … WE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR OURSELVES … KEEP THE MIRROR SHINY … and ALL OF LIFE IS BLISS
November 7th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
I cannot thank Rainforest enough for all you have done to protect our environment and the precious indigenous people who have almost been annihilated by greedy monsters. Now, you will have some help in saving the environment with this wonderful new president. Thank you thank you thank you. J. Miller
November 7th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
My support to conserving the rain forest and the ancient trees of our earth!
November 7th, 2008 at 10:57 pm
Hi folks, I’m back from Seattle. Had a great debate last night with a Shell executive and a former Bush EPA official, where perhaps the most bizarre and unexpected suggestion was to build a fleet of nuclear-powered cruise ships. I’m serious!
Anyway, I want to thank everyone for your thoughtful and enthusiastic comments. I agree with Kelly (post #23) who said that “Now is the time to push harder than ever before. ” I also agree with the general sentiment among many posts that we should be both hopeful and optimistic about the future under an Obama Administration AND vigilant and watchful for any backsliding that might occur.
Personally, I’m looking forward to not playing defense all the time. To be clear, we still have plenty of work to do to halt deforestation, strengthen human rights, and resist such false solutions as “clean coal,” exploiting oil in the tar sands, and so on. But we also have an historic opportunity — to begin rebuilding an ethical economy in which profits do not come before principles. We can create an ecological and social U-turn that restores forests, replaces dirty energy plants with renewable energy, and produces green-collar jobs that can sustain families.
As Obama said in his acceptance speech in Denver, “Change doesn’t come from Washington. Change comes to Washington.” So let’s get to work. And remember what Jay-Z said about this election, “Rosa Parks sat so Martin Luther King could walk. Martin Luther King walked so Obama could run. Obama’s running so we all can fly.”
November 8th, 2008 at 3:30 am
We’ll wait and see…
It is, after all, the system that has to change, more than the incumbent. It is historical, obviously, having an African-American in the White House, but how serious do we take him? Obviously I’m chuffed he’s won over McCain, but he made a lot of promises under the guise of “a new direction”, etc. As Howard Zinn pointed out (on Aljazeera the other night haha), Obama has put himself on such a pedestal that he might actually have to do some of the things he’s promised.
Who knows… it’s still the lesser of the two evils.
November 9th, 2008 at 3:54 am
long ago i was a senseless kid being made aware towards environmental issues, still had no response regarding such, but enter the activist side of punk rock, and there you have the desire to make a change. here in our country, coal plants are starting to take root, and in our city, one is being set, but thankfully there has been resistance. people here may not be the agitating type, but hopefully with the advent of so many crises, they might learn how to take back their lives.
November 9th, 2008 at 9:06 am
OKAY!!!!!!!!!! Now we have someone in the White House who gives a hoot about the social, political, moral, ethical, philosophical, spiritual and ecological face that American portrays to the rest of the world. NOW IS THE TIME to undo all the damage the previous administration has done to our environmental protections and to show the world that America is not an ecological backwater. Now is the time to adopt the adage “simple living and high thinking” as our moral and spiritual password. We can certainly have an adequate standard of living without raping Mother Nature. Anyone who thinks otherwise must have insanity as a constant companion.
November 9th, 2008 at 9:13 am
The more I heard about Palin the more I feared for our land and animals. I cried when Obama won with a heart full of hope the EPA will regain it’s former power plus lots more. There are several people who have fought for the envirornment for many years and Robert Kennedy Jr. is one of them. I know have faith that the government will also protect domestic animals, both pets and farm animals- I have beeb a veggie for over thirty years.
November 9th, 2008 at 9:59 am
Message from a Canadian…Yesterday I walked on ski’s through cut-blocks, into old growth, back into cutblock, and into a non-moterized ski rec area. While I wandered along I wondered to myself of the state of our planet and from my vantage on top of a little mountain. I looked down into the valley which is consistently raped by American companies because of the never-ending greed for more houses, bigger houses, and more ease and convenience. I asked myself….Is Obama actually someone who will bring the protection of old growth? Will things change in N.America in regards to our mass-consumptive lifestyles? Will Canada and the US re-negotiate our softwood lumber deal? Will Canada’s old growth continue to be desecrated due to N.American’s greed while 2/3 of our world live in shanty towns?
Only time will tell whether or not Obama is the saviour many think he is.
Thank you.
November 9th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
I heard a wave of sighs of relief sweep across the country on Tuesday night. I thought of desert turtles and owls and wolves and whales, as well as the people who surrounded me, and all the man hours all present had hopefully contributed by calling, canvassing, writing letters and talking. I felt the community of life singing all around, on Tuesday night.
November 10th, 2008 at 6:35 am
Hope is not enough. We all need to go vegetarian/vegan and this will result in a drastic change for all who inhabit this planet.
November 10th, 2008 at 7:39 am
Oh lord, how thankfull I am that Obama has gotten the white houes, It has been a long 400 years coming, may this be the time that we as a people , not just as a country but as the human race, come together to work for a better future for the next seven generations. Ho Mitakuye Oyasin
November 10th, 2008 at 9:25 am
Thanks Michael for this forum. I believe we should take the offensive in our own country right now. I believe large scale investment in state of the art mass transit on a country-wide scale will accomplish many goals in this one massive project. I) we would be able to “rewild” critical wildlife corridors by reducing traffic and redesigning roadways to accommodate wildllife migration. 2) We would drastically reduce our energy consumption, we would no longer need to take two to three thousand pounds of car with us every time we need to get somewhere. 3) Our quality of life would increase tremendously ,we could spend our time enriching ourselves en route rather than having our precious time taken up sitting behind a steering wheel. We would no longer be held hostage by big oil.
I will not buy the argument that this cannot be done. If we can spend ten thousand millions (10 billion) every thirty days in Iraq, We can surely redirect that money to finance real solutions that we Americans actually want!
Finally, let our actions and investments prove to the world that we have taken our country back and we are working hard to be responsible global citizens.
November 10th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
I would like to spread the word on this simple, almost effortless step that we can each take to advance the change that we all want. Get Co-op America’s “Real Money” newsletter on responsible credit cards. Many people are using credit cards issued by financial institutions that are supporting earth-destructive projects in various parts of the world, but there are some smaller, lesser known institutions that do not lend or invest in those projects and are even involved with earth sustainable projects.
November 10th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
All of the above comments are inspiring, as were the election results. I believe that we cannot expect President Obama to fulfill his many campaign promises unless we, the electorate, continue to work as hard in the days ahead as we did during these past months. Washington, and politics as usual are entrenched. The grassroots movement must remain as energized now as it was before November 4. It is the only way that this nation and this world can survive.
November 11th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
A message that I would like President Barak Obama to hear is that by electing him, people have put a lot of hope in him, which makes him very accountable for all future actions.
I really want to believe that he will be that man on Earth that will not disappoint the world like so many other American Presidents did and that will lead the country into great change and in particularly one area that has not seen much change since Medieval Times, our treatment of the environment, of nature in general. We are destroying our planet and as the President of one of the most important nations in the world, Mr.Obama should be able to turn the wheel towards a greener planet, where other species are treated with respect and dignity, where there won’t be anymore an endangered species list, where air is pure and lakes are not polluted!
November 13th, 2008 at 3:57 am
If Obama fails to be Green enough, consider forming a Green party. The “Green Party” in Australia is gathering strength and becoming an influence on policy. Thanks to Al Gore, many people in Australia woke up to global warming and voted out a conservative government. “The Greens” are now being taken seriously by both major parties as they are taking votes from both parties and almost have the balance of power in parliament. The Greens have become respectable.
November 13th, 2008 at 4:29 am
If Obama fails to be Green enough, consider forming a “Green” Party. In Australia the “Green Party” is gathering strength and becoming an influence on policy.
Since Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth woke up people to the seriousness of global warming, many people in Australia are choosing to vote Green. They are taking votes away from the two major parties to the extent that they are now being taken seriously and have become respectable.
November 13th, 2008 at 4:52 am
I am afraid the recent Supreme Court decision to allow for navy sonar exercises in spite of the harm it could have on whales and other aquatic creatures, will be used as a precedent to the world to destroy mountain gorilla habitat in the Congo and Rwanda regions for security reasons…. and it could go badly very quickly.
November 15th, 2008 at 11:23 pm
I like to think of the Amazon Rainforest as it was portrayed in Medicine Man with Sean Connery. I consider it by far the Earth’s most valuable resource. It certainly houses most of the world’s species of plants, animals, insects and assuredly contains answers to all of humankinds illnesses. Rainforests also house a large percentage of the Earth’s carbon eating trees which along with the Ocean’s kelp beds account for the vast majority of the planet’s carbon sequestration system. Of course the kelp beds are dying as we destroy the oceans with toxic pollution and as we destroy thousands of acres of rainforest each week we’re swiftly suffocating ourselves in our own filth. The inevitable result will be worldwide megadeath once oxygen levels reach critical levels. This will not be a gradual process. This will happen suddenly, worldwide, on a massive scale when oxygen levels fall below a threshold minimum. We’re extremely close to that level now.