BI-PARTISANSHIP & THE ENVIRONMENT: Protests Aren't Enough In Today's Economic Climate

Nauset Beach (All Rights Reserved 2013)

I'll freely admit to my Progressive followers that my father favored what was then called: "Rockefeller Republicans." Dad worked, under Governor Nelson Rockefeller, as Director of Public Relations for the Department of Labor. Governor Rockefeller, along with others among his family, staunchly supported environmental causes, even to the point where "he," Nelson Rockefeller, (I don't know if he used a ghost writer) wrote a book on the subject. Rockefeller, the family's foundation/charities, spurred would-be volunteers like my father to participate in community non-profits, especially those that supported conservation.

Often forgotten in our now divided "United" States, during the late sixties, and seventies, Republicans had a moderate-to-liberal faction with a strong voice. They believed in working with the Democrats to find solutions to the multiple pollution problems that plagued our country. In fact, the once famous ad of Iron Eyes Cody (1971(with a tear running down his face) was a PSA or Public Service Announcement. How many "Keep America Beautiful" ads do we see today?. We still see Smokey the Bear. Whatever happened to PSAs for environmental conservation? Even in my "blue" state of Massachusetts, promotions are rarely aired on commercial television to raise public awareness. No wonder a recent survey showed a large percentage of Americans were unaware of man's contribution to greenhouse gases and global warming. And, there are those who refuse to see it or argue that climate change, and I've heard this on Cape Cod, ". . . is another one of those liberal causes."

You see as Cape Cod's population has grown, among year-long and second-home residents, more newcomers with money have moved to the Cape. Great for the economy, charities and tourism, not as much for conservation. The split, politically, is almost down the middle. Discussions about providing running water, keeping lakes and estuaries clean, air pollution (believe it or not we have more than our fair share) have become more adversarial. Proponents of environmental conservation, limited growth have had, at times, their voices stilled by wealthy property owners who threaten to take their business elsewhere. And that's the rub. Across the country, certain people who invest large amounts of money in communities believe they should have the final say; of course, those who do are often politicians or powerful business persons. My argument here is that times really haven't changed in the private sector. As in stories of old, the few often do continue to feel entitled over the many in small towns across the country.

Don't get me wrong. For there exists altruistic, charitable and generous donors who give without expecting subservient passiveness. Spirited yet respected, constructive discussion does happen, on Cape Cod and elsewhere. But it's not enough. To stall climate change, the movement must be grassroots, consistent, and provide sound alternatives. Programs need to be inclusive, e.g. from the small business owner to the construction worker to the banker.Third World countries where positive economic development has made an impact on conservation, i.e. convincing locals that tourism or communal farming are a better use of resources, have had success in limiting over-hunting or killing wildlife that threaten stock albeit in some countries.

I agree that this initiative should have been implemented years ago, when we had a less divisive populous and more consensus in Congress. Nonetheless, we should not stop trying to convince voters across the U.S. and conservative politicians about stemming years of neglect. Those of us who support global awareness of climate change must also provide short-term and long-term productive plans that will catch the attention of the opposition: the people who have the power and the money.

In essence, the much-lamented lack of bi-partisanship that once flourished in the U.S. Congress, and in countries abroad, has declined. Money rules the roost. During the Great Recession, most of us had to use whatever energy we had to survive. Thankfully, we're on the upswing. Our stock market is soaring, and other industrial countries are beginning to recover. Even China has begun reducing pollutants.

Here, in the U.S, and around the world, however, to get "head in the sand," politicians' attention, we who feel passionate about the impact of climate change can't only protest or raise our voices. We need to be organized, boycott when possible, encourage networking throughout the world, bring the smallest communities into the discussion and provide a workable blueprint for the future. Only then will we be heard. Only then will real change happen.

Afterthought: For the curious and local readers, I have limited means and am very grateful to the charities that have helped me through difficult challenges, mainly medical. I recognize those on Cape Cod and Massachusetts who have given so much, expected so little. However, we all have a right to a voice, no matter what our circumstances.

DON'T FORGET the People's Climate March, worldwide, and at the United Nations, Sunday, September 21, 2014. For more info, please go to: http://peoplesclimate.org Thank you!