I sympathize with your observation that the fix for climate change seems sometimes to be an over the top demand that we replace everything from our food wrappers to our cook stoves. Problem is that global warming has gotten so severe that our actions must be even more severe if we are to save the planet.
I beg to differ. We are not “poised to promote an immoral man” into the Oval Office. Quite the contrary. The people are stirring and the pundits and press are once again reading the wrong signals. The self-referential nature of the punditocracy is doing all a disservice. Vote….
I’m not convinced Trump is going to be elected again either. Not making predictions either way, but there are 107 days until the election. Many things can happen in that period of time. In any case, I’m not spending my life bemoaning something that hasn’t happened.
I’m also tired of hearing about “rhetoric.” Compare this to the vitriol between Adams and Jefferson in the 1800 election. Trump’s incessant lies OTOH …
As I was reading your article, I realized something that I haven't really processed before. We've talked a lot about good vs evil over the years. One thing that stood out to me during the RNC convention was the fake vs. real. Everything for Trump is centered around the fake at every level. The women all look like Kardashians, Hulk Hogan is cheered, ignoring climate change prevails because it is more presently beneficial for the rich to make believe it doesn't exist, their Christianity is the exact opposite of what Jesus would do, I believe the shooting was a show and they were willing to sacrifice a life to gain votes, patches on cuts that don't exist-it's all a big reality TV show for them. The saddest part is that people cheer as if it were an episode of Vanderpump Rules.
You can identify the core lies Trump wants the crowds to swallow because he repeats the phrase so it sticks in people’s heads. Pretty soon they are repeating it in their own minds and then it spills out in their daily conversation.
There was another, similar, sign displayed in Luzerne on the bus route between the 2 schools that read, in part, “Fuck Your Feelings.” That was the message being sent to kids, some of them just learning to read whether it by phonics or any other method.
When I think about the drag queen story time controversy at the library I often think about that sign, about how abusive it was to everyone including the youngest and most innocent, to people struggling through life with financial, health, substance issues…
Trump has changed this country for the worse, including me. Before Trump’s first presidential run I would never talk about grabbing women by the pussy (in a locker room or anywhere else and certainly not in mixed company), or write the word Fuck in a public forum, but that is where we are - just like climate change.
I’m not normally a betting woman, but I’d be willing to bet everyone who has anti-Biden f-word flag or sign so prominently displayed is also anti-drag queen story hour because of its supposed effect on the precious precious children. Any takers?
If you are feeling bereft and not sure where to turn, come out today to the Washington County Democratic Picnic. It is at Hicks Orchard 1 to 4 pm, and bring a dish to share.
https://bit.ly/hicks2024. All we have to do is focus on the Trump policies and get out the vote. It is not a sure bet that he will win.
Thank you again, Will, for your clarity, your writing, your tracing your own skepticism, your listing of all that should be obvious and naming some of the loyal followers of Trump--like Bolton, like Pence, Conservatives who refused to continue to deny the truth, many of whom were threatened and needed security around their homes to protect their family. When I heard the crowd yell "hang Pence" at the Capitol and when I heard "Drill Baby drill" at RNC, I felt and feel again and again the danger of denial, illusion, loyalty to a tyrant.
and just to say, I love the walks and the nature photography. For me--and you and many--nature's beauty, bounty, diversity and life are antidotes to the toxins of political violence, hatred, lies....as are the arts, music and visual arts and literature and poetry, all considered "wok" by those who also want to contract and restrict hearts and minds. thank you for beauty also.
sorry to add another comment, but: there is a Washington Cty Democratic picnic today at Hick's Orchard from 1-4; and there are so many incredible activists and writers working for our environment and our rights. I know that we often mention Heather Cox Richardson who writes very thoughtful and informed "letters" every day, but there is also the writing of Rex Smith (who includes nature with his commentary on climate change) Upstate American, and Jordan Zakaran from Progress Report and Will Bunch from the Philadelphia Inquirer. It is always good to read what is good, deep, informative, what makes us think, makes us act.
Will wrote: “When I ask myself how we got here, nearing an election in which it appears we will again promote an immoral man into the presidency, I think about climate change, which opened my eyes to our ability to ignore reality.”
I think the Republican Party (or perhaps more accurately, the Trumplican Party) understands something about politics that the Democratic Party seems to have forgotten: the purpose of political parties is to win elections.
Republicans have demonstrated this by their head-spinning willingness to embrace a candidate, rightly or wrongly, who inspires the party’s base. They do this regardless of the moral or ethical behavior of that candidate, or of their own morality or ethics. (The local poster child of this head-spinning embrace is of course our own Congresswoman Stefanik.)
I’m not suggesting that the Democratic Party forsake its principles in an attempt to gain support and win elections. But I think the party needs to shake itself out of the stupor it’s in, ask itself how we got here and where we want to go, and start moving again.
Now what I hear from a lot of erstwhile climate change deniers is something like well OK, it’s changing but—
a) there’s nothing we can do about it.
b) green energy will ruin our economy.
c) there’s no way renewable energy can replace fossil fuel.
So the alternative is to do what? Nothing? Change a few lightbulbs and call it a day? Even if this very second all fossil fuel burning was ended, the climate would still be getting warmer for many years to come. Like the Titanic, we can’t just turn around on a dime. Half measures are not going to be helpful at all, as far as our experience in our lifetime goes. Humanity needs to think about our grandchildren’s children, and do what we must for their sake. I’m not saying go back to tallow candles and horse drawn carriages, but if we embraced renewable energy, really threw all our best brainpower into making it efficient and affordable, and had leaders with vision and the ability to help the general public see that vision, we just might turn the ship around before too much more damage is done. A big if.
The "ruin our economy" argument is a bit much! I have to wonder exactly how much of our economy will exist if the tornados, hurricanes, flooding, wildfires & most of all HEAT keeps building up? Economy? What about our lives? And, tell me (not you Tanya) exactly why should the US NOT attempt to mitigate climate change simply because other countries arent? This appears to be a current political thought process - if we cant do everything all at once - why try? As Tanya said - we cant just turn around on a dime - we've been at this destruction of the planet for too long.
Exactly my thought too. What kind of economy will we, or really the entire world, have when climate refugees start coming because their land is unlivable or under water? If the Republicans think economic and political migrants are hard to handle, just wait until the next wave arrives, people who will literally have no where else to go. What are they going to do then? I don’t even want to think about it, but someone in charge had better, and I pray it will be with compassion and kindness, and not just gunning people down.
It also begs the question of when the coasts arent livable (ocean rise?) and people start moving inland, or when tornado alley becomes unlivable - I think in the Northeast we have escaped much of the weather related issues so far, although hurricanes and lately tornados are appearing. The migrants will likely come from this country as well as others. Scary to think about - for US, anyhow.
As you said someone better start doing some thinking. In today's world, compassion and kindness are sorely lacking.
There are huge strides to be made through conservation, efficiency, and resilience.
Often a simple change in mindset from one of mass consumerism to one of long term investment in quality, in thoughtful and carefully planned purchasing, building, living makes a huge difference in total energy over time and of expense. many of us are conditioned to buying cheap disposable stuff, junk we do not need; houses that are unnecessarily large that have to be heated and cooled, furnished, cleaned, and subject to higher taxes.
People’s landscaping often concentrates rainwater and sends it like a flume out to public roads which leads to erosion, premature deterioration, necessity of energy intensive infrastructure repairs.
People over salt their sidewalks, driveways, the roads.
Every single choice can be made in a considered fashion.
Or we can all buy a new side by side to add to our collection of ATV’s, snowmobiles, motorboats, jet skis …
It was very heart rendering to watch the GoldStar families’ stories of personal loss as they were being presented at the RNC convention. And I’m not suggesting that we should push all that aside as we truly must never forget the supreme sacrifice that so many in our military ( and their families) have paid to insure world peace and in the defense of our nation’s interests overseas. But it simply galls me to watch former President 4F Trump ( exempted from his own duty for military service with his pseudo “bone spurs”) to now proclaim himself to be our nation’s savior while hugging the Stars and Stripes, or smirking and pumping his fist to the beat of patriotic songs. The man has no sense of decency, his sycophantic followers have no sense of history. I am reminded of Samuel Johnson’s 1775 pronouncement that “ patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel”. It appears to be so.
So happy to see Curt Stager highlighted in your column, Will. Did you know that in addition to being an expert scientist and outstanding educator he is also an accomplished musician? The attached is a lovely illustration of Curt’s musical ability as well as nature’s apparent appreciation of his devotion to all life.
I sympathize with your observation that the fix for climate change seems sometimes to be an over the top demand that we replace everything from our food wrappers to our cook stoves. Problem is that global warming has gotten so severe that our actions must be even more severe if we are to save the planet.
No one said the US can do it alone. We all have a role.
I totally agree with you.
The stones in those sidewalks were called “rubber rock” by one of the workers. It allows rain to come through.
I beg to differ. We are not “poised to promote an immoral man” into the Oval Office. Quite the contrary. The people are stirring and the pundits and press are once again reading the wrong signals. The self-referential nature of the punditocracy is doing all a disservice. Vote….
I’m not convinced Trump is going to be elected again either. Not making predictions either way, but there are 107 days until the election. Many things can happen in that period of time. In any case, I’m not spending my life bemoaning something that hasn’t happened.
I’m also tired of hearing about “rhetoric.” Compare this to the vitriol between Adams and Jefferson in the 1800 election. Trump’s incessant lies OTOH …
As I was reading your article, I realized something that I haven't really processed before. We've talked a lot about good vs evil over the years. One thing that stood out to me during the RNC convention was the fake vs. real. Everything for Trump is centered around the fake at every level. The women all look like Kardashians, Hulk Hogan is cheered, ignoring climate change prevails because it is more presently beneficial for the rich to make believe it doesn't exist, their Christianity is the exact opposite of what Jesus would do, I believe the shooting was a show and they were willing to sacrifice a life to gain votes, patches on cuts that don't exist-it's all a big reality TV show for them. The saddest part is that people cheer as if it were an episode of Vanderpump Rules.
Mesmerism.
You can identify the core lies Trump wants the crowds to swallow because he repeats the phrase so it sticks in people’s heads. Pretty soon they are repeating it in their own minds and then it spills out in their daily conversation.
So true...
So true, especially re groceries, gas and immigration.
There was another, similar, sign displayed in Luzerne on the bus route between the 2 schools that read, in part, “Fuck Your Feelings.” That was the message being sent to kids, some of them just learning to read whether it by phonics or any other method.
When I think about the drag queen story time controversy at the library I often think about that sign, about how abusive it was to everyone including the youngest and most innocent, to people struggling through life with financial, health, substance issues…
Trump has changed this country for the worse, including me. Before Trump’s first presidential run I would never talk about grabbing women by the pussy (in a locker room or anywhere else and certainly not in mixed company), or write the word Fuck in a public forum, but that is where we are - just like climate change.
I’m not normally a betting woman, but I’d be willing to bet everyone who has anti-Biden f-word flag or sign so prominently displayed is also anti-drag queen story hour because of its supposed effect on the precious precious children. Any takers?
If you are feeling bereft and not sure where to turn, come out today to the Washington County Democratic Picnic. It is at Hicks Orchard 1 to 4 pm, and bring a dish to share.
https://bit.ly/hicks2024. All we have to do is focus on the Trump policies and get out the vote. It is not a sure bet that he will win.
Thank you again, Will, for your clarity, your writing, your tracing your own skepticism, your listing of all that should be obvious and naming some of the loyal followers of Trump--like Bolton, like Pence, Conservatives who refused to continue to deny the truth, many of whom were threatened and needed security around their homes to protect their family. When I heard the crowd yell "hang Pence" at the Capitol and when I heard "Drill Baby drill" at RNC, I felt and feel again and again the danger of denial, illusion, loyalty to a tyrant.
and just to say, I love the walks and the nature photography. For me--and you and many--nature's beauty, bounty, diversity and life are antidotes to the toxins of political violence, hatred, lies....as are the arts, music and visual arts and literature and poetry, all considered "wok" by those who also want to contract and restrict hearts and minds. thank you for beauty also.
sorry to add another comment, but: there is a Washington Cty Democratic picnic today at Hick's Orchard from 1-4; and there are so many incredible activists and writers working for our environment and our rights. I know that we often mention Heather Cox Richardson who writes very thoughtful and informed "letters" every day, but there is also the writing of Rex Smith (who includes nature with his commentary on climate change) Upstate American, and Jordan Zakaran from Progress Report and Will Bunch from the Philadelphia Inquirer. It is always good to read what is good, deep, informative, what makes us think, makes us act.
Very knowledgeable article!
Will wrote: “When I ask myself how we got here, nearing an election in which it appears we will again promote an immoral man into the presidency, I think about climate change, which opened my eyes to our ability to ignore reality.”
I think the Republican Party (or perhaps more accurately, the Trumplican Party) understands something about politics that the Democratic Party seems to have forgotten: the purpose of political parties is to win elections.
Republicans have demonstrated this by their head-spinning willingness to embrace a candidate, rightly or wrongly, who inspires the party’s base. They do this regardless of the moral or ethical behavior of that candidate, or of their own morality or ethics. (The local poster child of this head-spinning embrace is of course our own Congresswoman Stefanik.)
I’m not suggesting that the Democratic Party forsake its principles in an attempt to gain support and win elections. But I think the party needs to shake itself out of the stupor it’s in, ask itself how we got here and where we want to go, and start moving again.
Time is running out for us to recognize reality.
"...Trump's first administration..." / -I respectfully submit that "first" is inaccurate, as there has been no [and, hopefully, will be no] second...
From your keyboard to God’s ears!
Now what I hear from a lot of erstwhile climate change deniers is something like well OK, it’s changing but—
a) there’s nothing we can do about it.
b) green energy will ruin our economy.
c) there’s no way renewable energy can replace fossil fuel.
So the alternative is to do what? Nothing? Change a few lightbulbs and call it a day? Even if this very second all fossil fuel burning was ended, the climate would still be getting warmer for many years to come. Like the Titanic, we can’t just turn around on a dime. Half measures are not going to be helpful at all, as far as our experience in our lifetime goes. Humanity needs to think about our grandchildren’s children, and do what we must for their sake. I’m not saying go back to tallow candles and horse drawn carriages, but if we embraced renewable energy, really threw all our best brainpower into making it efficient and affordable, and had leaders with vision and the ability to help the general public see that vision, we just might turn the ship around before too much more damage is done. A big if.
The "ruin our economy" argument is a bit much! I have to wonder exactly how much of our economy will exist if the tornados, hurricanes, flooding, wildfires & most of all HEAT keeps building up? Economy? What about our lives? And, tell me (not you Tanya) exactly why should the US NOT attempt to mitigate climate change simply because other countries arent? This appears to be a current political thought process - if we cant do everything all at once - why try? As Tanya said - we cant just turn around on a dime - we've been at this destruction of the planet for too long.
Exactly my thought too. What kind of economy will we, or really the entire world, have when climate refugees start coming because their land is unlivable or under water? If the Republicans think economic and political migrants are hard to handle, just wait until the next wave arrives, people who will literally have no where else to go. What are they going to do then? I don’t even want to think about it, but someone in charge had better, and I pray it will be with compassion and kindness, and not just gunning people down.
It also begs the question of when the coasts arent livable (ocean rise?) and people start moving inland, or when tornado alley becomes unlivable - I think in the Northeast we have escaped much of the weather related issues so far, although hurricanes and lately tornados are appearing. The migrants will likely come from this country as well as others. Scary to think about - for US, anyhow.
As you said someone better start doing some thinking. In today's world, compassion and kindness are sorely lacking.
There are huge strides to be made through conservation, efficiency, and resilience.
Often a simple change in mindset from one of mass consumerism to one of long term investment in quality, in thoughtful and carefully planned purchasing, building, living makes a huge difference in total energy over time and of expense. many of us are conditioned to buying cheap disposable stuff, junk we do not need; houses that are unnecessarily large that have to be heated and cooled, furnished, cleaned, and subject to higher taxes.
People’s landscaping often concentrates rainwater and sends it like a flume out to public roads which leads to erosion, premature deterioration, necessity of energy intensive infrastructure repairs.
People over salt their sidewalks, driveways, the roads.
Every single choice can be made in a considered fashion.
Or we can all buy a new side by side to add to our collection of ATV’s, snowmobiles, motorboats, jet skis …
It was very heart rendering to watch the GoldStar families’ stories of personal loss as they were being presented at the RNC convention. And I’m not suggesting that we should push all that aside as we truly must never forget the supreme sacrifice that so many in our military ( and their families) have paid to insure world peace and in the defense of our nation’s interests overseas. But it simply galls me to watch former President 4F Trump ( exempted from his own duty for military service with his pseudo “bone spurs”) to now proclaim himself to be our nation’s savior while hugging the Stars and Stripes, or smirking and pumping his fist to the beat of patriotic songs. The man has no sense of decency, his sycophantic followers have no sense of history. I am reminded of Samuel Johnson’s 1775 pronouncement that “ patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel”. It appears to be so.
Thanks, again, Will, for your insightful perspectives.
As to your reflections on Cox’s comment on “history” at the RNC, A. Lincoln said, “History is not history unless it is the truth.”
So happy to see Curt Stager highlighted in your column, Will. Did you know that in addition to being an expert scientist and outstanding educator he is also an accomplished musician? The attached is a lovely illustration of Curt’s musical ability as well as nature’s apparent appreciation of his devotion to all life.
https://youtu.be/TH8Syz0NvD4?si=k0Hpgs6HGQ36q1zJ
A prescient column. Again.