Encouraging Good Stewardship

There has been an arguable amount of discussion of the merits of environmental activism over the past few years, yet the debate seems to often obscure the necessary facts of the equation. No matter where a voter stands ideologically, they should possess at least a base respect for the world in which they live, and an ethic to work in the best interests of the planet's health. As members of the National Alliance Foundation, we firmly adhere to the belief that the earth, precious and self-sufficient as it may be now, will not always remain so, and thus needs to be treasured and protected.

If the preceding seemed like a confession of tree-hugging, as environmentalism is too often maligned, then let the light be shown more brightly into the problem. While perhaps Go Green movement is populated by a number of less-than-sincere individuals simply enjoying the prospect of activism, at its core are a group of concerned citizens who desire fundamental and stable reform in the view of the government in relation to environmental policy.

Bashing the corporations however, is not the best route to take. Such an option might endure for a brief spell, but eventually the backlash only turns people against the idea of properly stewarding their own piece of the earth, something to be avoided at all costs. A real solution is to start teaching environmental mentality in the school systems, and embracing it across the governmental plain. Not in any way should the move be partisan or along the lines of former Vice President Al Gore's fraudulent research, but some basic caps might not be seen as extreme.

Through the implementation of a long-term security capping, Congress would allow companies the freedom to produce excessively, building inventory, and then enter into a slower spell of less production, during which those additional items might be sold instead. For making such a sacrifice, the government would deliver tax cuts to the corporations involved, thus benefiting both sides of the transaction fairly.

On the other side, attempting to ram a massive federal regulations package down the throats of the companies is only asking for trouble, as the voters will likely side with the companies, quickly landsliding the bill's proponents at the next election.

Climate change is not without its skeptics; indeed, plenty exist who deny its viability as an issue, yet the most simple facts must be kept in mind. If carbon continues to vanish from the atmosphere, our planet could very well face a crisis of resources and secure water levels. So there is nothing shameful about showing a little heart, regardless if it makes one look a slight shade of green. Unlike most policies, environmental decisions lead to conditions which are impossible to repeal through legislation. Therefore America must decide whether it will make those conditions good--or disastrous.


Alicia Tapely

National Alliance Vice President for Environmental Affairs