The article “As The World Burns, written by Ryan Lizza on October 11, 2010 for the New Yorker, was an eye opener. Politics is a complex thing, however, add climate change to the mix and you have an issue that just doesn’t seem to have an easy answer for anyone. Interestingly, Senators John Kerry, Lindsey Graham, and Joseph Lieberman all got together with environmentalists and industries to support a bill that would make environmentally sound sources of energy instead of the massive amounts of carbon consumption that is currently being done.
Unfortunately, as easy as that sounded to put together a group of people with the same goals, the ultimate goal of passing a bill wasn’t. Back and forth, back and forth it went. The politicians couldn’t pass any important changes without gaining permission from the largest commercial interests who will be affected by the possible changes. Politicians tried to develop a workable plan to slow down the emission of gases that is warming our earth, however, others were not happy to lose or to pay more for the opportunity to help change the emissions. They would go on and on to attempt to come to an agreement for all involved. Politics came in because it wasn’t going to be a good seller at election time, whereas the health care issue and taxes would be considered number 1. When the possibility of a bill would come to light, there was always a new issue that would take precedent and yet again it would be pushed away.
Gloomily, when Americans were asked to rank the importance of 21 issues, climate change came in last. Ultimately, even with the backing of the President of the United States for the change in emissions, the economic interests always took over. So, where does this really leave the issue of climate changes that are desperately needed for our earth? Sadly, it seems like it is a continuous battle of wars to even come to the smallest agreement so it will take a massive shake up to get things moving in a quicker motion.
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