Earth Day: Growing in Size And Lacking in Leadership?
I haven't heard much discussion from either the media or our politicians on Earth Day. Are we actually back to the place we were in 1969 when the state of our environment was a non-issue? Has Earth Day become a local weekend entertainment event where bands and celebrities play music and preach to the choir?
Earth Day was founded in 1970 by Senator Gaylord Nelson to put the environment into the political "limelight." It provided a forum for Americans to express their concerns and tapped into the anti-war sentiments of America's youth. Earth Day 1970 drew more than 20 million people to demonstrations and teach-ins at thousands of schools and local communities. Today celebrations are worldwide and draw more than 500 million participants. But where are our leaders? How come when I listened to both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton yesterday I heard nothing about Earth Day?
The politicians lack of perspective seems to be very similar to the corporate boards and CEO's lack of perspectives. Most are greedily concerned with self-interest and often ignore the human cost of their actions.
Posted by Elisa | March 4, 2008 12:22 PM
It is so hard to believe that governments and business resist logical, affordable solutions. When greed and self-indulgence is so destructive, one wonders if people are thinking at all. Let's hope the OECD has some impact.
Posted by Elisa | March 5, 2008 10:59 AM
for the Next US President
This is a very important article for everyone to read, especially US voters in this election year. I agree that our next president will face foreign policy challenges of incredible magnitude and complexity. We need to start questioning in detail how each candidate will meet the challenge. It's not about experience or change. It's about creative problem solving, understanding all world cultures, and having the power and respect to influence international players.
Posted by Elisa | March 7, 2008 4:23 PM
Cooperatives are a very viable and functional business alternative. I'm looking forward to seeing this documentary and the spirit of the Brukman women. Maybe an intermational women's cooperative movement is the way to go!
Thanks Jessica for a good review.
Posted by Elisa | March 9, 2008 3:24 PM
Thank you Sarah for reminding us what we can do. With just a little time and energy from lots of people we can make a difference. Unfortunately there is still alot of havoc Bush can wreck. Citizen activism remains very important.
Posted by Elisa | March 10, 2008 2:43 PM
I agree -- it's been wonderful watching the WIP grow. I've learned so much from WIP stories and the Byline Portal and feel the power of engaging with people all over the world.
The WIP community is great! Can you imagine what it will be like one year from now?
Posted by Elisa | March 11, 2008 1:52 PM
This article and commentary demonstrates Shailja Patel's profound understanding of the dangers of the premature and inaccurate labeling in today's media. To solve today's issues it is crucial for media to report in depth, accurately, and thoughtfully---an impossibility when the focus is breaking news. Thank you Shailja for good journalism.
Posted by Elisa | March 11, 2008 5:49 PM
Wonderful article. A must read for both Clinton and Obama supporters.
Posted by Elisa | March 11, 2008 8:08 PM
I love the concept of a Knit-in---such a practical and doable way of protesting. In every community groups can come together to knit stump socks and childrens clothes. We will be doing something useful as we remind our friends, family, neighbors, relatives that a shameful war is going on---that every day we should all do our part to end the violence and destruction.
Posted by Elisa | March 17, 2008 1:47 PM
The corporate media'a lack of coverage of Winter Soldier is truly frightening. What is happening to US media? Granted we are in an era of corporate control but have the journalists, editors, anchors and producers lost all sense of responsibility
Posted by Elisa | March 17, 2008 10:02 PM