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Americans for Informed Democracy recently sponsored a three-day conference on climate change and oil dependence, of which I was a participant. One of the more relaxing activities during this weekend of intense dialogue on global warming, carbon emissions and alternative fuel sources was a nature hike through Virginia’s Pocahontas State Park, where the event was held. Braving the hoards of mosquitoes that accompany Virginia’s swamp terrain, a few early risers, environmental aficionados and myself walked toward “Beaver Lake,” a lake that, to our disappointment, had no beavers which we could detect. However, we did find a small frog, which was no bigger than a dime, on the park premises. At the time, a student commented that we should bestow a name upon the creature. The name ‘Democracy’ was suggested and needless to say, much witty banter ensued. As people crowded around to catch a glimpse of “Democracy,” I heard people say things like “don’t tread on Democracy,” “guard Democracy,” and even, “small steps for man, a giant leap for Democracy.” I think it is a mystery that we managed to find Democracy to begin with (my own contribution).
However, in true democratic fashion, one of the people present pointed out that a better name could be chosen than Democracy. If we were projecting our thoughts and dreams about our country and world’s future onto this small mascot for change, he said, we could pick a better name than “Democracy.” For the majority of the conference participants, democracy was the means to an end. It was not necessarily seen as an ends in itself like the democratization sought of oil-rich countries like Iraq and others in the Middle East.
At this conference, participants learned how they could appeal to their Congressmen, college campuses and local communities about the importance of addressing the climate crisis and reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil. It occurred to me that the majority of participants at the conference were advocating a nonpartisan agenda for preserving the environment. Throughout the lectures and discussions, there was the sense that all people, regardless of nationality, political standing or personal beliefs, could recognize the need to act against further environmental degradation.
The message I took away from the conference is that the time to act is now—no buts, ifs or ands. One action step we can take is supporting the work of organizations like the New Organization for Oil Replacement (NOOR), an agency that researches sustainable energy resources such as solar energy and ethanol. In recognition of the imminent consequences of oil dependence and resource depletion, NOOR advances sustainability and renewable resources. We can stop global warming, one frog, one person and one town at a time.
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Aziz Kassim
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