Greenpeace

April 3, 2006

Today’s Washington, D.C. forecast:  High of 68, mostly sunny.  Chance of late afternoon thunderstorms.  Tomorrow’s Washington, D.C. forecast: Chance of apathy, incompetence, and hot air: 100%

Spring has sprung in our nation’s capital.  The sun is shining, the breeze is warm, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and the metro escalators are congested with tourists standing on the left hand side (when are the signs going up?).  Spring is one of the most wonderful times of year here on the banks of the Potomac— a brief rest before the swampy, miserable summers.  

Our members of Congress have many luxuries during their tenure here in the District.  I’m of the opinion that they don’t have to be here at all during the month of August is one of the best perks ever. They have what I’m told is semi-decent and reasonably priced cafeteria food, large staffs, and can reap the benefits of lobbying.  But, it seems that one of the other luxuries they have is being able to completely ignore the realities of global warming, and refuse to take action.  Yes, we all heard our fearless leader George W. Bush rail against the dangers of our dependence on foreign oil during his (Mis)State of the Union address, but apparently Congress wasn’t listening.  Yes, almost three months after the most important speech of the year in this town, the Senate has finally decided to address global warming.  

What’s their plan, you ask?  Are they going to force car-makers to reduce emissions?  Are they going to force the energy industry to invest in renewable energy sources?  Are they going to start pumping federal funds into research into new energy technologies?  Are they going to start encouraging fuel recycling, conservation, emissions reductions, or cleaner vehicles?  Actually, none of the above.  The Senate, bright and early tomorrow, will discuss “cap and trade” emissions rules.  As thousands die every year thanks to asthma caused by dirty and polluted air, as our fossil and foolish fuel needs fuel global wars against sensible policies, our munificent leaders have gone and thrown a good chance at actually making change out the biggest and widest window of the Dirksen Senate Office Building, and instead trying to find a way to keep their corporate donors happy while keeping the environmental groups at bay.

So, yes, spring has arrived here in the District of Columbia, but it looks like the energy industry’s answer to global warming is going to be a nuclear winter.  Even though there’s no safe dose of radiation, even though it’s an energy source that terrorists would just LOVE to use against us, major nuclear power providers are expected to testify tomorrow.  Of course, it’s a pretty good deal for them, as nuclear power is very low on emissions.  Of course, who needs emissions if you’ve got plutonium with a hazardous life that measures in the ballpark of 240,000 years?  The good news is that the Senate won’t be holding them accountable tomorrow morning either.

A “Republicans catering to their special interests” kind of affair?  Perhaps.  
A “democrats proving once and for all that they are spineless wimps” showcase?  Definitely.

I’ve been working in the environmental and progressive movement for just about five years now here in Washington, and well, I’ll be honest: the Democrats haven’t stopped the assault on our environment or the laws that protect it.  They say they’re pro-environment, but they’re not demanding action.  They say they want renewable energy, but not bad enough to pass a law demanding it.  They say they love the forests, but they can’t keep roads from being built in our national forests.  They want a decent energy plan almost as badly as they want a seat on the Appropriations Committee.

So, remember folks, the next time you think of really, really bad people who don’t care about anyone but themselves, don’t just think about oil executives.  Or Republicans.  Remember those slimy Democrats too.  Go ahead, get in touch with your member of Congress, because I live in our nation’s capital, and am still forced to live in a system of taxation without representation, and have no member in Congress who cares about me.  Guess that’s one thing I have in common with our planet’s climate.