19 Comments
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Bill Alstrom (MA/Maine/MA)'s avatar

A beautiful letter. I continue to be astounded at the shortsighted policies and attitudes that are bringing on another great extinction and enormous suffering for our own species.

I trace the latest version of this lack of concern for the delicate balance of nature back to the Reagan "me" era.

Even Nixon understood the need to protect our world.

Until this nation adopts a "we" approach, things will just rapidly degrade and events like fires, floods and extremes of temperature will become the new normal. And those are just headline events.

When was the last time we saw a feature on TV that discusses how our oceans will not be a sufficient source of protein - we kill the coral and mangroves that are the nurseries and overfish using factory scale machinery.

Our consumption based economy may have so much destructive and negative momentum that it is just too late.

If only we could love our home instead of using it up. If only we could think like a species instead of tribes and cults. If only...

Manuel A. Garcia's avatar

Thanks for your well put comment, Bill. Does anyone remember the movie Soylent Green?

Bill Alstrom (MA/Maine/MA)'s avatar

Yes.

"It's people!" The movie was classic science fiction. Now it could be an apt allegory.

W. Scott Cameron's avatar

Solid reminder of the big picture

Manuel A. Garcia's avatar

Thanks for your support, Scott.

Roger Hawcroft's avatar

Stupidly, yes. For caring for the planet is the only way to care for ourselves.

Manuel A. Garcia's avatar

Wise words, Roger. Thanks for your support.

Susan Pruitt's avatar

Sometimes, the only comfort I find is understanding that earth will abide after we are all gone-and be better for our absence.

Manuel A. Garcia's avatar

Thanks for weighing in, Susan. We must remember that we are not all bad and irresponsible— you certainly are a positive force that Creation needs. 🙏🏻

Susan Pruitt's avatar

Thank you for the reminder. 🙏

Howard Coombe.'s avatar

Are we too self absorbed to care about our planet?. Absolutely!

Manuel A. Garcia's avatar

Thanks, Howard. We are aligned.

Dave Conant - MO's avatar

Beautiful Manuel. Thank you.

Manuel A. Garcia's avatar

Thanks for reading it, Dave.

B Stings's avatar

"This is what you shall do: Love the earth and the sun and the animals, despise riches, give alms to everyone who asks, stand up for the stupid and crazy, devote your income and labors to others, hate tyrants, argue not concerning God, have patience and indulgence toward the people." - Walt Whitman

I was actually looking for a different quote by Whitman about nature but then thought this one will do.

Manuel A. Garcia's avatar

Thanks for weighing in, Whitman always goes to the eternal. Great pick!🙏🏻

Yvonne's avatar

We need to be more other-focused and we need to care for this planet, our refuge and great healer.

Manuel A. Garcia's avatar

Thanks for your caring thoughts, Yvonne.