It’s To US

            Lots of ink and political blood have been spilled over economic austerity.  The fact-based argument is over, but austerity still inflames passions that preclude political peace.  Not to worry—austerity has a place in the grand scheme of things.

            Energy austerity, the kind you and I can practice individually, is a way for people to get America going on responsible action to preserve our planet.  (As usual, congress is AWOL.)  Now, you can argue all night about who has the right to do what and with which and to whom (as the limerick goes) but it’s all dust-for-dinner if our country turns into a desert, the ocean rises up in Manhattan, and Key West goes forever swimming.  It really is up to each of us to be stingy with petroleum products and derivatives—a tall order in lives permeated by vehicles and petroleum intensive goods.  Conserving household energy is tough too.  So it’s up to us to extract results from industry and government.  The same old stuff won’t do.

            In all this, the glowing light is the growing cadre of people with the dedication and energy to organize movements around money issues.  These individuals could bring their passion to developing renewable energy and mitigating human impact on climate.  Sooner better than later!  First, because this too is a money issue.  But also, for everyone, it’s even more important than money.  This is where austerity belongs.  Around here, we think it’s time to suit up and show up.