by Rochelle Foulk

Created on: March 04, 2009

The simple answer is yes. The simple truth is we, as a nation, are consuming more oil than we did in 1973. The imports then were one-third of our consumption. Today they are one-half, per Obama's speech in Lansing Michigan by 2030 the oil producing countries will control the oil for the entire world. Today we, as a nation, purchase $700 million dollars worth of oil a day. A day. The Department of Energy put out a report on carbon dioxide emissions from the years 1997and 1998. The emissions of carbon dioxide from the generation of electricity increased 35% from petroleum, 11% from gas. It's 2009 and we have increased our purchase of oil. The real question is why do we have to ask this question.

Our country has been in existence for two hundred plus years, yet our view of Americans is that we are the best country on the planet. We hear from our President that we have the best workers, companies, and intelligence this world has ever seen. If that is true then why do we have to ask whether having a healthier planet or a bigger truck is the epitome of social standing? What is the definition of ego?

Dictionary.com defines ego as the "I" or self of any person; a person as thinking, feeling, and willing, and distinguishing itself from the selves of others and from objects of its thought.

Egotistical, arrogance and selfishness are not qualities that most people will admit to having, if they do it is a sense of pride that envelopes the rationalization of accomplishment.

"I worked hard and earned my lifestyle therefore it is not my problem that another has less than what they deserve. If they apply themselves, as I did, then their rewards will be just as great." I am just as guilty for the global warming crisis as is anyone or any company that thrives on building an empire of self support. Whether it is a family that holds the values of the American dream in a home, car, truck and two kids or the company that expands through six states generating more goods. As a nation we are responsible for our posterity, as individuals we neglect the rules of nature in order to gain acceptance and validation for success.

Where I live is considerate a desert climate. The seven years I have been here I have noticed a change. The summers are hotter than the year before, the winters are shorter and the rain gets less every year. This is a small change and goes unnoticed by many. In seventy years I don't know what it will be like but if the continuity continues then it will increase in heat, less cold days and even less rain. I may not hold a science degree or an environmental medal but I do notice that the world is changing in my own backyard.

The simple answer is yes, the reason is because it is the right thing to do. The logistics can go for days with reports, facts, figures and government speeches. The reason for not changing is simply because it is easier to let someone else fix the problem; as I climb into my eight cylinder truck instead of taking the bus. If it is ego and vanity that prevents me from doing what is right for the posterity of this country, the world, then it is my defects of character that will kill the future. If I can admit to my failings as a human, then can't the rest of the nation?

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