Hi Kossacks,
My first ever (proper) diary. Just wanted to share a letter that I just sent to the President and get your thoughts on how we can ensure that Barack Obama's second term brings the boldest action possible on climate change.
Because despite the enormity of the problem, the wicked selfishness of the fossil fuel industries, the denial of our populace and the intransigence of the Republicans, I am convinced that we can do this. Yes. We. Can.
My letter in full below the orange swirly thing:
Dear Mr President,
I want to thank you for your thoughtful answer to the question on climate change in your most recent press conference.
Climate change has begun to affect my family and loved ones in the most direct possible ways. I have watched our corn crop on my family farm wither and die in the drought for the second time year in a row and it is heartbreaking. And I have seen my friends and former neighbors in New York City displaced and threatened by superstorm Sandy - areas that I have been and worked in flooded and left without power and clean water.
I know that you understand how serious this is. I know that you have made the greatest investments in clean energy in the history of our nation, while raising our fuel standards and encouraging true green innovation. And again, thank you - thank you so much.
However, I want to urge you, Sir, in the strongest possible way to take on this issue in your second term in a way that did not, and perhaps were not able to, in your first.This isn't an issue that is separate from our economy, not a niche issue of preserving the polar bears (beautiful as they are). This is the greatest economic and moral issue of our age. I beg you not to allow Republican obstructionism and our current reliance on fossil fuel to hold you back from making this case - along with your most powerful surrogates (I hear that Clinton boy can talk a pretty good game).
As you so rightly said, you were elected in 2008 because of your ability to tell a particularly American story - one that inspired millions of us, one that encouraged us to reach and work darned hard for what is best in our national character. And you also said, it was when you stopped telling that story, when you allowed the political maneuvering and "sausage-making" vital to governing take over, that you were at your weakest point.
Mr President, tell this story. Show how our national determination to overcome one of the greatest threats to our very species is in the spirit of what is best in us - the same spirit that drove us to form a more perfect union, to free the slaves and to beat back the Nazis. Make us understand that we will deal with climate change not with guilt or reluctance but with our characteristic generosity, determination and innovation. Show us that not only can we do this - we can become a far greater nation in so doing.
Thank you so much for your time, Sir, and for everything you have done for our nation and for my family.
God bless us all!