January 8, 2007
This weekendÕs unexpected, but more than welcome, record 720 in Central Park on Saturday will no doubt serve as proof to many naysayers that global warming is now official. What isnÕt so official is to what degree the planet is heating up due to its own natural tilt and just how much mankind is at fault. But to what degree we should beat ourselves up about it and adhere to the advice of global warming ÒexpertsÓ and the celebrity remoras who attach themselves to such worthwhile causes, is a whole other debate.
One possible answer to the debate may be in following the money trail. Because whether by accident or design, even the most economically left-wing die-hard socialists have found ways to capitalize on any issue, and global warming is no exception. For every stereotypical cigar smoking CEO sitting behind a mile-long mahogany desk, there are just as many eco-friendly environmentalists whoÕve made tidy profits from books and documentaries on their sides of the story. After all the speculation and marketing behind global warming, itÕs not in their best interest to admit that perhaps the world is in a constant state of natural chaos regardless of human interaction.
But even more disturbing than activists whoÕve based their entire careers on sanctimonious finger pointing and Armageddon-like predictions, are those who are more than ready and willing to tell us how to live. While itÕs without a doubt in the planetÕs and everyoneÕs best interest to save energy, particularly when following money trails, itÕs another issue when activists take it upon themselves to tell us exactly how to do so. When to turn our lights on and off, whether weÕre justified in flying cross-country to visit relatives (especially considering how many frequent flyer miles they accumulate on their own promotional tours and research), and how much of our taxes should pay for environmental damages in foreign countries since according to many, itÕs the USÕs fault as usual.
ThereÕs more than likely some truth behind most environmental punditsÕ seemingly noble pursuit to save the planet and leave behind a better world for our great-great-great-great grandchildren. But if only they would be more honest with themselves and the rest of us in admitting thereÕs another agenda, such as making a name and profit for themselves. Because the last thing we need are more pompous windbags spewing hot air. Our planetÕs already warm enough as it is.