green is universal

What's the Grudge with Drudge?

Dear Mr. Green,

How come Matt Drudge refuses to accept Global Warming?

Yours Truly,
Garrett

Dear Attention and Aggravation,

Not being a psychologist, I can't diagnose why Matt Drudge refuses to accept or not accept anything. That said, not every social issue, problem, or challenge is going to get a universal response or reaction. Remember, it used to be blasphemous to claim that the earth revolved around the sun. Similarly - not everyone's motivation is the same.

Drudge, the owner, editor, main cook and bottle washer of the Drudge Report - a conservative news website - has faced criticism for his typical, old-school behavior and unsympathetic views on global warming, which includes his indifference to shrinking ice-caps, the demise of polar bears, rising sea levels, the link between climate change and hurricanes and droughts, and increases in asthma in children. Some, like Drudge, hold on to claims that the sun - not human activity - causes global warming. But c'mon! Even the Bush White House begrudgingly admitted, "Most of the recent global warming is very likely due to human generated increases in greenhouse gas concentrations." (White House Press Web Site, posted 29 May 2008 at 3:00 pm)

Provocateurs like Drudge relish gaining attention by swimming upstream. And to be honest - who knows what his motivation really is? Think of all the paid advocates and lobbyists working for fossil-fuel industries. They might not love coal or the havoc mining leaves behind, but they certainly dig the paycheck they receive from convincing politicians to deregulate rules put in place to protect us. So who knows what drives anybody to do or say or believe anything?

To some, recognizing Global Warming would mean acknowledging that our past personal behaviors have contributed to an increasingly growing and deadly problem. And, as we all know, this seems to be beyond the comprehension or admission of some people - like deer caught in the headlights.

We've just come through 8 years of an administration that deliberately deregulated industry safeguards, significantly adding to the problem of climate change. And for many, it feels like only the government can fix those problems through new laws and mandates.

However, to those of us who get "it," we know that small, quiet, yet "new-and-improved" everyday personal actions can and will make a huge difference - in our homes, in our workplaces, in our cities, in our states, in our country, and in the health of the planet as a whole. As Margaret Meade said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

Thoughtful citizens can recycle (bottles, cans, paper, plastic, clothing, electronics, and everything else you can in your area); drive more fuel-efficient cars and use them to car pool; walk, bike or use public transportation; insulate, caulk and weather-strip their homes; install faucet aerators, and low-flow showerheads (and take 2 minute showers); use compact fluorescent light bulbs; drink tap water; compost if possible; unplug all of their energy-zapping modern gizmos once they're charged or not in use, etc. And thoughtful people can also write their elected officials and demand changes that will help the environment. Remember, the 2008 elections were the first where Global Warming and the environment were serious agenda issues - so those in power are finally listening.

Hopefully, head-in-the-sand conservatives with a soapbox will also soon acknowledge this oncoming self-made planetary disaster and get on board by making sky-high differences instead of creating over-board disturbances. Helen Keller, one of the most inspirational people of the 20th Century once said, "I am only one, but I am still one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something."

So let Matt Drudge think and say what he wants - it's his right to do so. But though you are one, you are still one, and while you cannot do everything, you can do something! So get out there and join millions of other like-minded folks, and DO SOMETHING!

P.S. This is my last contribution as Mr. Green for Green Is Universal. It's been a blast answering your intriguing questions. Please continue to send your questions to zencleaner@gmail.com. Once received, I'll post your inquiries and my answers at my soon to launched website www.mykindofclean.com.

Make it a beautiful world by being and doing your best.

Truthfully,
Michael DeJong