This week’s NYT article about energy and the economy made me cry a little bit in my coffee. It seems that Americans are all for energy policy reform and alternative energy, but are not willing to pay higher prices at the pump to make it happen. Don’t get me wrong – it’s great, really great, in fact, that most American’s are finally getting behind energy policies that will lessen our impact on the environment and that support for alternatives is increasing. However, it’s sadly delusional to believe we can make it happen without at least making some sacrifices, both in our lifestyles and with our wallets.
There was a time when our country would band together and do whatever was needed to keep America the leader it always has been and ensure our way of life. But it seems that of late, that “can do” attitude, has become a “you do” attitude – as in, you find a solution; I’m driving my Suburban to the mall to buy stuff I don’t need, which I will carry home in plastic bags – don’t you dare tell me I can’t or shouldn’t or that it should cost more.
Ironically, it’s going to be this refusal to compromise that forces even greater sacrifice in our country, as our wealth and status crumble under the weight of our unsustainable way of life. It’s time we all realize that we can’t have both – be a world leader and be wildly selfish. The strongest leaders are those who see that sacrifices must be made and have the courage to follow through.
And we can’t expect that by stomping our feet and demanding a political fix that the problem is just magically going to go away – we need to force the change, both by forcing the government to take action and by taking action in our own lives. A problem this big can only be fixed if we are all on board and doing our part. I hope Americans can find the strength to continue to be the great leader we’ve always been before it’s too late.
