Hot Air...

This is in a bit of a different vain than my other posts have been, but I think it is necessary and something that has bothered me for quite some time. I hope that at least a few people read this and respond, but I don't even know if there is anybody out there listening. In any case:

I read this article ( http://lifestyle.msn.com/your-life/bigger-picture/articlewow.aspx?cp-documentid=9299812&GT1=32001) today.

It is a discussion, of sorts, between a number of famous women, that stemmed from a family expecting their 18th child and whether or not their should be a limit. Most of them said one thing or another about over-population, people's rights to as many children as they like, and the subject of using up all the planets resources. This makes me angry. It's not that I do not agree that we need to do something about overpopulation. Or that I am unaware of the desperate and horrifying condition that our wildlife, our forest, our waters, inded, our entire planet (and therefore, even our universe) is in. Quite the contrary: I am infuriated and ashamed and terrified by it. You think that it will end with our planet? If our planet is destroyed, do you think that is the end of that? My God! When has a large disaster never affected 20 million other things around it? If our planet violently disappears, have you ever thought how that could throw things out of balance in the solar system? If it affects our solar system, could it not also affect others? (But of course, why should we care if we won't even be around to see it, right?)

Now, I am well aware I am speaking in total ignorance. I have no idea in the realms of physics, sience, math, evolution, whatever, if anything will change if we just disappear, taking our planet with us. Why does it really matter, anyways? As long as we get what we want until we die, why should it matter? Right? But really now. I am getting off track. What frusterates me-- and I am full guilty of this as well-- is the talk. All the hot air and soapboxing and what have you. All the righteous liberals who 'care' for the world...in words. It's not the ignorant bastards who make me angry. The people who say, what problem? Or, 'Oh, that's just a bunch of B.S. There's nothing wrong with our planet; trees will grow back. Oil is more important." These people are ignorant, but they are upfront about it. No. What angers me, after growing up in a liberal family, spending my life surrounded by people in the theatre-- most of whom are very 'earth conscious' and also liberal-- and currently living in Portland, Oregon-- hippy-town; recycle-ville-- are all these people who recognize the problem, will spend hours talking about how the fundamentalists should wake up and go to...well, wherever it is they go, and talk. And talk. And talk. And taaaallllk.

We talk. That's great. How many people that you know, who worry about over-population chose to have kids? How many people that you know, who will spend 2 hours on the oil problems and the Bush administration, still drive their cars to work? I am one of these people, too. (No, I don't have kids or drive a car, but I have many other sins to the survival of this planet, that I willingly commit when no one is looking). I am a great talker, too-- as you can see. The point, my friends (whoever you are) is not to make anyone wrong. The point is, it's all well and good to say that the enemy drives an SUV and goes to church with their anti-abortion flags heald high, and leaves their computer and lights on 24/7... but what are you doing about it? Oh, you recycle...good for you. What next? Oh, you ride your bike? Very good. It is. ...so what? Unless we stop ALL cars (which, by the way, were invented to solve the problem of horse manure filling the streets), find NEW ways of communication and lighting our evenings and, whatever else, and learn to find an agreeable solution to the number of people multiplying in this world (that begins with ourselves), we are all doomed. So what are you going to do about it?

A lot of people have already given up-- saying it's inevitable that we will all parish, and what does it matter, cuz we desrve it, right? The animals and trees, etc. if any survive, will grow back. And they'll be better off without us. Well congratulations. Giving up is the easiest of choices. God forbid someone cared enough to get their hands dirty, instead of giving up or spending even 2 more minutes talking...

We are, supposedly, a species above all others because we can think right? Our brains and some guy up in the clouds saying, "I choose you, Peekachu" makes us better and smarter than every other species on the planet, right? (Note: none of the other, 'less intelligent' species are the ones destroying the plant...but we're smarter...hmmm...). Well, fine. Then let's use some grey matter, eh?

I (little old me, of no fame and very little consequence) am declaring a challenge. To all the talkers out there. Myself included. Two months should be sufficient time, I think. So, lets say...October 31st? By October 31st, anyone who has ever read this blog, must come up with 3 ideas; 3 good and original ideas. Ideas on what we can do now to save the planet. It's that simple. Oh! and how to promote them and present them, too. I don't mean replacements for things we already have; I don't mean-- make a law that everyone must recycle-- let's try a little harder, ok? I mean stopping, I mean a real change: let's think outside the box, and then outside the area around the box. Let's stop the so-called 'inevitable' destruction of planet earth and the human race and every other species in this world, except the cockroaches.

Let's remind the world what we are known for: genius. So, here's the:

CHALLENGE:

1. To come up with 3 good ideas that the world can put into practice immediately that will aid in the rescue of the planet, the human race and all other species of plant and animal life in this world.

2. Along with these 3 ideas, there should be included at least 1 name or organization to present these to, who will-- if won over-- be able to help to get the ball rolling and the is ideas out there.

DEADLINE:

1. On the 31st of October, 2008 all entries should be submitted. By November 2nd, 2008 I will post all the ideas on my blog. We can expand upon them, work on them, point out the problems with them and the good points, and decide a deadline for taking action and who to go to.


Any takers? Think I'm being rediculous? Too scared to take responsibility for yourself and the planet? Or isn't life of every kind and this entire world worth a litlle bit of thought? Isn't it worth it...?


~ Vieve