Editor,
Thank you for the striking juxtaposition of two opinion pieces in your last edition. Learning to Care by Dr. Luis Contreras and Shall We Complain or Inspire by Mary Pat Boian respectively addressed the necessity of climate change, compassion and commitment and the hard won duty to vote.
In this time of accelerating climate change, where many of the greatest impacts are being endured by the world’s most vulnerable citizens, voting’s power and responsibility cannot be overstated. Here I speak not only to the critical November ballot box, but to the impact of everyday choices. Thoughts. Words. Purchases. Prayers. Passions. Actions – all express and give motion to our values, and, like votes, indicate our preference for and commitment to the type of world in which we seek to live.
In terms of climate change, choices as simple as eating less meat, arranging for a Carroll Electric Energy audit, or joining a national climate solutions effort such as Citizens’ Climate Lobby or The Dogwood Alliance (two of my favorites) send a clear message: I am with Her: Mother Earth.
So, yes, by all means, vote in November. And, moved by caring and compassion, also vote every day before then and after.
Jan Schaper