VDT LTE today. -jsq

We can only prosper as a society if we work together. Despite the
differences we might have, we share so much more in common. Yet it seems
that we prefer to fall into separate camps, that we seek to view issues
in black and white, and that we like to belong to those who have “got
it all figured out”. Just pick your side (liberal, conservative)
and you “know” who got it all wrong.

I have been humbled by the wide-ranging support WACE received to stop
a biomass plant that was once considered a done deal. In the end what
mattered was the realization by people across all ages, racial and
ideological lines that we want to breathe clean air, and that we don’t
want to waste millions of tax dollars on a project that will lead to
increases in respiratory illnesses, heart diseases, and cancer. Thus
the people spoke up, and with the help of elected representatives and
the Industrial Authority “no biomass” became the consensus.

In the last couple of months I noticed another issue many agree on.

No
matter who you talk to, what TV or radio station you listen to, or what
newspaper you read, everyone understands that energy security is crucial
for the US and that we need to become independent of foreign oil. This
realization came up at the SE Bioenergy Conference in Tifton, it surfaced
during a visit of Rep. Sanford Bishop in Valdosta, and it found special
mention in a report of the Southern Governors’ Association meeting.

But here is the catch: hardly anyone ever addresses the need for energy
conservation and efficiency. We simply want more of everything. Thus,
Benjamin Franklin’s “waste not, want not” has become a resounding “waste
more, want more”. Yet, we can’t become independent of foreign oil if
we don’t change our habits, just like an alcoholic cannot sober up by
drinking more beer.

In the coming months WACE will reach out to community organizations and
governmental entities to address the issue of energy conservation and
efficiency. This is not just an issue of energy security, it is a moral
issue. Christians can relate to it, as they understand the principles of
stewardship. Conservatives can relate to it, as waste and inefficiency
contradict the wisdom of our founding fathers. Liberals can relate to
it, as it is in their interest to change a way of life that has made us
dependent on foreign oil.

-Michael Noll