Every Dollar is a Vote

Congress is again debating drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife "Reserve". Big Oil will not take "no" for an answer – and why should they? It only takes one “yes" and the subject will never be debated again. Eventually, even some rational people can convince themselves that drilling more domestic oil will increase national security, improve the economy, etc. They find it politically convenient to overlook the facts that: (1) even modest conservation would save more oil than drilling can provide, and (2) our long term security requires that we decrease carbon in the atmosphere, not make it cheaper to add more.

Criticizing the oil companies is pointless. These companies are doing what they are designed to do – make as much money as possible. What's an individual to do? Definitely, contact your congressional representatives! But political power is bought – and big companies can buy at a discount. How about doing what we can do and controlling what we can control?

Those who profess to be environmentalists and conservationists must "walk the talk". Walk, bike, and use public transportation when possible. Demand that your tax dollars go to sidewalks and bike paths, not just subsidize more roads. Buy a car that gets many miles per gallon and don't speed. Use as little air conditioning and heating as possible. Reduce, reuse, recycle must become part of our daily ethos. But we must do more than just car pool and monitor the thermostat.

We must act together to rescue the economic and political society from the growing tyranny of the transnational corporations. The principle function of the political state is patron of the corporation. We must use our personal and collective economic power against them. Spend wisely, buying from people you trust. Buy from your neighbors or from small regional companies when possible and from only the most ethical larger companies when necessary. Pay off your credit card debts. Save with credit unions and community banks that invest in local development. Small acts, when multiplied by millions, can change the world. Every dollar you spend is a vote. You can cast your vote thousands of times every year. Vote, and may we all win!