Unless one is living in some virtual world and have little connection to the actual world, it should be obvious that we must find a way to save and protect ourselves. In the not-too-distant future, money alone will not help much if those few humans left on this planet are hiding out in caves. We have a hint of what could be ahead for us in the present attitude that whatever I can get, regardless of the consequences, is what counts—not one’s obligations to neighbors or community at large, be it local, national, or international. So much for the thin veneer of civilization.

Recently, we have had some pretty impressive electrical storms. We are seeing with the uncontrolled fires burning in the West, the massive rainfall in Florida, the oppressive heat and storms from the Midwest to the Eastern Seaboard, what should be a wake-up call. We insignificant human beings are no match for the uncontrolled force of nature.

We must get off petroleum, natural gas and coal energy sources with which we are surely killing ourselves and more to creative new energy solutions fast!

Much of the destructive public or political discourse is being fueled by increasing downward economic pressure placed upon large masses of people who are frightened, depressed and easily manipulated. This has got to change.

We may, if lucky, save ourselves and keep the planet habitable for all. We must stop drilling for oil, fracking for gas, and mining for coal if we are to survive. And, if we don’t stop the corrosive influence of money on public policy, we will not have a chance of surviving, nor have a democracy. Forget about grandchildren living on to a ripe old age on a beautiful, life-sustaining planet.

Elizabeth Craft

Jeffersonville, NY