We are responsible

Editor:

In a recent letter to the editor on Nov. 4, 2021, “Politicians spout off about climate change,” the writer, Ms. Crawford, criticized a number of politicians for “scare-mongering” and “screeching” about climate change.

The writer continued to cite a number of concerns — the pandemic, supply shortages, gas prices, “Marxist Critical Race Theory” in our schools (which doesn’t really exist), immigrant numbers, etc., which she feels are far more important than the rapidly declining state of our climate.

It is sad when someone who appears to be thoughtful ignores the obvious facts of the changes in our environment, which are staring us in the face. Far from being a “brain-eating green virus,” the science is clear, the facts are incontrovertible that our environment and climate are suffering and could very well be approaching irreversible damage.

It would be more helpful if people who share the writer’s views would do the research and speak from a place of knowledge rather than political parroting and close-minded ignorance.

The writer of the letter stated only God has the power to change the climate. The damage to our environment is entirely human-made. We are responsible for the breakdown in our protective ozone layer due to burning fossil fuels, the resulting climate warming, and the host of other changes in a warming climate brings: dramatic weather changes, drought, sea levels rising, crop failures and on and on.

I had thought that we, as a planetary people, had gotten beyond discussing the “theory” of climate change and had finally started facing and addressing the reality that our planet is in deep trouble. It was in our power to bring on the damage we are experiencing, and it will have to be in our power to try and repair it.

Finally, I resent the writer’s vicious and unnecessary attack on Greta Thunberg. Greta is an intelligent, well-informed and brave young woman who has become a voice of her generation. She is expressing her and her peers’ real fears that vast areas of the world they inherit will become virtually uninhabitable within their lifetimes.

I feel confident stating that it will not be God who corrects our climate disaster. It will be the likes of the Greta Thunbergs of our world who show the most promise of repairing the mess they inherit, if there is still time.

 

Ron Lahti, M.Div.

Belen

 

Happy Birthday, Belen

Editor:

Felicidades readers of this fine newspaper.

It’s time to celebrate Thanksgiving and a birthday, both of which are only a few days apart.

It was on the fifteenth of November in the year 1740 that the idea of the town of Belen was born. A small group of farmers and animal herdsmen, with their community leaders, all living along a wide, muddy river, came to the decision to form a town.

A request was made to the representative of the viceroy in Santa Fe. Their request was later approved by the Spanish king.

My family of four — Maya, Andreas, Rafiq and Dar — and I wish Belen a Happy Birthday.

 

Ken Gibson

Belen

 

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The Valencia County News-Bulletin is a locally owned and operated community newspaper, dedicated to serving Valencia County since 1910 through the highest journalistic and professional business standards. The VCNB is published weekly on Thursdays, including holidays both in print and online.