First; Do No Good ? - by Robb

There is a precept common to many religions but pre-imminent in Buddhism,

First; Do No Harm

The Bush administration seems to be following the opposite path. Aside from destroying the American economy with wars and corruption, establishing the US as a country that condones torture, and standing in the way of genuine science and truth for years, they are still refusing to do anything about climate change.

The very agency charged with protecting citizens from abuse of the environment continues to stall on action to mitigate climate change. The EPA refuses to regulate greenhouse gases and sues states that attempt to make real progress in that direction. But wait... what is this... they have now released a report, apparently undoctored by the political hacks in the White House, stating that climate change threatens the health of millions of Americans! Well hallelujah, could this signal a change of direction?

I don't think so. Bush is still trying to open up drilling for more oil off US coasts and in the sensitive and delicate Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Apparently the health of millions of Americans is not as important at the profits of a precious few. Many analysts have confirmed that the amount of oil available in these fields will not lower fuel prices. How can such small amounts pumped 5 to 10 years from now contribute to stability of the tumbling economy this year or the next? Anyway, the point is that band aid fixes like more oil will only prolong the agony. We need the courage to get off fossil fuels, once and for all. Leave them in the ground. The sooner we switch to truly renewable non exploitative sources of energy and make the lifestyle changes necessary to accomodate that change the less pain and suffering we will be forcing upon future generations.

The economy that is failing now is one we are well rid of. It is based on waste, inefficiency, greed, and selfishness. It is high time we realize our potential to transform our economy and our lives to those that reflect core values of sustainability and compassion.

First; Do No Harm