This Christmas I’m asking Santa Claus for a gas mask. Oh, not because I’m so frightened by all the repetition by the media and the Bush administration about “you know who” and the evils of chemical warfare. Sure, I’ll admit “that guy” is pretty crazy and all. But frankly, I see we have some pretty toxic problems right here in the U.S.
Some of the Bush administration’s policies actually favor poisoning American citizens. Consider those poor rangers at Yellowstone Park who will be wearing gas masks again this winter in order to protect themselves from the heavy pollutants spewing from snowmobiles. Disregarding the scientific reports and 350,000 public comments, most of them favoring clean air, over a poisoned park, Mr. Bush sided with his corporate snowmobile-making, gas-guzzling buddies and decided for you and for me to allow more toxins in the environment. What a year. Not only did lucky Americans get that big $300 tax refund, we all get a lump of coal in our environmental stockings. I’d laugh at the stupidity of it all if it weren’t for some family members and friends who already wheeze with asthma.
But hey, what do the political grinches care about all this? Who cares, Christmas is coming and the corporate goose is getting fat, the diversions are masterful, let’s all focus on Iraq. No wait, I have a better idea. Focus on someone you love. Give that someone a Christmas gift that keeps on giving, like a solid commitment to becoming informed, politically active, and a good steward of water, air and forests. Then give your elected officials a holiday greeting, tell them to stop the chemical threats at home. On the other hand, if you’re just not in the spirit of giving this year, just hang your Christmas stocking by the fireplace and wait for a gift. No doubt Santa carries more than one gas mask in that big white sack of his.
Coupeville
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
