Throughout my whole life, I have been accused of looking at life through rose-colored glasses. Hence, I have grown to become the cock-eyed optimist, continuing to believe that good will triumph over evil, mankind is innately good and even when things seem to be at their worst, they always work out for the best (quote from Harriet Delaney).
People everywhere are heard speaking about the travesty of President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement. So what better time than to apply the above philosophy? Here is my spin. First, it is important to begin with a little history lesson. I hear you sighing, but hey. The Paris Climate Agreement is not to be confused with the Paris Peace Conference, which occurred in 1919. Having convened in Paris, which was then considered the “center of world government,” the Paris Peace Conference came at the end of World War I. It was led by what was then considered to be the five major powers of the world: France, Britain, Italy, Japan (though to a lesser extent) and the United States. The purpose of the conference was to maintain world peace by establishing several mandates. Covered were issues ranging from prisoners of war, to undersea cables, international aviation, disarmament and holding Germany accountable for the start of WWI. With the help of delegates from more than 27 nations, who met consistently throughout the year, five major peace treaties emerged. These treaties included, the Treaty of Versailles, Treaty Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Treaty of Neuilly-sur-Siene, Treaty of Trianon and Treaty of Sèvres.
The conference culminated in 1920 with the formation of the League of Nations. Although the league’s primary purpose was to prevent future wars, the United States refused to become a member. Shortly thereafter, one by one, the other nations withdrew, and World War II occurred. However, the league continued to survive until it was replaced after the end of the Second World War with the United Nations April 20, 1946. The United Nations is known as an “intergovernmental organization.” Its mission is to promote international co-operation; create and maintain international order, peace and human rights; promote social and economic development; protect the environment; and provide humanitarian aid in times of natural disaster, armed conflict and crises.
Here we are today, and once again, the United States has taken an opposing stance to an international agreement with the withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord. Before we panic and go into deep depression, let’s look at the facts. According to the current agreement, U.S. compliance imposes harsh economic restrictions on the United States while failing to recognize America’s environmental goals. As I understand it, under the agreement, China has the next 13 years to continue building coal plants that emit pollutants into the air at an alarming rate. India makes its participation contingent upon receiving billions of dollars in foreign aid from the developed countries to double their coal output. The imposition upon the United States is to continue funding initiatives while we cut production of paper, cement, iron, steel and yes, coal, at a cost to the economy of close to $3 trillion across various sectors, and our mines are forced to shut down.
Interestingly, while I was in Germany, I learned that Europe is very dependent upon coal in the same manner that we are dependent upon oil. Coal is very much a part of their future, yet we must eliminate it from ours, putting America at a huge economic disadvantage. Having recently watched a televised documentary concerning the pros and cons of coal mining in the hills of West Virginia, a senior level miner had basically this to say: “Yes, the revitalization of coal mining without restriction would be a big boost to our economy and way of life. However, at the same time we can’t overlook the dangers coal mining poses to the environment. The way I see it, is for technology to intervene. Coal mining must resume. However, at the point when the toxicity is released into the environment, technology needs to be developed to defuse the harm. Why is it we don’t have some kind of device like that already?” Good point, good question.
And another thing. Why is it we always need written rules and agreements for people to do what is morally and socially conscious the right thing to do? Have we not evolved as a society to exhibit behavior that is conducive to keeping the environment safe, healthy and clean? Must we still behave without conscience or care with greed as our motivating factor, and that unless we have a law, agreement or accord, then we are not to be held accountable?
To me the word politics is synonymous with intrigue. You never know all of the details or what is really going on behind the scenes. Although I like to speak clearly and concisely, I find most people speak in double tongue, especially politicians. I would like to think that President Trump is a business man who happens to understands the jargon of the world’s political climate. He is willing to rejoin the coalition but only after renegotiating the deal, fairly and in the best interest of the American people. The last thing I remember President Obama saying is, “We want him to be successful because his success means success for America and the American people.” I keep repeating that to myself over and over.
On my last day in London before catching a flight back to Germany, I stopped to speak with a subway station master, who happened to be Nigerian, living and working in London. Being a typical New Yorker I asked, “Where do the Black people in London live?” Because as you travel around the city, you see a mix of people from all nationalities all moving and living in unison. He replied, “We all live together mixed throughout the country. We are not divided into separate communities.” In turn he asked me why Americans are not supporting their president? (Really, he did). Our conversation was as delightful as it was lengthy; so much so that it threw my traveling companion and me off schedule, and we missed our flight back to Dusseldorf. Quelle dommage. No worries. We caught a later flight to Cologne and took the train back to Dortmund. So exciting, just like our current state of affairs. In a final word of hope, comfort and joy, be loyal to your principles. The Universe will take care of everything. Relax.
Until next week … kisses.
