Why I’m Marching on February 17

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I’m joining the big climate change march on Washington on February 17.  I’m not marching because I think the weather’s going to be great (it’s not).  I’m not marching because I love the atmosphere created by a crowd of thousands, hopefully hundreds of thousands (I don’t).   I’m not marching because I don’t have any other better things to do (I’m kinda busy these days).  Here are my top 5 reasons for joining the march:

1. In his inaugural speech, President Obama stated ““We will respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that failure to do so would betray our children and future generations” (NY Times 2013).  I want the President to know that I expect him to fulfill this promise.
2. On Gerry Connolly’s website (my congressional representative), the congressman states, “In the 111^thCongress, Congressman Connolly helped pass the largest investment in clean energy in American history and supported legislation to reduce global warming pollution and reform offshore oil drilling.” (Connolly website ND)  I’m marching to let my representative know that I support his efforts and expect continued action in the same direction.
3. In my opinion, my senator, Mark Warner, has sent mixed signals regarding his commitment to stopping climate change.  He has supported development of some alternative fuel projects, while also co-sponsoring the Offshore Petroleum Expansion Now Act of 2012 (Warner website ND).  I’m marching to tell my senator that, on the issue of climate change, I expect him to lead definitively – you can’t have it both ways.
4. Our new senator, Tim Kaine, needs to know that the folks he represents feel strongly about climate change.
5. The photo shows you my primary reason for marching on February 17.  I’m a mom, and I care about the environment that my children will inherit.

Hope to see you at the march!

 

Sources:

Connolly website.  ND.  “Environment”  Accessed 2/9/13 http://connolly.house.gov/environment/

Stevenson, R.W and J.M. Broder.  2013. “Speech Gives Climate Goals Center Stage.”  The New York Times, January 21, 2013.  Accessed online 2/9/13 http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/22/us/politics/climate-change-prominent-in-obamas-inaugural-address.html?_r=0

Warner website.  ND.  “Energy”  Accessed 2/9/13 http://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/energy1