Using Our Currency: Grassroots Activism

Using Our Currency: Grassroots Activism

Truths From TerrahBy Terrah Baker

On Feb. 17, the largest rally to bring attention to the issue of climate change was held on the steps of our — your — Nation’s capitol, with more than 40,000 people, and thousands more in San Francisco and across the country.

Oh … you hadn’t heard about it? Well neither have millions of other Americans based on the lack of coverage it received from mainstream media. Which got me to thinking, “Why wouldn’t such an important issue as our nation’s resources, drinking water, citizens’ land rights, rising cancer rates in indigenous people in Canada and the strip mining of one of the world’s largest carbon sinks not be important enough to air on national television?”

The simple, overarching and inclusive answer that touches all human, environmental and social issues today: Because the powerful few who hold our resources, money and politicians in their back pocket have worked hard to discredit climate change, science, activism and anything not related to being a consumer.

Science — that silly thing humans have devised to prove facts based on repetitive research and reality — is no longer important. The human suffering that could be caused from catastrophic environmental disasters is no longer important. Truth and beauty and love and compassion and human spiritual connection are no longer important. But money is.

The United States is no longer for sale, folks. It’s sold. And with the help of American politicians, businessmen and lobbyists, so is the rest of the world. We exploit resources on every portion of the planet, why not our neighboring Canada and our own? I guess we could look at it as we might as well have the environmental catastrophes right in our own backyard, if they’re going to be taking place at all.

This is the time to enter the fight for environmental and social justice, and to continue to spread the truth about what’s going on in the world around us. With many large media conglomerates working against our interests, it will be a hard job, that’s why everyone (and dollar you spend) counts!

We can all make a difference and we must begin to take responsibility for the world around us. More than 20 Arkansans took on that responsibility two weeks ago when they drove to Washington, D.C., to take a stand in favor of humanity and our natural resources. Other generous Northwest Arkansans helped fund the trips. We need to buy our country back with the only currency we can outbid them with — grassroots energy and activism.

Upcoming Events To Start Your Involvement:

Arkansas Energy 2013 will hold Lobby for Energy Solutions in Little Rock on March 6, starting at 7:30 a.m. and March 19. www.facebook.com/ArkansasEnergy2013

Great Plains Tar Sands Resistance (formerly known as Tar Sands Blockade) will be at UA, J.B. Hunt Building on March 4 at 6 p.m. for an informative meeting about the tar sands and Keystone XL Pipeline. www.facebook.com/pages/Great-Plains-Tar-Sands-Resistance

KXL Pipeline TruthForce will hold a Fact Forum and Concert at Andrews Park in Norman, Okla. On March 24 starting at Noon. www.facebook.com/kxlpipelinetruthforce

Citizens Climate Lobby meeting, OMNI Center 3274 N. Lee St. March 2, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Report on participation in KXL protest, national conference call with climatologist, discussion of new Boxer-Sanders bill creating a carbon fee and dividend, plan of action for March. Lunch – Pot luck.

Categories: Commentary