Climate change presents crisis, opportunity

Editor:

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- "Nature doesn't do bailouts." These were the words of former Vice President Al Gore at the 2012 Climate Reality Project training conference in August. The updated "Inconvenient Truth" slide-show included more definitive scientific conclusions -- but it also provided a message that was as clear to the eye as it was to the mind.

New images of jet wheels sunk into melted tarmac and heat-buckled railroad ties from this summer's extraordinary heat wave spoke more clearly than any speaker ever could. This is not normal, and it is only the beginning. Climate change is already here, plundering the living riches of the natural world that sustains us, threatening bankruptcy of societies and -- though the fact is hard to fathom -- menacing human survival.

It is a strange reality to accept, but once we do, the choice is simple and stark. On one side lies assured destruction at the hands of our own poor stewardship. On the other lies a future of cheap, healthy, American-made energy, driving a sustainable economy that will be there for our children and grandchildren. It is difficult to swallow, but that is exactly what we must do.

As a child, I was always taught that knowledge can forestall tragedy. At age 7, very sick with measles and at risk of deadly complications, I asked my father why I should have to take that repulsive antibiotic crushed into a spoonful of jam. "Because" he said, in a cool sing-song, "if you don't take it, you may die". That seemed funny. My father would never let me die! But he had shown me a glint of steely reality, and I swallowed the bitter stuff.

Climate change holds a monstrous potential for tragedy. But as is frequently the case, there is opportunity in adversity. To survive, we will have to make massive investments in new kinds of technology and infrastructure. This mobilization of the American economy will create huge numbers of jobs and help assure energy independence and prosperity for generations. To be sure, there are narrow private interests who want to maintain our current state of affairs. They will pay top dollar to shout down hard-won scientific conclusions with well-marketed lies and half-truths. It is our duty as free Americans to see through this public relations nonsense, and trust the collective brilliance of our people to bring us safely into a flourishing future.

In a sense, this is the only choice that we have.

Regan Quinn

Charleston

Education imperiled by sectarian dogma

Editor:

I find irony in Karl Priest's complaint about the state of science education in public schools when he cannot accept the reality, the fact, that evolution is the founding principle of all the biological sciences. For an explanation of part of public education's recent failures he need look no farther than attempts by religionists who have undermined curricula in not just science education but history and civics as well.

A well-informed public is necessary for democracy to work, and that begins with school. It is, therefore, government's duty to ensure a quality education for all. Eliminating public schools is counter to that mandate. Private schools do not have to accept students; nor are they necessarily accountable for teaching misinformation. Money is better spent on making sure there are quality educators in schools open to all who value factual information instead of sectarian dogma.

While West Virginian schools may not have rankings worthy of a proud Mountaineer tradition, it seems obvious to me that Mr. Priest's exit from teaching is a positive sign. Schools need dedicated teachers, not misinforming ideologues.

P.A. Nichols

Upper St. Clair, Pa.

@lettershed:

State troopers show our core values

Editor:  

Longfellow's quote "Lives of great men remind us, we can make our lives sublime, and, departing leave behind us footprints on the sands of time" clearly applies to the recent loss of State Troopers Marshall Bailey and Eric Workman. While most of us were sitting in the comfort of our homes that evening, these young brave men were making the ultimate sacrifice to ensure our safety.

The State Police was formed in 1919 in response to social injustices that ultimately led to the largest U.S. insurrection since the American Civil War (Battle of Blair Mountain) so their charter included critical core values that could withstand the challenges of the day (Integrity, fairness, respect, honesty, courage and compassion). Today the news of this tragic loss pierced through the deafening chatter of politically divisive rhetoric and the incessant amplification of differences between us by 24-hour news networks to remind us of the core values that made this nation what it is today. As I shook hands and looked into the eyes of the troopers at the General Division, the pain was palpable, but I was moved by the signature trooper character traits of humility, strength and integrity.

God bless the families of these fallen heroes and the band of brothers that make up the West Virginia State Police.

Mark C. Bates, M.D.

Charleston