Submitted by John Papandrea, Sep 28, 2007 12:29

Without the government and especially the states to demand cleaner air and water, as well as more efficient appliances and vehicles, corporate response would always be based upon profit and profit alone. Mayor Bloomberg's initiative in regard to purchasing hybrid buses and taxis has made a relatively big difference in a relatively short period of time. Further, these purchases serve to foster an industry that will bring more efficient, cleaner vehicles to us all.

Walmart's well touted effort to sell millions of CFL's(even assuming that their environmental concern is greater than their profit motive) has a dark side. These bulbs were originally made here providing good jobs and environmental adherance. Walmart has helped to drive all of these manufacturing jobs to the low wage countries, especially China where such environmental regulations are missing or ignored(CFL's contain mercury & other dangerous chemicals). Transferring pollution from one continent to another hardly benefits us as world citizens. What about the effects of shipping these products around the globe?

As to the passion of environmentalists and the threat of global warming, I can only ask the doubters if they can make a case that we have actually taken good care of the planet we've enjoyed. Consider that in the hundred plus years since the Industrial Revolution, we've no doubt used more of the world's resources than in all of the earth's previous recorded history. As temporary custodians, it is about time that we took the responsibility to leave a better world for generations to come, a little more seriously.

The United States should be a leader in this area. An energy independent America would make us more competitive in the world market, provide good jobs, a cleaner environment, substantial economic savings and preclude any further wars for oil.

I for one can't wait for economics to decide our future.

Note: Comments are screened, and in some cases edited, before posting. We reserve the right to reject anything we find objectionable.