Why aren’t our leaders thinking more about the environment?

12 Aug 2009
The Barrie Examiner (Canada)

Why aren’t our leaders thinking more about the environment?

"Where are all the leaders? The decisions you make today, in regards to any and all environmental issues, could potentially sway a whole generation of future voters. Tell me you realize this. If you do not, well then, it is time for you to wake up and look around!

Are you that shallow that you are only concerned about yourself? Are you only concerned about the influence you demonstrate during your term of governing? Seriously. Environmental issues need to be well thought out. They are decisions that will outlast any of your terms. These are decisions that will affect a town, a county, a province, a country, a continent and a planet forever.

There is a new energy that surrounds the next generation. These are young people that are not afraid to admit that mistakes have been made. They actually understand the importance of recognizing these mistakes. They even seem to celebrate the discovery of such mistakes, knowing that a mistake must be recognized before it can be corrected. This younger generation gets it. This is your chance to embrace the next wave of voters, the next band of leaders.

When a decision is being challenged, that is when a leader should listen. Some decisions are made before all the facts are presented. Look at the facts in this case, listen to the opposition, gauge the impact, and find alternatives. Don’t be afraid to stand up and say that you have participated in a mistakes, that is what genuine leaders do.
It’s never too late to do the right thing."