Silence can kill our way of life, so speak out

I am writing this letter because I fear the consequences of my silence. The current direction of our nation in general and in particular the rush to overturn important safeguards that protect our public lands, waters, air and health in general compels me to speak out.

The language of proposed rule changes including oil drilling in habitats off the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, as well as the Arctic Wildlife Refuge imply that they make economic sense and will not endanger critical environments and protections.

The overwhelming evidence from the main stream scientific community, the current extremes of weather, the potential for catastrophic effects on a global scale and common sense I believe tell a very different story. These credible threats point out the need to increase rather than decrease critical safeguards.

A closer examination reveals the dangerous precedent many of them pose to current and future generations. Decisions based on economics (many of which would have no or limited benefit) are short-sighted, and the possible consequences of such decisions should have us working to enact reasonable protections. It is incumbent for me and others of conscience to speak out and encourage legislators to vote for the interests of their constituents rather than their re-election.

In the final analysis, I believe that the greatest danger to our health and our democracy is the silence of concerned citizens.

This story was originally published November 10, 2017 at 11:54 AM with the headline "Silence can kill our way of life, so speak out."