It's not a criticism, it's an observation.
Saving the planet
Mike Cox

My generation was going to save the planet. We invented Earth Day, Earth shoes, and made the world aware of what pollution was doing to the atmosphere. Most of us planned to go back to nature, live in a gigantic commune with all our friends, and eat what we grew.

Something happened along the way. Not only did we grow up to live much like our parents, we have not improved the planet at all. I thought about this recently and decided to get out the bellbottoms, the tie-dyed shirt, the Bob Dylan slogans, and protest. Someone has to stick it to the man.

There are two problems with this. First of all, none of the old protesting clothes fit anymore. Second, the world is a lot more complicated.

Global warming is something we all can get worked up about. But there is no clear cut explanation for who is at fault. Some experts say fossil fuels are the culprit. Other evidence suggests this is a natural temperature increase. If it is our fault, who do we blame, and what do we do to change things without destroying the economy? A recent snowfall in Antarctica even suggests to some scientists the planet may be getting cooler again.

In the 60s, the issues were like professional wrestling; it was easy to distinguish the good guys from the bad guys. Today, things are still like pro wrestling; the line between good and evil has blurred. No one knows for sure who is sincere and who is just trying to get rich.

Organic food has become big business. Shade grown coffee, free range chickens, and additive free meats and vegetables are widespread and expensive. With little federal regulation and no investigation, anyone can make claims about the purity of their product and be rich before the truth comes out.

Forty years of television has taught us to latch on to the simple answer, the sound bite, and the most repeated slogan. Our attention spans are so short, we can't investigate anymore.

We know SUVs are bad and Hybrids are good, but what if the SUV driver carpools, keeps his car maintained, and drives efficiently? Isn't he as fuel efficient as the hybrid driver with the lead foot who drives around Wal-Mart for 20 minutes waiting on a front row parking space?

Everyone who cuts grass with a gas mower or fails to keep their tires inflated contributes to the problem. But we don't get that serious. It's much easier to feel good about yourself if you only have to do something simple. We'll buy a hybrid, recycle plastic, or think green, but don't ask us to make a strong commitment or dig for facts. We'll lose our buzz real quick.

It makes protesting very confusing. As a result, I'm paralyzed by the possibilities and stuck in neutral. I think I'll get a free range beer, feed the dogs some additive free food, and put on the new Dylan album. I heard it was recorded in the shade.