Blind Eye

Our nations ability to turn a blind eye to impending crisis continues to astonish me. Why is that we continue to ignore the warning shots that Mother Nature fires over our bow? On a national scale, the idea of increasing drilling on American soils is repeatedly proposed as a solution to our dependence on foreign oil. People cannot continue to ignore the fact that oil, everywhere in the world, is a finite resource. During the recent congressional questioning a BP executive was quoted as saying that "there is over 40 years" of oil still available. 40 years!? And that's coming from industry. That's like a ski area measuring their own snow accumulation. 40 years may seem like a long time if you are 10 years old, but those of us who have matured beyond playing with Tonka Trucks need to see this for what it is, a time to get serious about alternative energy sources.

On a local level La Plata County has ended its moratorium on water taps associated with Lake Durango because the "drought is over". OK, but we are living in the Southwest. How long do you think it will be until the next drought? If we are to continue to exist on this planet our vision of lifespan has to extend beyond the short term. The idea that we can "fix" whatever problems come our way using our advanced technology only exposes us to a greater probability of catastrophe. Let's acknowledge the warning signs and develop strategies to avoid dramatic catastrophic changes.

Aaron