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Climate Change Is Green Baloney?

MLM Blog Climate ChangeClimate change is “green baloney?”  Recently, I wrote an article:  “Going Green is Easier Than You Think.”

I shared this article with various social media networks and Facebook Groups.

Individuals in one particular group had some derogatory comments aimed at me and my article.

I’m Accused of Being a “Communist”

For the record, I served in the United States Armed Forces during the Viet Nam War.  During that time the U.S. drafted young men to serve in the military.  It was like a lottery.

The U.S. government picked birthdays at random and if your birthday came up you were forced to serve.  Unlike many young men at that time, I enlisted, before my number (256) was picked.

To accuse me of being a Communist based on my concern for our environment and the lives of people and animals is not surprising to me.

After all, I remember when the military granted me some leave for rest and relaxation.  As I hitch-hiked home to visit family and friends wearing my military uniform, people spit on me, and threw rocks, stones, bottles, and cans at me.

Nevertheless, another commenter in this particular Facebook group also compared me to the 18th century English scholar, Reverend Thomas Robert Malthus, who was the first to warn us of the dangers of overpopulation with his book, “An Essay on the Principle of Population.

Others who commented on my blog post in this Facebook group claimed I wrote about “green baloney.

Still others denied that natural resources on Earth are becoming scarce.

Your Opinion is Important!

I respect people’s rights to have opinions and speak out; however, accusations and/or implications that I am a “Communist” are truly unnecessary.

Maybe it was people like him who spit on me and threw rocks, bottles, and cans at me when returning home in uniform–strong in their beliefs and opinions to the point of causing physical violence and verbal abuse.

In my opinion, any form of labeling of a person is discriminatory and archaic.  I’m not stupid–I’m a well-traveled educated man!  And I don’t get involved in politics.  However, I guess some people view speaking about ecology, sustainability, saving human, animal, and plant life as part of the political arena.

This is my calling! As idealistic as it is, the sole purpose of my business and speaking out is to save lives, make living on Earth better for the present and future generations, and help those in need.

Nonetheless, the world is ever-changing.

Rivers are overflowing, crops are failing, severe storms are killing people, and forests are turning to tinder and glaciers and melting at an alarming rate.

For decades, the climate has been changing, drastically.  Even though there have been an overwhelming number of severe weather events; droughts, heat waves, floods, and historic storms, we are receiving messages from the media that are as confusing as the messages and response of the tobacco industry regarding the harmful and deadly affects of tobacco use—they blatantly denied that smoking causes cancer.

Today, those who have an interest in fossil fuel claim that burning oil and coal is not affecting the earth’s climate.

There are some facts to consider.

  • The ten hottest years on record have all occurred since 1998
  • Droughts are threatening the lives of millions
  • 1000-year floods occur around the world every year
  • Island nations are going underwater
  • Seas are rising and washing away entire communities

How Do You Find Solutions?

Personally, like many others, I cannot provide solutions to our ecological dilemma.  I can do my part in reducing my carbon, ecological footprint in many ways.  I can also search for solutions and share them with you to help us live healthier lives without causing harm to others.

For now, I suggest we read and view material with an open mind.

Gather other people’s perspectives on issues.

Do your own research.

Be eclectic in your approach to all issues in life…


About the author: George Zapo is certified in Public Health Promotion and Education (Kent State University). George provides informative articles promoting healthy behavior and lifestyles.

10 comments… add one
  • Jim

    Everyone everywhere shows their face in one way or another and all thoughts, no matter what they are, are limiting. That is inherent in the process of speaking or writing. And because anything said or written is limited there is an opposite also inherently implied. If you are really interested in promoting “green” or anything else then the opposite will appear. However, rather than being put off by the rock-throwers and spitters and name-callers, re-engage them in the conversation and take it to the next level and continue the dialogue until all of your resources are exhausted. Then you dig deeper for a greater understanding of your opinion. I am of the same generation and I used to be idealistic and wanted to change the world, but found out that trying to change the external is not an effective means of change. Or feeling hurt by someone having a dissenting opinion only shows the limits of your belief. You change the world by changing yourself and it is a never-ending story. Re-engage them with more truths and if they can’t or refuse to understand the truth, then so be it. You’ve improved yourself through your efforts. Godspeed George!

    • Jim,

      Thank you for reading and providing your thoughts and opinion! I agree with you. I continued engaging with the people in that specific group and ultimately, others who were in need of support on a their local ecological project received exposure to their project: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Save-the-Cape/102463186489992

      It was worth the bashing. I am willing and capable of making sacrifices, pushing aside my pride, and offer solutions to some of the problems we face today.

      Take care…and thanks again for your valuable insight!

  • Lynn

    I can’t believe the response you received George, it’s absolutely ridiculous! When you write about helping people, and creating communities that foster healthy and sustainable living, you get negative backlash? I for one am very interested in efficiently utilizing our natural resources. Thank you for sharing, and please keep up the good work.

    • Thank you Lynn! I appreciate your encouraging words and for sharing your thoughts! You keep up your great work, as well!

  • You pretty much said what i could not effectively communicate. +1

  • Mark Edward Brown

    Hi George,

    Closed minded people who keep rigid views and opinions of others are inherently scared and their rudeness is an attempt to rationalize keeping in line with the “group” mentality.

    I commend you for stretching your thoughts and mind & seeking to know more and why. That is one of the reasons I am glad we met and support each other with our ongoing and valuable dialogue!

    Always with my best regards ~ Mark Edward Brown

    • Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Mark! I’m doing the best I can…

  • You got great points there, so I always check your blog, it seems that you are an expert in this field. keep up the good work, My friend recommends your blog.

    • Thank you, Charlotte! I appreciate you taking the time to read and provide feedback. I’ll continue do my research and share what I find…

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