We know Trump isn’t helping the environment, but are you?

Take environmental responsibility

People, not governments, are the only ones who can save the planet. People I know who scream about how terrible President Trump is for the environment do not do one thing themselves to help. They drive giant vehicles, live in big houses and consume and waste a lot. They barely recycle, but they demand the government to force everyone else to do what’s right.

I’ve always tried to use less fuel than most people. My van is barely big enough and only used when needed. Daily, I drive a small two-seater and fuss if a fill-up costs more than 20 bucks. I ride motorcycles and have bicycles.

If you care about Planet Earth, do what is right, not just what the government forces you to do.

Global warming is an imminent threat

As an environmental scientist, I was glad to recently see global warming-related stories on the front page two days straight.

During WWII, when we were attacked, we sprang into action to put all our resources into the war effort. Global warming, more deadly and unrelenting than war could ever be, has been largely greeted by yawns.

Because of our inaction, we have heat waves and fires all over the world, along with more erratic and violent weather, melting ice and sea level rise – and it’s going to get much worse, at great cost to humanity, unless we act immediately to reduce fossil fuel use and convert to renewable energy sources.

What Trump’s after isn’t peace

Opposition to Trump’s sidling up to Putin is not opposition to peace. It is opposition to attempts by a kleptocracy to dominate European nations, nations that merely aspire to liberty and economic freedom.

In 2011-2012, Obama got caught on a hot mike seeking some rapprochement with then-President Medvedev, and “conservatives” raked him over the coals. This was before Russia’s assault on Ukraine and its illegal occupation of Crimea, which Obama responded to appropriately, if feebly, with sanctions.

Why do the “conservatives” now ask us to accept Russia’s hegemony in this region? It’s not because they love peace. It’s because they have to go along with Trump’s inept foreign policy flailings, for fear of being “primaried” if they don’t.

I don’t want to pay for ‘life in prison’

Sorry to hear the killer of that 3-year-old Gaston county girl was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Why? As an N.C. taxpayer, I’ll be in some way supporting this monster for years.

How about this: Give criminals sentenced to life without parole the option to be executed (hemlock?). Choice is good, right? For sure some would choose it. It would be humane that way. They put themselves to death. It would help taxpayers. It would free up much-needed prison space.

Sounds like a win-win.

Children should still be the priority

Thank you, Billy Maddalon, for an outstanding and revealing column in Friday’s paper. I find this nine-state legislation unbelievable.

Don’t judge schools that need funding

The legislature has starved the public schools of the funds needed to make North Carolina's public schools all that they could be.

As a practicing Christian, I am aware of what has been happening to public education. While I would not do or say anything that is negative about religious-based education, Forum writer Carol Lee could ask the GOP in Raleigh to support the public schools, so maybe they could become more successful!