Further to lee Smith’s letter last week, we need a benevolent leader akin to Jose Mujica the 40th President of Uruguay https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%A9_Mujica "the world's humblest head of state" due to his austere lifestyle and his donation of around 90 percent of his $12,000 monthly salary to charities that benefit poor people and small entrepreneurs.[2
Capitalist greed is a problem ensuring invention becomes the mother of necessity. What do we really need vs. simply want? Many of our parents may have been born on farms without electricity and running water, so long before internet use and cell phones became “essentials”. Unlike marine life humans can adapt to change (e.g., oil spills and heat). Our problems must increase to the point where we are willing to accept inconveniences like driving less, by for example taking public transit and car sharing and cooperating. Penalties for sole occupancy driving of multi-passenger vehicles would help reduce car dependence, air pollution and worries about fuel price. Yes, government support of the internal combustion engine-based auto industry thereby paying polluters to pollute must end.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment. Jose Mujica, the former President of Uruguay, indeed set a remarkable example of personal austerity and commitment to the less fortunate. His leadership style is a reminder that personal sacrifice and public service can go hand in hand, and it's a model that is very relevant in our fight against climate change.
You've raised an important point about the distinction between needs and wants. As a society, we've become accustomed to certain conveniences that are not only unnecessary but also harmful to the environment. It's a tough but necessary conversation to have, and it aligns with the theme of sacrifice touched on in the post.
Your suggestions about driving less, taking public transit, car sharing, and implementing penalties for sole occupancy driving are all excellent strategies for reducing our carbon footprint. It's clear that we need a multi-faceted approach to this problem, and it's encouraging to see that many people are willing to consider these kinds of changes.
Further to lee Smith’s letter last week, we need a benevolent leader akin to Jose Mujica the 40th President of Uruguay https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%A9_Mujica "the world's humblest head of state" due to his austere lifestyle and his donation of around 90 percent of his $12,000 monthly salary to charities that benefit poor people and small entrepreneurs.[2
Capitalist greed is a problem ensuring invention becomes the mother of necessity. What do we really need vs. simply want? Many of our parents may have been born on farms without electricity and running water, so long before internet use and cell phones became “essentials”. Unlike marine life humans can adapt to change (e.g., oil spills and heat). Our problems must increase to the point where we are willing to accept inconveniences like driving less, by for example taking public transit and car sharing and cooperating. Penalties for sole occupancy driving of multi-passenger vehicles would help reduce car dependence, air pollution and worries about fuel price. Yes, government support of the internal combustion engine-based auto industry thereby paying polluters to pollute must end.
Regards,
Paul Esslinger,
New Westminster, 604-540-1519
editorial@newwestrecord.ca
Dear Paul,
Thank you for your thoughtful comment. Jose Mujica, the former President of Uruguay, indeed set a remarkable example of personal austerity and commitment to the less fortunate. His leadership style is a reminder that personal sacrifice and public service can go hand in hand, and it's a model that is very relevant in our fight against climate change.
You've raised an important point about the distinction between needs and wants. As a society, we've become accustomed to certain conveniences that are not only unnecessary but also harmful to the environment. It's a tough but necessary conversation to have, and it aligns with the theme of sacrifice touched on in the post.
Your suggestions about driving less, taking public transit, car sharing, and implementing penalties for sole occupancy driving are all excellent strategies for reducing our carbon footprint. It's clear that we need a multi-faceted approach to this problem, and it's encouraging to see that many people are willing to consider these kinds of changes.