Well, let’s not talk about Obama’s affiliations here to his campaign donors, like the US coal and oil industries, or the same connections the Democrats have, which make both of them of course have obligations that already will go against any radical changes America needs to make to start working towards ecological sustainability. Let’s look instead at Obama’s vision and values which he claims to hold, at least at some of them. Let’s see what they are and how they relate to the environmental promises made by him.
A good place to investigate might be Obama’s inaugural address which, on the surface, seems to contain commitments to radical change and a shift in values. Here are some of the quotes with which he still mesmeries social justice and environmental movements in America:
- “The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
- “On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.”
- The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act – not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together.”
- “[earlier generations] understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.”
- “we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense”
- “To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world’s resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.”
- “Let it be said by our children’s children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God’s grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.” [Source: Ecoglobe]
The question is: what do all these lofty words really mean? Given that Obama so far had only 100 days in office, do we have to wait for an answer till let’s say he’s half way through his term? Or can we already find either answers or clear indications for how to interpret those high-flying ideas? Let’s take a look at the White House website to see what Obama’s agenda says about ‘Energy and the Environment’, the only item that seems to have some direct link to ecological sustainability.
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