Leigh, Here are the parameters of the discussion of Gore's movie: I will be meeting with liberals from the Unitarian Church in Salt Lake City.
We just got a new lightrail line 5 years ago, with a ridership double original projections. Using the light rail seems to be much more "in" than using buses. One of the talking points will definitely be: learn the public transportation system and use it whenever possible. Take a book to read. It may require re-arranging one's schedule a bit, but does not have to be a net loss of time. If more people use the system, the frequency of the buses will eventually be increased. Another talking point might be: if you are in a two-car family, try to get along with one car. Again this will require some co-ordination etc., but it may be possible. Don't move unless absolutely necessary. Stay put where you are and pay down your credit card, car loan, and mortgage. Get to know your neighbors. There will be huge contradictions for the capitalist system coming from global warming, plus those created by Bush's misguided adventures, i.e., recessions, financial meltdowns. But the problem with all this is: these are individual actions. What is needed is action on a social level. How can we get there? People have to network more. Wear a T-shirt "talk to me about global warming" while riding the bus, and be open to exchanging business cards or telephone numbers. Organize move-on type house parties. Discuss in your circle whether there are any organizations, local or national, political or environmental, which should be joined. If you are friends with someone who does not believe that global warming is happening, discuss with him or her patiently. Winning hearts and minds one at a time is very worth while, because it is a chain reaction. Don't lose patience. We do have the better arguments, therefore time will work for us if we keep contact and maintain goodwill. Use local government. There is a big difference between local government and the Federal government. Salt Lake City has a very progressive mayor, Rocky Anderson. Wait until it gets really hot in July and then organize demonstrations against the heat. Because heat it not a natural phenomenon, it is man-made. Join your local Jobs with Justice branch, tell your church to join (if you are in one), go to union meetings (if you are in a union). Cut your own consumption and working hours (if possible) so that you have time for that stuff. I am assuming that there will be huge mass movements in the next few years. Time magazine was talking about Global Warming, CNN had a series, now the Gore movie. People will react to this. Plus I am assuming the economy here in the US will soften quite a bit within the next 3 years. Now is the time to prepare for this. All this is brainstorming. If you find things which are wrong, or if you have additional thoughts, please tell me, I will not be offended. Hans G. Ehrbar
