Comment

Nov 08, 2014JP_Wright rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
I am not exactly a fan of Glenn Beck. I agree with him on some things and disagree on many but I enjoyed reading this book. I identified with the main character and felt the suffering of her experiences and emotions. However, I do not necessarily agree about the overall message this book is attempting to convey. In my opinion, it’s very one sided. There needs to be a balance between respect for the earth and economic prosperity. The reality is that our planet has finite resources and we should all pay attention to that. I agree with Glenn and Harriet that worshipping the earth is not the solution and we shouldn’t let our government or society steer us in that direction. I moved with my family from the former Soviet Union to the U.S. when I was a little boy. I heard so many stories from family members about how they stood in line for basic things such as bread and toilet paper. Government control of resources and deciding what’s best for its people is NOT the solution. Additionally, regardless of your view(s) on CO2 emissions impacting climate change, the reality is that CO2 emissions and pollution DOES impact our air, water, and soil. This is a serious detriment to our health and we all can agree on that. I wouldn’t inhale smog from a power plant or drink water that was polluted by an oil spill and I am sure no one I know would either. People need to come to terms with that and support methods that can reduce environmental damage without sacrificing social and economic freedom. What bothered me most is that the term “sustainable” received a lot of negative connotation from the authors. Unfortunately, the U.S. is not setting a good example when it comes to sustainability. Our country is less than 5% of the world’s population yet we consume 30% of the world’s energy and resources. This book fails to address that. The bottom line is that we have this amazing planet to live on and I believe we should respect and cherish it without the need to worship it. As far as I know, it’s the only planet in our galaxy and it would take a very long time to find and travel to a new one. Agenda 21 may not be the solution but encouraging people to be more responsible to the earth and each other is and that should not be a crime. I believe that’s what this book really fails to convey. I fear an environmental socialist regime just as much as corporate fascist one. We can’t let either one take over and must become cognizant of the potential consequences of our actions. I believe there is a third way and hope people realize that sooner than later.