Obama Gets It: Changing Light Bulbs Alone Will Not Stop Global Warming

12 by Timothy Hurst on November 6, 2008

Newsweek has published a multi-part project called Secrets of the 2008 Campaign, where some very interesting behind the scenes tidbits are being made public. One particular comment about global warming from Barack Obama caught my eye, because it showed me that he not only gets it (which I already knew), but that he is human. When he was preparing a televised debate during the Democratic primaries, Obama was recorded saying:

"I don't consider this to be a good format for me, which makes me more cautious. I often find myself trapped by the questions and thinking to myself, 'You know, this is a stupid question, but let me … answer it.' So when Brian Williams is asking me about what's a personal thing that you've done [that's green], and I say, you know, 'Well, I planted a bunch of trees.' And he says, 'I'm talking about personal.' What I'm thinking in my head is, 'Well, the truth is, Brian, we can't solve global warming because I f---ing changed light bulbs in my house. It's because of something collective'."

I couldn't agree more. While important, changing your 'f---ing light bulbs' to the more energy efficient compact fluorescent ones is not going to solve global warming/climate change. Personal choice is part of what got us into this problem and collective action is what has to get us out.

http://acousticvids.com/mattnathanson matt nathanson music fan

Hey, thanks for this!
http://devinweiss.tumblr.com/ Weiss – Devin

Barack Obama’s book, “The Audacity of Hope,” features a catchy title. It has an idea of bravery mixed with full confidence. There’s nothing Pollyanna about this. I might not exactly support every part he says, but he’s our president, and then for me, he inspires belief. That can do more for just a nation than any volume of backroom deals. Hope gives us energy, and energy sustains us through trying times. Boy, we’ve had them. I’m from West Texas, and I did not vote for Bush. When McCain ran against Obama, I used to be a citizen of Arizona, but I gave audacious hope a chance. The fight for progress and laying the foundations of prosperity is not over. I have come across the quips of those that don’t think Obama is able to do it. But step back a second. Would anyone have most of us fail in order to tarnish the star of an incumbent for whom they didn’t vote? Keeping our priorities straight, let’s work together with this president and build our future.