Green is Red, White, and Blue

   In an era of consumerism and cheap conveniences, America, in the wake of the industrial revolution is failing our planet and in turn our species. As a country we are contributing more to the detriment of the planet than any other developed nation through both consumption and harvesting of natural resources. This behavior must end if we are to preserve a livable world for our future generations. 

This is why the Green revolution in America must become America. Green should be Red, White, and Blue. And it is up to us to make it that way. The power structure in America is coopted by those who pollute our air, water, and food as well as keep us on an endless addiction of carbon-based energy sources. Namely the Oil, Chemical, and Agriculture Corporations. These corporations who are in power are not American. There is no mention of the rights of corporations in our Constitution. They survive by a narrow and controversial ruling mentioning them as "people". But people they are not. 

These interests would like us to believe that they have all of the answers and cures for the ills of our society. It is time we take it upon ourselves to build and in some cases rebuild the foundations of a once proud community of people. Green can be as American as apple pie. Community power stations once powered small towns across this country. This simple infrastructure project can be modernized and replicated for suburban centers and rural america using sustainable energy. Already some communites like Marin County in the SF bay area are moving to localize their energy delivery systems. 

In this case, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) used the ballot initiative process to move against Marin in a $46 million dollar campaign to limit community power all over the state. They failed in their attempts to block the will of the people and now Marin can be celebrated as a model for future community battles against corporations. The Marin Energy Authority now serves 250,000 citizens with power of which 75% is from renewable sources. This is just one of many examples of how working locally is the way to make meaningful change for yourself and your neighbors.

America was filled with these stories in the past concerning issues of union organizing, suffrage, civil rights, and free speech. Building a sustainable energy infrastructure must happen in the same fashion. It has to be made a local issue due to the impotence of our federal government. Conservative and business interests are currently blocking or watering down meaningful reform in all areas of government especially the U.S. Senate. There is simply no political will in Washington to combat the army of lobbyists who represent multinational corporations to our elected officials.

Those in power are threatened by local action and view it as a move to take control from them. They are correct in their fears and the perceived threat of our communities. The Green revolution is upon them. It is a silent and peaceful revolution, however, it is another American revolution.