The large turnout at the anti-fracking rally in Albany on June 17 shows the environmental movement is strong. It shows we are not passive Deadheads; we're fed up and we're determined. While it was extremely motivating to see so many galvanized people, there were a few things I feel need to be addressed.
One, I heard a lot of talk about how Gov. Andrew Cuomo can "lead" us to victory by banning fracking. Well, I agree with half of that. He can ban fracking. But he will not lead us anywhere. The environmental movement needs no leaders and will end fracking with or without Cuomo.
Two, we need to start thinking of ourselves as part of the ecosystem, not above it. Addressing the human threats that fracking poses is important, but what also is essential is discussing how much the environment is destroyed by fracking.
Three, seeking out alternative energy sources is all good, but with hydro and thermal power come problems. We need to start talking about actually cutting consumption, too.
Finally, any company or industry that profits from the destruction of the environment should be aggressively opposed. This includes: clear cutting, strip mining, mountain top removal, fracking, bio-engineering, poaching and nuclear energy, to name a few. Large corporations and industries that perform these practices, and that do so under the veil of progress and job creation, are the real eco-terrorists.
Greg White
Clifton Park