My country, my world, near and far

Maybe you are asking why the editor of your small-town newspaper is writing about atomic bombs, endless war and climate change. Doesn’t he know that La Conner is far away from everywhere else? Doesn’t he like this idyllic little town? What part of local doesn’t he get?

It is because I get local that I write editorials. The record-breaking dry spell is both front page and local news. The national news of the federal interagency report detailing significant effects of climate change in the United States now is cause for concern here in La Conner.

What am I going to do since it is not a conversation at every coffee shop and bar counter in town? What is my role as editor?

If the British were occupying our homes and the editor didn’t raise flags, you would grumble.

Well, climate change is occupying our country. The weather will continue to be an anomaly. And what if it is true that frogs stay in a pot of water heated slowly?

I do know my role as editor: speak truth and bang the drum to awaken my neighbors. This is where I live. It is my sky that is hazy, my lungs that will inhale poor quality air. And yours, and your kids, too.

All I can tell you is that I love our country. The entire planet is precious. Our future is in doubt. Drastic action, by my neighbors, and me, is needed now.

Fellow citizens are you all fully participating to protect your children, your town, your country, your world?

That is all I am asking.

I hope you will say I am only doing my job.