Edwards used the example to illustrate the "sacrifice" associated with policies that might be needed to address environmental problems. (Hey, if I was living in a 28,000 square foot mansion, and vacationing at a second multi-million dollar house I owned on exclusive Figure Eight Island, I think going without tangerines is a sacrifice I could make.) The Politico’s Ben Smith reported that “when asked about her comment immediately after the event, John Edwards avoided the question twice, then said he isn't sure.”
John Edwards is not the only public figure discussing environmental issues who is not so sure about the sacrifices that might be needed to address energy concerns.
Al Gore’s “Live Earth” concerts featured rock stars who John Berlau described as jetting around the world and burning massive amounts of fuel “to send the message to fans at home that they had better conserve their energy or face the allegedly dire threat of global warming.” Many of the celebrities and politicians preaching sacrifice have yet to give up their limousines or private jets or energy-gobbling mansions, but they are certainly raising awareness. I wonder how many carbon credits that buys them?
When even kids’ movies such as Ice Age: The Meltdown and Happy Feet include global warming references, it is obvious that “raising awareness” of the issue has been incredibly successful. In addition, drivers are reminded every time they fill their tanks of the cost of energy. More awareness is not needed, but a balanced presentation of accurate facts is. I wonder what kind of costume it would take to get a balanced view of environmental issues onto the airwaves.