I’ve never engaged in a dialogue with a climate change advocate. This stems from my appreciation for my lifestyle and the conviction that such a conversation is unlikely to transpire. Moreover, should such an endeavor be pursued, at the very least, my personal belongings could face defacement, and in severe instances, I could encounter physical aggression. However, if I conquer my apprehension regarding climate change advocates, the dialogue and its unfolding scenario would resemble the following narrative.
While en route to an appointment, fully absorbed in my affairs, I was abruptly confronted by a group of individuals in orange vests emerging onto the freeway. Suspecting an imminent hazard or potential flooding, I activated my hazard lights and commenced braking to avoid a collision. Upon halting, it was a relief to see that other equally focused drivers managed to stop safely. It became apparent these were not road workers but a group of about twenty people who had taken to sitting on the freeway, arms interlinked, backed by six similarly dressed individuals displaying banners proclaiming, “STOP OIL NOW!” Flanking the seated protesters were two individuals, each wielding a megaphone.
Stationed in my compact, fuel-efficient car, the chanting began. The call from one megaphone holder rippled through the seated protesters and those with banners, echoing loudly. “Ho, ho, hey, hey, climate justice when? TODAY!” The thought of a website cataloging the chants used by protesters seemed particularly unsettling. Subsequently, another individual with a megaphone initiated their chant, and the cycle continued.
After enduring five minutes, I reached for my cell phone to inform my next client of my delay. “I’ll be late. I’m stranded on the freeway due to a climate protest, unable to exit, and uncertain when I’ll arrive. Could we possibly reschedule for later today?” The urgency was apparent despite their willingness to accommodate; two of my competitors also had meetings scheduled that day, and a decision was imperative. Committed to securing the contract for my company, I assured my client I would arrive within the hour.
This marked the beginning of a venture into the tumult, driven by the necessity to salvage an opportunity for my company, an opportunity that, until this disruption, seemed almost assured.
With caution and apprehension, I disembarked from my vehicle and approached the line of demonstrators. “Excuse me,” I ventured, elevating my hands to shoulder height in a gesture of peace, “could anyone direct me to the person in charge here?” A man in his thirties, wielding a megaphone and sporting long hair, bellowed, “Leadership is collective here, you environmental adversary! The time has come to halt the oil flow in our nation, allowing Mother Nature to reclaim her domain!”
Opting not to delve into the natural origins of oil and natural gas by Mother Nature herself, I pondered alternative reasoning that might facilitate my passage to my commitment. Engaging in a shouting match would prove fruitless, and attempting to clarify that neither I nor the others stranded on the highway were adversaries of the environment, merely individuals striving for a livelihood, seemed futile.
As I mulled over my following words, it struck me that the protesters were not clad in thrift-store apparel. Instead, they donned attire that hinted at affluence, with footwear that belied any notion of poverty. Here were individuals with both time and financial resources at their disposal engaged in a cause they deemed worthwhile, an endeavor they passionately endorsed.
My attention was then drawn to two individuals beyond the assembly, seemingly the financial backers of this demonstration.
Resolved to take action, I returned to my car, steered it towards the road’s shoulder, and, after securing my vehicle, bypassed the demonstrators with my briefcase and planner in tow. The highway patrol had arrived, yet the officers remained in their cruisers, awaiting instructions.
Approaching the two apparent sponsors, I extended a greeting and introduced myself. They reciprocated the handshake but remained silent. “I have a few inquiries if you’d permit. It appears you’re associated with this protest, and conversing with you seems more feasible than with those wielding bullhorns,” I remarked, only to be silent.
Persisting, I posed my first question, gesturing towards the seated protesters, “What outcome are you striving for with this demonstration?” The elder of the two finally responded, “Our goal is to curtail oil and gas use by any means necessary.”
“And how do you propose people commute to work then?” I probed.
“Through public transportation, and they should transition to electric vehicles,” was the reply.
“Would you mind stepping out here for a moment? I want to show you something,” I invited them. As they joined me on the roadway, I gestured towards the line of vehicles halted behind the protesters.
On the highway, various vehicles are at a standstill: a plumber’s van, an electrician’s truck, numerous delivery vans, and a few semi-trucks. Among the individuals stepping out of their vehicles, I spot a woman dressed in medical scrubs alongside other professionals. “Do you notice them?” I inquired.
“Who cares? They’re all contributing to the planet’s demise and are irrelevant to our mission to salvage Mother Earth,” was the dismissive retort.
“I understand your perspective, and you’re not entirely mistaken. Yet, do you grasp the distinction between all these individuals idly waiting for your demonstrators to vacate the highway and your group?”
“I anticipate you’re about to make some simplistic, MAGA-inspired remark, so please proceed, then return to your vehicle and leave us. You’re doing nothing to safeguard Mother Earth.” This response was delivered with hostility as the man poked my chest.
I stepped back and, maintaining my composure, articulated the argument everyone should present to these environmental protesters. “Those individuals out there are actively contributing to the well-being of America. Plumbers in that van are either installing new, efficient plumbing systems enabling indoor sanitation rather than relying on outhouses or mending existing systems for the same convenience.”
“Electricians, whom you ought to value, especially if you’re convinced that renewable energy sources like solar and wind will power all our electrical needs, are diligently ensuring the integrity of wiring, panelboards, transformers, and devices for using that electricity. They’re also the professionals you contact when your home is devoid of light after a day of disrupting others.”
“In due time, the nurse in scrubs you see there will be the one caring for you or your loved ones in times of illness and distress.”
“Each delivery driver is engaged in transporting essentials like food to grocery stores, clothes to shopping centers, and electronics, enabling you to broadcast your environmental advocacy online.”
“In essence, esteemed sir, every person you’re inconveniencing in the pursuit of cleaner air and water is ENGAGED in creating value for everyone else in this city, state, and nation.”
“Conversely, your group ENGAGES solely in generating DISORDER.”
Disorder Should Not Supplant Productivity
I’m aware that such words are unlikely to be spoken directly to environmental activists, yet they merit discussion in the public sphere. If your entire existence is dedicated to creating turmoil, there must be a rationale behind it. Presumably, you or your family have profited from investments in industries that produce value, thus affording you the privilege to protest. Protesting is a fundamental American right.
However, you lack the entitlement to obstruct others from realizing their American dream under the guise of environmental preservation. We can all adopt more effective and informed measures to protect our planet. Impeding those merely striving to earn a living is not among those measures.