World, NWA can learn from wise 16-year-old
I want to applaud the Sept. 1 editorial "Committed to Cause" celebrating the valiant efforts of Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. Please watch her TED Talks. It may change your life. My wife and I have been deeply moved by her story and her words. It motivated us to initiate a climate strike here in Northwest Arkansas in solidarity with the worldwide strikes between Sept. 20-27 across the world.
Thanks to this introverted 16-year-old, the whole world is finally starting to realize what a fix we are in. She has managed to communicate a complex message that countless climate experts have been unable to get across. She has inspired millions of young activists from Europe to Australia and now, she's here in America. Greta will likely receive the Nobel Peace Prize (she has two nominations). Her heroic arrival in America provides us with an opportunity to catch Greta's wind and get on board to protect the earth for our children. It may be our last chance while there is still time to stabilize a climate that is already changing before our eyes.
The Northwest Arkansas climate strike will take place from noon to 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27 at the Fayetteville Square and the Fayetteville Town Center Plaza. The Omni Center is backing the effort along with the community at-large. It will begin with a People's Climate March around the square at noon complete with brass bands and giant puppets from the Art Experience. At 1 p.m., we will have an informative rally at the Town Center Plaza with speakers and music. Arkansas favorites Handmade Moments, Arkansauce, Dandelion Heart and Still on the Hill will perform. The square will be shut down for the event in the midst of Bikes, Blues & BBQ. It is appropriate for all ages and families are encouraged to attend.
We want this to be fun, but it is also important, educational and serious. We want Northwest Arkansas to stand up for immediate climate action that is consistent with the best science available. We simply don't have the luxury to be oblivious to the science that is very clear. As Greta says, "If you say you love your children, how can you not work to save their future? The climate crisis has already been solved. We already have the facts and solutions. All we have to do is wake up change ... If we understood the science, we would speak of nothing else. When your house on fire, you put it out!"
Let's get on board, Northwest Arkansas!
Kelly Mulhollan
Fayetteville
An unjust strategy
to win a foot race
Years ago, when I first went from the North to the deep South, I was astonished when black people in a southern Georgia town would step off the sidewalk into the street, heads down to avoid eye contact, as I passed. At that time I realized there are two ways to win a foot race in this world: One is to run faster than the other guy; the other is to make the other guy wear lead boots.
Today, I have come firmly to believe this explains Donald Trump's racist comments and views on immigration.
I urge all of you who support his views to ask yourselves, "Do I really believe these are unworthy people, or do I just want them to wear lead boots?"
William A. Moeller
Fayetteville
Editorial on 09/17/2019