The only home we have

Senator Mark Schoesler (“Inslee, et al., not getting message on carbon fees,” March 26) correctly points out that Washington voters have twice voted against carbon fees or taxes in recent years. It is far easier to say “not me, not now” than to initiate inconvenient action that will predominantly benefit future generations.

“Not us, not now” is also the position taken with respect to current cap-and-trade proposals being considered in the legislature by all the business interests described in Jim Camden’s piece (March 24).

Maybe another couple late summers in which delivery drivers wear particulate masks and children are kept inside due to intolerably smoky skies will change the political calculus. And, at both the state and national levels, electing more scientifically literate representatives. This almost always means Democrats. We blew it with respect to Cathy McMorris Rodgers, who has about a 3 percent lifetime approval rating from environmental organizations. Among other things, she immediately endorsed Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris accords, reflecting the merchants of doubt mentality of fossil fuel lobbyists as well as an abrogation of our putative role as a world leader.

This is simply unacceptable if we want to do our part to create a more hospitable planet for those who will inherit the only home we have.

Ron Doyen

Spokane