In the run up to this Tuesday's election somwhere in the neighborhood of 2 billion dollars will have been spent by the presidential candidates staking out their positions on various issues. Of that 2 billion virtually nothing has been spent by the campaigns spelling out their man's position on environmental issues, a stunning omission given the threats to clean air, water and public lands. Due to campaign laws many organizations hands are tied when it comes to endorsing specific candidates. Others not bound by those same rules attempt to stake out some sort of middle ground when it comes to the environment and politics. They like to argue that both campaigns silence on environmental issues is somehow a statement on both candidates commitment to protecting the environment. Nothing could be further than the truth.
A brief examination of the stated policy positions of the candidates for President, and their respective party platforms, leaves no room for debate. If you care about protecting the environment you'll cast your vote for Barack Obama. You can debate the other various policy positions of each candidate but in the case of clean air, clean water and protecting public lands the choice is clear. Anyone who claims otherwise, or tries to portray it as some sort of non-partisan debate is either afraid to speak the truth or mis-informed.
While there are many other policy issues one must consider before casting his or her vote, when it comes to the environment the choice is clear. We need leaders committed to protecting the places we live, work, and play. Take these values into the voting booth this Tuesday.