As I was trying to fall asleep last night, I found myself thinking about the mess we are leaving for future generations with regard to our lack of progress on global warming and continued dependence on fossil fuels. We have known that we were in trouble for some time but seem unable or unwilling to do much about it. I do not have children, but I think that I would be even more concerned if I did. I found myself wondering how the most vocal opponents of environmental regulation in Congress can care so little about their grandchildren.

When I consider someone like Sen. Inhofe (R-OK), I have a difficult time believing that he really has convinced himself that global warming is a hoax, as he likes to claim. I suppose it is possible, but it seems more likely that he has simply made up his mind that it is too late to do anything about it or that the sacrifices necessary are too great to consider. He's certainly not alone in holding such views.

It may indeed be too late to reverse the course we have set for ourselves. And if it is not, we are almost certainly nearing the point where it will be. But for those of us who put any stock in reality, the future looks bleak for future generations. I can't help wondering if a future generation will look back on us and ask themselves why we didn't do anything for them.

Subscribe to Red State Progressive