JK Earth Day post on HuffPo!

[Luftmensch067]

If you've ever gotten caught up in the conventional wisdom of Washington that says no big change can happen, and politicians will always find the easy way out, please know that today is a reminder of how people power can turn that spin upside down overnight - and I know it because I was there and I saw it happen, and I saw it happen long before I had a vote in the Senate or an office in Washington, and it's why I still believe.

More here:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-kerry/the-power-of-earth-day-in_b_547474.html

[karynnj]

1. That is great! Kerry has a different op-ed in politico

(What is funny is that it doesn't say Kerry in the title, reading it I was amazed that it was so good. I then looked to see who the good Politico person was. :) )

No matter what conventional wisdom says, this is the year — perhaps our last, best chance — to pass comprehensive climate and energy legislation.

The right bill can create good jobs, strengthen our national security and give us cleaner air — all while finally tackling the great challenge of global climate change.

We all understand election-year jitters, difficult legislative schedules, a looming Supreme Court confirmation and Congress’s reputation for avoiding tough choices as November nears. But these are reasons to insist we step up and lead on climate and energy, rather than settle for an energy-only bill.

<snip>
If Congress does not address climate change, the administration will use the Environmental Protection Agency to impose new regulations. Imposed rules will not include the job protections and investment incentives that Congress is proposing.

Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0410/36152.html#ixzz0lq1A4ILu

Kerry smashes a lot of the Republican complaints here.

But the Huffington Post op-ed is PURE KERRY. It is amazing and very personal. Parts are familiar from earlier speeches - especially to graduating classes and it has to be the least cynical most idealistic op-ed I have ever seen from a top politician. It is fantastic. (I liked his little comment that Nixon, the President who spied on him, did much of that.

[Luftmensch067]

2. I agree

I found the HuffPo piece astonishingly personal, even for JK who is a very frank and direct op-ed writer. Really brings home how close this issue is to his heart.

Thanks for the Politico link, I hadn't seen that!

[karynnj]

3. You should post this in GDP

(It is the president's agenda so it's defensible and GD has a "different" environment.

[Luftmensch067]

4. I don't really post anyplace on DU but here

But anyone who wants to is welcome to post it in GDP -- I agree it should be widely seen.

[Luftmensch067]

5. Now posted over at The Hill, as well

http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/energy-a-environment/93853-the-power-of-earth-day-in-america-sen-john-kerry