Article Link
It's time to move forward with reductions in carbon emissions. How ridiculous is it that the legislative branch of the government, the part who's responsibility it is to pass laws, can come to some compromise. The Constitution was written in 1787 and included numerous compromises, yet in modern American politics, working with members of the other political party is dangerous to staying in power. I for one am in agreement that President Obama uses his power as head of the executive branch to use his limited executive power to pursue an international agreement. Although the agreement will not carry the weight of being law, it is the best solution in the current context. What do you think? Is President Obama being smart and realistic to pursue climate change policy in this way, without Congress's approval? Or is he acting wrongly not working harder to push compromise among Democrats and Republicans on this issue of climate change?
I think that President Obama is trying to address this big issue too quickly. I believe he has good intentions, but wants to find a solution as soon as possible. He is looking at the big picture. Which is having a a healthier, safer, and more long lasting planet. By taking this action, global warming will no longer be a big threat to everyone in the world. At the same time, many nations will suffer because most of us depend on planet-warming fossil fuel emissions for the resources that we need. I think this is Obama's way of giving a wake up call to congress and all the other nations. If they won't act, then he will. By giving this wake up call, other nations and the Democrats and Republicans will be pushed to take action because they all don't agree with Obama, so they will have to do something so that the proper decision will be made.
ReplyDeleteI ultimately agree with Obama's decision to pursue an international treaty this way; it is much needed and gave me a lot of joy to read that the world powers understand the rising urgency of the impact that we're having on this earth. As an APES student, I really sympathize with Obama and the United Nation's vision; carbon emissions are a huge issue and perhaps one of the biggest issues. However, as much as I support this, I do agree with Bianca in the sense that while Obama has good intentions, this may lead to some painful repercussions. While it is for the greater good, if he starts to side step the law with this "political magic", what will stop future leaders from doing the same? If it was a concept that was immoral or unconstitutional, we'd be quick to oppose Obama's efforts. While his efforts are amazing for the world and its future, it may cause domestic unrest that spirals into something worse; at the very least, it will undermine the basic rule of Senate approving something, and wreak havoc among the careful checks and balances that keeps this country democratic. I would support his action too in this context, but must warn that it will cause only great opposition and consequences from his enemies, such as McConell. Hopefully Obama and other world powers, such as France, can help the Senate wake up from its delusions and childish games.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Annika, I think Obama's decision to create a international treaty of this multitude is great. Our Earth is deteriorating, because of harmful pollutants like carbon emissions. It seems highly likely that in 50 years we will have many problems facing having a sustainable place to live. Thus, it is important to preserve our what we have. I think Obama should definitely try to use his higher power to do something like this. America alone can not stop the release of carbon emissions, but by including other major countries in this deal, a humongous impact can be made on the earths environment. However I also agree with Bianca; Obama should not make a hasty decision. We need to preserve our environment and earth but also keep in mind the US economy. If very strict pollutant rules are enforced than many industrial and manufacturing companies would suffer; they could lose a lot of money and could potentially leave many people unemployed. Therefore, I believe Obama is doing the right thing and is headed in the right direction but he should take other things a new treaty could cause. I think Obama should go through with this treaty even without the support of the senate.This is because Obama was elected because we trusted him to make decisions like this and if he feels like this is the right thing to do and it would not destroy America, then it should be fine. This is a problem that we must face and the sooner we face it the better off the human race will be in the long run.
ReplyDeleteI think it is a bit risky to go around Congress but Obama is President. He needs to do what he needs to do if it is a problem like the one we are discussing. We continue to pollute our home, Earth and it is going to come back to bite us because Mother Nature is delicate and we hurt her every time we pollute. Every candy wrapper or bag of chips or whatever it is we just had that comes in some sort of baggage, that we throw on the ground, that's one step closer to Global Warming. I believe Obama is doing what any person in charge with some guts would do and is simply protecting Earth, and ultimately us.
ReplyDeleteMost people agree that President Obama's intentions are meant for good. However, I think he should take his time and not cut through laws because it just makes more tension. Our Earth is a dying planet. Our attempts to preserve the planet will not hinder Earth's fate. We should do everything we can to protect humanity, and Obama is trying his best.
ReplyDeleteI do believe that the concept of having an international treaty where all the countries reduce their pollution is nice, but actually executing this can be an issue. Many countries would like to cut down on their pollution, but there are limitations on what can and cannot be done. For example, there are certain countries in the world that cannot do much to help the cause because of their economic and agricultural situation. Most first world countries can help the cause, but then again, there are a few issues that arise if they were to help. The production for certain things such as clothes, machines, and even the production of food could be greatly reduced in addition to reducing the pollution. I feel as though there should be a fine balance between keeping the environment in a sustainable condition and the people not getting crippled in the process. As other people have stated before, places where they are industrial, and manufacturing products are very prevalent, then this could be a big issue. Another thing that I feel that should be touched upon is Obama's need to touch upon affairs out of the nation. What he is doing is somewhat questionable and almost seems like he's using the power of the US to get other countries to comply with the agreement, though the agreement could be beneficial for the world at stake. In all, I believe that the cumulative world pollution should be reduced, but at the same time not hindering other countries in the process and I also believe that Obama should not be too militant about the treaty, and should let other countries agree to it if they do feel if it is necessary.
ReplyDelete