This morning, New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman, who’s been consistently and vehemently writing about the need for a clean energy revolution for the past several years, just threw down the gauntlet, and he’s calling us out!
In this morning’s article, he called us “‘Generation Q’ - the Quiet Americans” and accused us of being “too quiet, too online for our own good, and for the country’s own good,” saying we’re “so much less radical and politically engaged than they need to be.”
Well, Mr. Freidman is right about one thing: Facebook “causes” and email petitions just won’t cut it!
But he’s wrong if he thinks young people aren’t organizing and building a movement that will do exactly what he challenges us to do: stand face to face to power and demand our chance to build a sustainable, just and prosperous future!
For proof, Mr. Friedman should listen up to these events:
On November 3rd, hundreds of thousands of young people will join community members in actions across the nation as part of Step it Up! 2, a national day of action demanding our leaders Step it UP! and take action on climate change.
November 2nd-5th, more than 2,500 students and young activists will join together at the first national youth climate change conference, PowerShift 2007, in College Park, Maryland.
And on January 31st, 2008, we’ll use our campuses to host nationwide, simultaneous education symposium on the climate crisis and demand attention from our elected officials as part of Focus the Nation.
In addition to these national actions, dozens of local and regional groups have formed, driven by the energy, optimism and determination of students and young activists. Friedman had better start listening to the voice of the youth climate movement, right here at www.ItsGettingHotInHere.org.
Mr. Friedman better listen up, because he’ll soon find that young Americans are anything but quiet when it comes to securing our future!
Mr. Friedman has given us a ripe opportunity: this is the perfect chance for the youth climate movement to get on the radar. Let’s seize it flood both the New York Times editor and Mr. Friedman himself with letters [if anyone can find Friedman's email address, post it here]. It’s time to let the world know what we’re doing and let them hear what the “Quiet Generation” really sounds like!
What are you going to do to throw the gauntlet back at Mr. Friedman?!
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Additionally, hasn’t Friedman ever hear of nogasrequired.com? This is an educational portal for students whereby they can learn how to establish sustainability programs on their campus. They can also join the MILES Revolution Video Contest where students can $1000 scholarship and an EV for their college of university.
Here’s some of the letters to the editor that flooded in to the Times after Mr. Friedman’s column.