You’re probably wondering how I managed to write ‘global warming’ and ‘UFO’ in the same sentence. No, melting ice caps will not reveal ancient alien vessels in polar regions (I’m pretty sure something like that happened in AVP…).
The answer is, sadly, far more frustrating. In 2007, the major TV networks asked the presidential candidates 2,769 questions.
Pop quiz: How many were about global warming?
A) 514–after all, it is one of the most pressing issues we may ever face
B) 165–as many as were asked about illegal immigration
C) 3–the same number asked about UFOs
If you guessed C, you’re right. Is your blood boiling? Reporters asked as many questions about extraterrestrial visitors as they did about the climate crisis–the biggest threat to our planet. But don’t just sit in despair, together we can make Change! The League of Conservation Voters and MoveOn has teamed up to create a petition that will be delivered directly to the TV networks at a press conference in front of their Washington, D.C. headquarters.
The media help decide what’s an “issue” in the ‘08 election. Unless climate change is on the ‘08 election agenda, it won’t be on the next president’s agenda. As we are all aware, the planet is already feeling the effects of climate destabilization and the U.S. must take action now to avert the worst outcomes. But somehow, the traditional media has not gotten the memo. Political show hosts for NBC, CBS, and ABC did not ask a single question about global warming last year. CNN asked just 1. Incredibly, cringe-inducing Fox News bested them all with a grand total of 2.
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That is truly incredible that a total of 3 questions were asked. Both are very important questions in my book. Both are of great concern to me. Global warming and UFO’s are of equal concern to me simply because many say aliens are here to help us with such problems either by taking our dna to reproduce us on another planet or to take over. I want to know the answer to this and I want the governments to step up and tell the truth about what they know. They do know!
Interesting point. It’s funny the same people who don’t belive in global warming are the same ones who think we’re being invaded by Martians.
If WE don’t talk about global warming in front of cameras, the rest of the nation won’t see it as an issue that matters to our generation. How do we get our questions on the lips of debate moderators, though? Is there a website we can acquire the information about submitting questions before debates?
Florida Atlantic University is hosting two televised candidate debates January 24th (Rep) and January 27th (Dem, MAYBE). If you’re in Florida, let’s plan on making our issues visible!
So sign the petition…and then do more! C-SPAN, FOX, and all the major networks get their student interest or quickshots in if we attend events the presidential campaigns are a part of. Mobilize your local groups to present uniformly on this issue in front the cameras. Wear your shirts with environmental messages and hold up your signs asking for better environmental change.
You can find out where the primaries are and who will hosting televised events here: http://www.presidentpolls2008.com/Articles/2008-election-look.html
Check candidate websites for appearance listings and plan your exposure!
Remember, February 5th (my birthday!) is the day for multiple Primaries. The outcome of that day is a huge step in defining our Democratic and Republican nominees. Make Youtube videos en masse and send them to major networks. Tell them environmental issues mobilize massive groups of students around the country and we have the numbers, videos, and support to prove it.