Wampum

Joe Barton, the Toxic Texan

"Smokey" Joe Barton.

Joe Barton, the Political Polluter.

Now that you understand where I am going with this article, I will get to the point. As you know, I am taking on Joe Barton in the November election and I am running on a platform of Strong Defense, Strong Families, and Equal Rights for all, but that does not mean the environment is not a concern of mine, because it is, environmental issues concern us all.

My opponent has an atrocious environmental voting record and just like every other issue, he has completely catered to special interest groups instead of the citizens he represents; which has led to the demise of our quality of life here in District 6. For over 20 years Joe Barton has been using his power and influence to do everything from investigating scientists trying to prove Global Warming and climate change to using Hurricane Katrina to write legislation that favors energy industries and allows them to circumvent standing environmental policies. He has used his influence as the Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee to try to exempt Texas from the mandates of the Clean Air Act and the requirements placed upon these industries before 2010. If you are not already sick enough - more of his unbridled war on scientists can be read here and here.

Joe Barton does not care about the environment. North Texas has been suffering for years under his rule and our children keep getting sicker while Joe Barton continues to cater to cement and power generation plants in his home district. It is no big secret that Texas has one of the worst environmental records in the U.S. It has been suggested that 62% of Texans live in areas where the air does not meet even the minimum federal health-based standards for safety. I can't even count the number of times I have seen the "Ozone Day Tomorrow: Try rideshare" message on the Department of Transportation highway alert signs. We live in North Texas where the air quality reaches unsafe levels on a weekly basis during the summer months thanks to the cement kilns and factories in the southern counties of the district. The emissions from these plants drift north from Ellis County and blanket our cities with a damaging haze that cause health issues in all of us.

That is the major point of this post - the health of our future. There are so many issues that go along with environmental concerns but our health in Texas needs some attention. Around 25% of Texans do not have healthcare and the pollution from these factories and power plants is causing long lasting health issues that our children will be burdened with for a very long time. We must do more here in Texas to change our relationship with the environment - one of those things is getting rid of Joe Barton.

Bottom line, we when talk about the environment it comes down to philosophy:

Republicans think they should have Domination over the environment.

Democrats think we exercise responsible Dominion of the environment.

I must admit, I am a sometimes environmentalist - I carpool and recycle but I don't claim to have the most energy efficient home, car, or lifestyle. I do my part to understand the issues and make a contribution where I can. I applaud environmental groups because they keep us honest in our "bigger, better, faster, more" society that we live in today. Everyone says they care about the environment, but when it comes down to it; most do not want to give up their creature comforts. For instance, everyone complains about traffic and the associated pollution that goes with our major cities, but how many actually carpool or utilize public transportation (for those lucky enough to have a system in place)? How many of you recycle? How many of you buy environmentally safe products to clean or outfit your house?

There is a cost associated with everything we do. Being environmentally conscious is not just about have our representatives pass law after law to regulate industry, it is about compromise and a collective solution. Together we can.

How can you help? Here are a few ways to get involved and start making a difference today:

Carpool
Change your regular light bulbs to compact Fluorescent bulbs in your home
Weather proof and insulate your house or business
Set timers on appliances and AC/Heat systems
Start recycling

One major way to grasp the magnitude of whether you are environmentally friendly or not is to calculate your Carbon Footprint flash version or html version - compliments of British Petroleum. BP Is one of the biggest contributors to finding green sources of energy or investing in renewable energy in the United States. Conversely Exxon-Mobil, one of Joe Barton's leading contributors, has one of the worst environmental records and contributes no investment in renewable energy.

Another way is to do an Energy Audit of your home to discover where you can be more energy efficient. You will be surprised at some of the very small things that can be done to make a very big difference.

These are not the only solutions to the problem, but it is a start. Every American needs to chip in a little more. One fluorescent light bulb can make a difference, one can recycled, or one less car on the road during the week can make a difference.

Preservation. Personal Responsibility. Legislation. This is the way to make our future bright.

If you don't view it from an environmental stance, try it from a national security perspective.when is the last time you heard of a terrorist wanting to blow up a wind turbine?