OK, I am back after a long hiatus.  I hope to be more consistent in my postings.  My topic today is extremism.  No not religious extremism but political extremism.  Why is it that we as a nation cannot deal with issues without resorting to taking the issue to one far end of the problem or the other.  Example: Global Warming.  The anti-GW group proclaims there is no such thing, it's all a hoax created by environmentalists.  The environment group proclaims that GW mean the end of the world and must be the #1 focus of the country, if not the world, immediately.

Why, as civilized, and somewhat intelligent people, can't we simply agree that (a) the environment is hugely important to our human race, as this is, without question, the only planet we have, and (b) let's identify what problems are having a negative impact on it and how can we fix them in a way that creates manageable disruption on our society and economy?  For example, the coal issue.  There is no doubt that the coal industry is having a negative impact on our environment.  There is also no question that this industry is responsible for subsidizing a great many people.  So, could we not come up with a plan that addresses the environmental impact over time, and develops new ways that the people and facilities involved in that industry could be repurposed to contribute to another, more productive and environmentally-friendly industry?  It is amazing to me that as soon as any attempt to address the coal problem is brought forth, those politicians representing coal states jump up and down in opposition, regardless of what the approach may be.  The coal industry will have to change.  There is no question about that.  So let's create win-win strategies, which will require everyone at the table with open minds and creative ideas.  Is that too much to ask?