AMU Emergency Management Opinion Public Safety

Sometimes We Really CAN Do the Right Thing

Right or wrong — whose perspective?

In our current political climate, we’ve become acclimated to the notion that there are two sides, that everything that our government accomplishes (or not) can be attributed to this division, and, well, that’s just the way it is. A pretty depressing scenario.

However, there are the occasional initiatives that demonstrate a desire from our leaders to bridge the gap, to push against the tide, to do the right thing regardless of the forces aligned against–or whatever metaphor you want to use to explain it.

But cynical characterizations should never–and I repeat, NEVER–be used to denigrate or dismiss any of the honorable accomplishments of our public servants.

A minor victory, but a victory nonetheless

Here’s an example: The Congress just passed what is considered to be [link url=”https://www.edf.org/blog/2016/06/07/3-things-know-about-most-important-new-environmental-law-decades” title=”the most important new environmental law in decades“].

In sum, it codifies the requirement for deadly chemicals to be banned, for new chemicals to be screened, and to disable industry from hiding potential health threats.

Why did this happen now? I have no idea. but my perception is that it indicates an increased emphasis from one of our political perspectives to recognize their role in protecting the public that they serve–so that can’t be considered to be anything but a victory–one that’s been a long time in coming.

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