Some shrunken form of Build Back Better still has a chance. The good news is, everyone involved seems eager to preserve the climate parts. The bad news is, negotiations are delicate & could fall apart for any number of reasons.
Your next to last paragraph sums it all up: "In the meantime, we begin the year where we ended the last one: in deep uncertainty and anxiety, as matters of unfathomable significance are decided by a small handful of vain old white guys. So much fun." I can't help but think of a poem by Robinson Jeffers called "Shine Perishing Republic."
You're not worried enough, David. We're on the precipice, and Manchin doesn't care if his stance condemns all of humanity to 6 degrees of warming and, ergo, our extinction. Shouldn't you be knocking on his door right now, asking him why he doesn't care if he is the person most responsible for bringing down the race to save the Earth and its people from runaway climate change? You've seen Greta Thunberg spell it out. Why aren't you talking to Manchin and spelling it out?
I hope the more progressive group in the House will vote yes on what they will see as half a loaf. Vote yes now, campaign on look at what we've accomplished now elect more of us so we can get the rest of our agenda. I just fear those who would vote no because they don't get it all.
Climate legislation and Congress: the current state of play
Excellent summary and insight. It inspires me again to write a quick note to my Senators.
Your next to last paragraph sums it all up: "In the meantime, we begin the year where we ended the last one: in deep uncertainty and anxiety, as matters of unfathomable significance are decided by a small handful of vain old white guys. So much fun." I can't help but think of a poem by Robinson Jeffers called "Shine Perishing Republic."
You're not worried enough, David. We're on the precipice, and Manchin doesn't care if his stance condemns all of humanity to 6 degrees of warming and, ergo, our extinction. Shouldn't you be knocking on his door right now, asking him why he doesn't care if he is the person most responsible for bringing down the race to save the Earth and its people from runaway climate change? You've seen Greta Thunberg spell it out. Why aren't you talking to Manchin and spelling it out?
I hope the more progressive group in the House will vote yes on what they will see as half a loaf. Vote yes now, campaign on look at what we've accomplished now elect more of us so we can get the rest of our agenda. I just fear those who would vote no because they don't get it all.
Thanks for the update David! -James from London, UK