Duty - 348

Since this is my last column, it is time for a word of thanks and a note on Duty.

First, thanks, Andy. I will never forget the phone call. "Greyson, I want you to know I do not want any more letters to the editor."

Me, "Andy, not a big deal. You own the newspaper. You do not have to print the LTEs."

Andy, "No, I want you to write a column".

Me, after a long pause. The pause came because I knew a LTE is a counter-punch and relatively easy to write. A column demands research and developing ideas.   I knew it would be a lot of work.  While I was not confident in my ability to deliver, I said, "OK."

Since English in school was not my strong suit, it was difficult to get my thoughts together and get them on paper. English is how we communicate. A person should be as sharp in grammar and contextuality as possible to convey information well.  In my case, if my columns were understandable, it was because I had friends who were willing to edit and critique them. Thanks, Team Climate.

I taped a Chinese Cookie message on my computer several years ago. It says, "Keep on Keeping On." That's not so easy. Over the years, there are times when you ask yourself if you are making a difference. But, when I doubted it was worth it, one of my many readers would inevitably tell me they appreciated the column.

Whenever you think someone could use a word of encouragement, remember your words are powerful. I recommend speaking up. To the many readers who took the time to thank me, you were important and I want to THANK YOU.

I am a product of the U.S. Military. To a service person, the word "duty" stands foremost in one's mind.

What is Duty? Confederate General Robert E Lee is not on my list of favorite people from history. He was a West Point Graduate trained to defend the nation, yet he decided his loyalty to the State of Virginia superseded his oath to the United States Constitution. Even though this was an unforgivable mistake, his quote on Duty is one in which men and women in uniform are presented as a guide. His haunting quote has stuck with me since I first read it, "Duty is the sublimest word in our language. Do your Duty in all things. You cannot do more; you should never wish to do less."

The offer to write a column on climate has been an opportunity to do my Duty. Thanks to all, that was a gift.

At this juncture in our nation's history, it is essential to quote the man who led the Union Armies to victory in our Civil War. He is General and President Ulysses S. Grant. He sits at the top of my list of heroes from U.S. history.  "If we are to have another contest in the future of our national existence, I predict that the dividing line will not be Mason and Dixon's but between patriotism and intelligence on one side and superstition, ambition, and ignorance on the other."

I challenge whoever reads this to be intellectually and morally brave. When I started this climate column five years ago, I warned that democracy thrives if its citizens are educated. This primarily is the responsibility of the individual citizen rather than the schools or the government.

As President, Ulysses S Grant also had something to say about the presidency and the law. "You can violate the law. The banks may violate the law and be sustained in doing so. But the President of the United States cannot violate the law."  

The United States, as a Democratically elected Republic, is at cross-roads. Because of climate change, the world is in a precarious age. It is time to contemplate what our duty is.  There is only one Earth. There is no Planet B. I hope you are all able to do your duty. 

Signing off, “ClimateLynx.com”

Note: I have PowerPoint Lessons on Climate Change that I can present. If you are interested, call 807-631-7389.

Note: I recently purchased an electric Chevy Silverado Pickup Truck. I like it. Call me if you want more information.