Letter: Kicking and screaming

Editor, Daily News:

We liberals always say Republicans will never do the right thing when it comes to the environment and have to be dragged kicking and screaming to do right.

Like their corporate siblings, they have no conscience. Only the bottom line — winning — matters.

Well, we were wrong. Indulging a malicious curiosity with respect to how the local right-wing shills were dealing with recent public opinion, I tuned in one of the only talk-radio stations in the area. Expecting the usual epithets disparaging any ideas or actions proposed by liberals, I was left slack-jawed at the addition of a liberal guest (Friday only) and willingness of the host to embrace alternative-fuel vehicles as a viable energy source.

We have been saying there is an economic, as well as environmental, reason to move away from fossil fuels. If Brazil can do this, why not us, with our fertile lands and farmers eager to do what they do best? While not in the leadership role in this area, America has so much potential and capacity if we all begin to work together on this essential change in direction. And don't worry; your oil stocks will be good for the long haul. Did tobacco go belly up when we came to our senses?

It's tempting to go for the upper hand at this time, but it's more important to join together and make America the envy of the world as the leader in a new economy.

Mike Bartley , Fort Myers Beach