Congressman C.W. Bill Young’s recent call for the withdrawal of U.S. Forces from Afghanistan, though overdue, is an example of the kind of reasonable thinking needed in our legislative leaders. If his call is implemented, it will save lives and stop a largely ineffective military adventure. Aside from that great benefit, our servicemen and women are sure to be needed here in their own home towns.
It is well understood that the global warming resulting from our use of fossil fuels has caused ever worsening natural disasters. Hurricanes, tornadoes, droughts, fires, floods, heat, and heavy rains are all increasing in severity and frequency. These are the kinds of events for which we need our National Guard and Reserves right here at home.
As a rule of thumb, global warming will cause all types of weather to become increasingly severe because warm air can hold and move more water than cold air. We are going to need all the help we can get over and over again, and it won’t be available if it’s in Afghanistan.
As a Florida Guardsman, I helped evacuate residents from the Shore Acres area of St. Petersburg, Florida, while Hurricane Elena danced nearby in the Gulf of Mexico. Our 2½ ton trucks got through the flooding to pick up people who did not evacuate soon enough. I can easily see this scenario repeated along with others for other kinds of disasters, all with increasing frequency.
In addition, foreign wars and any other activities based on energy from cheap fuel are not sustainable. Fossil fuels are no longer abundant. They have become more expensive to extract and develop, and their use is leading ever more rapidly, through global warming, to the elimination of life on earth.
Global warming is certainly a threat to national security. The less fortunate are sure to demand help from the more fortunate. By 2004, the Pentagon had already warned the Bush administration that climate change is a far greater threat than terrorism. It could lead to global chaos. I’d feel safer if the troops were here, and I believe my safety is the most important thing I’m buying with that 59% of my tax dollars that go to the military.
Article Provided by FLVCS member, John E Darovec, Jr.(CAPT USAF RET.)