Rhubarb Ruminations: Episode 3

It’s not easy being green these days. Kermit the frog had it right all the way back in 1969. “Being green” takes on some new meaning over the past couple of weeks. So for this episode of Rhubarb Ruminations, we’ll explore how “being green” is more than just an environmental call-to-arms.

#1: First, let’s start with the environmental side of the coin, especially with the growing BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. It would seem to me that if I am going to drill a well that is one mile below the ocean’s surface, that I should also have the technology and plans in place to remedy a problem should bad things happen. Because we know that somewhere along the line, somehow, bad things happen. It’s inevitable. But even if we can get beyond the amazing lack of planning, we are still left with the anger inherent to people losing their livelihood. And in the bigger picture, it’s just another wake-up call to realize that we’re doing a fine job of systematically killing the planet (why is it that REM is playing in my mind right now?).

But hold on a second. I understand the anger involved. And I, for one, sit flabbergasted at the levels of stupidity we’ve witnessed as this problem unfolds (or comes bubbling to the surface, if you prefer). However, I don’t see how Rep. Joseph Cao can suggest that BP America president Lamar McKay should commit hara-kiri because of the spill. 

I understand the hostility and anger involved, really I do, but I would also suggest that this isn’t a solution to the problem. And solutions are what we need – not more finger pointing.  Ah but it looks to me like Rep. Cao was elected in 2008, so he’ll soon be up for re-election. I am sure those sound bites will come in handy.

#2: Today’s second green in the news in none other than Alvin Greene. Who? Here’s the deal. Greene is a South Carolina Democratic primary nominee … that ended up winning the race with 60% of the vote, or something to the effect of 100,000 votes. So far, so good. No problem there, but here’s the twist. Greene is an unemployed man living with his father, who then put down a $10,000 filing fee just to enter the race. Most of the people I know – employed or unemployed – don’t just throw down a check for that amount. Is there something fishy here?

He will soon be running against Republican Jim DeMint, the owner of the quote about health care being Obama’s “Waterloo” – and I am not talking about the Abba version either. Is this a sign that people are actually getting out to do something about government? Or is it a case of mistaken identity – with the Rev. Al Greene? Or is does it show yet another example of how disinterested the voters are – so much so, that they simply selected him based on alphabetical order?

#3: While we’re speaking of being green … how about the goal that goalkeeper Rob Green allowed in the 1-1 tie between England and the US in World Cup action? I know middle school players that have better hands than that.

Let’s hope for Mr. Green’s sake that England manages to accrue enough points to advance to the second round. If not, I suspect it will be a long trip back to London, and a post-Cup world of living in British soccer infamy. But wait – they can always blame Canada for this one.

Photo Credit: Kermit On Tour