Calling for a US Sustainability Initiative

By Herb Bowie

Looking back over the history of the United States, it’s easy to see in hindsight a series of events and actions that have either united or divided us.

The Revolutionary War, the ratification of our US Constitution, World War II and the race to put a man on the moon can all be seen as efforts that ultimately brought us together as a nation.

On the other hand, our Civil War and the Vietnam conflict are examples of actions that tragically divided us.

Of course, hindsight tends to emphasize outcomes and retrospective feelings, and understate periods of contention leading up to decisive action.

Looking back from today’s perspective, for example, we see WW II as a great triumph for America. Initially, though, our country was very reluctant to enter another European conflict and it took the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and persuasion from leaders in the form of media such as the Why We Fight series of films to rally our nation around the cause of stopping fascism.

Looking at our great nation today, of course, it is all too easy to see the divisions that run through our society. I don’t think I need to elaborate on them here.

Instead, I want to ask the question: is there a great common cause that can help…