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Lance Scranton: Things that matter

Lance Scranton
Lance Scranton
Lance_Scranton

Yes, the climate debate is important. The latest satellite imagery shows no warming over the last 11 years and the Arctic Ice shelf is expanding. However, worldwide, it appears that global temperature has risen a collective 0.8 degrees Celsius since 1880 (that’s 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit for you imperialist degree deniers). By some estimations, the rise of ISIS is directly attributable to our treatment of the planet. High-ranking government officials tell us that pillaging the planet has lead to disenfranchised climate victims lopping off heads, blowing up innocent people and causing general worldwide mayhem.

I’m no expert on terrorism. But when a madman shooting innocent Christians is immediately blamed on a flag and institutionalized racism, and then we must pause, withhold judgment and make certain that an investigation takes place before we identify someone named Mohammod Youssuf Abdulazeez, who shot up a military recruitment center, killing innocent soldiers, as a terrorist — something seems terribly wrong with our collective willingness to identify issues and problems.

Temperatures everywhere seem to be running hotter than ever this summer — except in our peaceful little valley. The weather has been cool and our local and state officials even cooler during the past two months, meeting with Sally Jewell, making their case rather eloquently (special shout-out to Commissioner John Kinkaid for miles traveled to tell our story) and getting some assurances that things will be okay for our local economy. We aren’t out of the proverbial woods just yet, but it seems that putting a face to issues and concerns helps federal government officials realize that their decisions matter and affect real people who live in real communities with real jobs.



Things that matter are often realized in the harsh reality of life as the death of one of our residents in a rollover accident reminds us that life really matters. We need to keep talking about the importance of wearing seatbelts, staying off our phones and obeying speed limits. Beyond climate issues, terrorism and the economy, let’s remember how important the little things are and buckle up, get off the phone and drive safely because these really are things that matter.


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