Waxman-Markeys Bill

It comes as no surprise to any of us to hear that the environment has been crippled lately. A large movement has been created to raise awareness on the subject among the general public in the hopes that the problem is, it not solved, at least improved. The subject became political (proved by Al Gore´s presidential campaign) and today, two men named Henry Waxman and Edward Markey, try to make a difference by attempting to pass their anti-greenhouse gases bill, the Waxman-Markey bill. As described by Paul Krugman in his New York Times article (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/18/opinion/18krugman.html?_r=1&hpw), this bill has encountered opposition from skeptics and, surprisingly, environmentalists. Skeptics claim, as always, that the threat posed by nature is not a real one and that passing such bill, which proposes to reduce greenhouse emission by demanding emission permits from industries, reducing with time such emissions, would only harm the economy. Environmentalists were hurt over the fact that a cause so dear to their hearts was used solely for gaining political support. Those who would like to see it passed argue that despite its many defects, its better than no bill whatsoever.

Personally, a policy that favors big industries over little ones, due to the fact that these companies have a larger purchasing power, should try to be avoided. But I recognize that such is the capitalist system, and, as the author stated, the planet will not wait for us to make a decision that favors everyone. I also believe that trial and error is, although risky when working with politics, a chance that must be taken for any kind of improvement possible. If it turns out a total failure, we´ll know for the future what NOT to do, different from our complete ignorance today.