whitehouse on Jan 10, 2012
President Obama thanks the staff of the Environmental Protection Agency for the work they do, which touches on the lives of every American, from the food we eat, to the water we drink, to the air we breathe. January 10, 2012.
I’m writing to thank everyone who helped keep our grassroots organization strong in 2011.
If you’re a longtime TeamFranken supporter who continued standing with us in 2011: THANK YOU!
If you made your first contribution in 2011: THANK YOU!
If your name is Ted: THANK YOU, TED!
If you could only afford a small gift: THANK YOU!
If you could afford a large gift, but only gave a small one: THANK YOU ANYWAY!
If you forgot to give but really meant to and totally would have except you got distracted at the last minute and now you feel awful: THANK YOU, I GUESS — AND PLEASE CLICK HERE TO GIVE NOW AND ALLEVIATE YOUR GUILT!http://www.alfranken.com/page/m/6cf7873/715407ea/31809885/7816454a/2228609982/VEsH/
If you recruited friends to give: THANK YOU (AND THEM)!
If you skipped your morning coffee for a week in order to make a contribution: THANK YOU, AND I HOPE YOU DIDN’T SCREW UP ANY IMPORTANT WORK DEADLINES!
If you gave because you’re married to me: THANKS, FRANNI — I LOVE YOU!
I’m pretty sure that covers everybody.
THANK YOU ALL,
Al
P.S.: If you contributed because you love our tradition of including an extra “ask” in the P.S. of every email: THAT’S KIND OF WEIRD — BUT THANK YOU, AND WON’T YOU PLEASE CLICK HERE TO MAKE AN ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTION NOW?
Europe has just launched a ground breaking new climate law that radically reduces carbon pollution by forcing all airlines to pay for emissions. But China’s top-fliers are refusing — and threatening to spark a trade war!
This ambitious law is like taking 30 million cars off the road each year! It is a huge step forward for our climate. But China’s top three airlines, who together make $3.5 billion in annual profits, are shamefully arguing that it will seriously damage business. In fact, even in the worst case scenario it would mean between a $3 – $10 passenger fee. 30% of their business is global and they want more. If enough of us urge them to put our planet before their extortionate profits, we could convince them to comply.
Let’s show these jet-setters how important public reputation is in global business and appeal to China’s new-found image as a country serious about combating climate change. Sign the petition now and share this with everyone — when we reach 500,000 signatures, we’ll deliver it to the companies with a big splash:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/china_dont_break_climate_law/?vl
Aviation is the fastest-growing source of carbon pollution in the world — it already accounts for more carbon emission than the entire economy of the UK which in and of itself is the world’s 10th biggest carbon polluter. Europe’s new law requires airlines to reduce emissions under the carbon trading system — it’s the only law that effectively combines economic incentive with legal obligation to put the brakes on this industry’s rampant pollution.
But China’s largest airlines are trying to dodge their responsibility, instead spreading false rumours that the rules mean exorbitant costs for both them and their passengers. The truth is airlines that reduce their emissions will make money from fuel saving initiatives. And even those that don’t clean up their ways and instead pass the costs along to passengers are unlikely to feel it — a flight from Beijing to London would cost an additional $1.53 — hardly noticeable compared to ticket prices and other hidden fees we all pay.
Last year US airlines tried to challenge the law with a shady lawsuit and were struck down in EU courts. There’s no reason why record-breaking profitable airlines can’t comply with an affordable climate-saving law. Let’s protect it and fight this latest Chinese threat with people power. These image-conscious airlines won’t be able to ignore our 500,000 strong outcry. Sign this urgent petition now and send it to everyone:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/china_dont_break_climate_law/?vl
The stakes have never been so high in our struggle to stop catastrophic climate change — we must propel every carbon-reducing measure and multiply it. China, as the world’s biggest investor in clean energy, has the power to pull the world onto the right path. Let’s demand that it’s government and businesses support this crucial EU leadership and comply with the law.
With hope and determination,
Jamie, Iain, Alice, Allison, Ricken, Wen-Hua, Wissam and the rest of the Avaaz team
Sources:
China CATA to sue EU on airline carbon rule (Reuters)
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/24/china-eu-emissions-idUSL3E7NO01J20111224
EU’s aviation charge is a drop for China’s airlines (BBC)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-16423633
Chinese airlines dig their heels in over EU carbon charge as international dissent grows (The Daily Mail)
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-2082586/Emissions-Trading-Scheme-China-airlines-dig-heels-EU-carbon-charge.html#ixzz1ihNBGysI
Asian airlines mull new charges to deal with EU carbon plan (Reuters)
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/06/airlines-asia-idUSL3E8C40E320120106
Carbon Emission Fees for Flights Upheld (The New York Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/22/business/global/court-upholds-europes-plan-to-charge-airlines-for-carbon-emissions.html?scp=2&sq=eu%20emissions%20airline%20lawsuit&st=cse
“The function of education, therefore, is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. But education which stops with efficiency may prove the greatest 
menace to society. The most dangerous criminal may be the man gifted with reason, but with no morals.”
— Martin Luther King, Jr., The Purpose of Education
just another rant …
We all might agree that in an election year the most important thing most voters on the fence should be asking themselves is which politician running for office has been the most authentic, has not just your list of things in mind but that of your family, friends, co-workers and those who are now in need. We know the middle and lower class have been routed and that is on the list of targets the Party of NO has as a mission. I ask you to stop and think about what President Obama has tried to do or has done for ALL Americans not just for a select few like we have seen coming from the Republican Party. The choice for President2012 in my opinion is obvious. Yes, I will support Barack Obama for a 2nd term but it is not because I am a person of colour though I admit no one not one Teapublican person opposing President Obama has minorities in mind; we are all a second thought a group of invisible people who as newt says need paychecks not food stamps and or entitlements. Well, some may know this now since he forced it upon us, but there are more Caucasian people on food stamps than African Americans and or people of colour. if you are a Woman, the war waged against us by Teapublicans has become personal for me and given what this Party of No claims; to be for less government one must search for a codebook to find out exactly what that means and what is it they want from the middle and lower classes because it ain’t equality. I wonder, do they expect us to accept separate but equal. Whatever It is; it is utterly apparent that “these people” feel, act, or negotiate nothing like our parents conservative politicians and here’s hoping We the People do not have to experience what they all have been jabbering about because it does not sound sane efficient or address what all Americans need to move into the 21st Century. I watch, listen, and wonder what kind of education these conservative Teapublican candidates for President have received or have they just become more jaded more narrow minded, as they got older as they appear. I think a President must be willing to fight for the rights of everyone especially for those in need. I still cannot and probably will not forget what Eric cantor and Santorum said to women about health care. It definitely made me realize why I vote for the Democratic Party more often than not. I am no expert and I do not play one or pretend to be one; I just have a lot to say or rant about. In my need to reach out to those who may still be wondering who should be our next President. I ask them to compare and contrast President Obama against the Teapublicans who claim to want to “restore America”“, take back our country”, or insist on if they do get into the WH, that all Americans will conform to their “Family Values” platform. After hearing what they do not want to do for “We the People”, please think about family friend’s co-workers or neighbors who will be negatively affected by this type of attitude and the consequences of such a way of thinking and or living.
The best possible chance for our Democracy to continue forward VOTE for … BarackObama2012
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Be a Seed for Change 
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