Thank you for your interest in my campaign to STAND for election to the US SENATE from and for ARIZONA.
I do agree that the protection of our environment from gross polluters should be one of the highest priorities in our State and Nation. The adverse effect that the use of water which is used to process coal mined on the Native American Reservations comes to mind, just off the top of my head. I find it a disgrace to mankind and humanity.
But, clean renewable energy, that such as solar, has many parts and components that are made of plastic. Plastic is a bi-product of carcinogen-laden oil. At what point does one over look the ‘processing’ that takes place after the resources are harvested? My Father died a young man, just a few years older than I after working in such a plant that processed and created ‘useful’ products that eventually were/are part of the many conveniences we have in this life. Those such as communication devices ((cell)phones, televisions, radios), parts of transportation equipment (vehicles), food handling and covering (plastic wrap, bags, etc), medical equipment, and many more of the other polys- (plastics) of this world.
This pledge is well intentioned, and I respect its vision of a cleaner, healthier, State and Nation as a whole. It seems to be too short sighted and openly permits one to be a hypocrite politician. Renewable power sources are an answer to solving that concern, which I being a parent do share with you, however, have you considered the fact that each of those limited natural resources are required in the construction process? I provide for you this brief list: Coal for heat and the electrical power to use computer models, create steel and other rare earth materials to construct a solar panel, oil for the plastic components and transportation (fuel) of a solar panels or wind turbines, and natural gas as a source of heat to turn the turbines of an electric plant, or to even heat the homes in Flagstaff, or my home in Sierra Vista during our briefer winter periods than most.
This mission, though honorable in its thought, does not and cannot go far enough to have a real, True financial impact on any candidate for any office at any level. It seems to dismiss the importance of the resources in being a part of the solution process of the concern in general. But, at that point the material has been ‘processed’ beyond recognition to the eye and is accepted as normal in our lives.
It brings up the question of when is the juice worth the squeeze?
For instance, how can we as a society pass up the medical benefits of steel and plastics? How could we remove a tumor or provide the application of life saving medicines through IV’s without them? Who are we to chose who is eligible for one but not the other?
Thank you your interest in my STANDING for Election in the Great State of Arizona as a Write In Candidate for the US SENATE. Unfortunately, based upon the reasons listed above, I cannot, I will not sign your well-intentioned pledge because it is too short sighted to benefit the Good People of Arizona, and America.
Very Respectfully,
Michael DeCarlo
Write In Candidate for US SENATE
From The Great State of Arizona
http://nofossilfuelmoney.org/#sign-the-pledge
The mission of the pledge states:
The Pledge
I pledge to not take contributions from the oil, gas, and coal industry and instead prioritize the health of our families, climate, and democracy over fossil fuel industry profits.
Taking the pledge means that a politician or candidate’s campaign will adopt a policy to not knowingly accept any contributions over $200 from the PACs, executives, or front groups of fossil fuel companies — companies whose primary business is the extraction, processing, distribution, or sale of oil, gas, or coal. We will provide a list of these companies upon request.