I've been here on DU since 2011 officially, but I lurked for a few years before that. I'm a radical.

[Martin Eden]

10. Passion for saving our planet's environment, ecosystems, and

Diversity of life should be among the highest priorities and values of an enlightened civilization.

The fact it is considered "radical" at the highest reaches of our government shows how much we have to overcome in saving this planetary lifeboat for future generations.

Politics is the art of the possible. We have to hold onto our highest values and long term goals while understanding the line between progress and overreach.

The term "radical environmentalist" was created to marginalize anyone who is a threat to the wealth and power derived from ravaging and polluting this Earth. Pushing too far beyond what the public is willing to accept can damage the movement.

The malefactors of great wealth have a megaphone for shaping public opinion while we have often struggled to be more than a voice in the wilderness. Progress has been made in the last half century and our current Democratic leaders have a strong message with some real policies for battling climate change.

We have to win elections, then hold them to fulfilling their message by implementing policies which make a difference.

Ultimately, real progress has to be made in the hearts and minds of our fellow citizens in a culture dominated by commercialism and hedonistic consumption.

Dedicated people like yourself are essential for grass roots progress while enlightened leadership is needed on the national level.

Time is running out. We have to win in 2020, then move forward from there.