my written statement to the city council regarding the earth charter

Good Evening.

Thank you for the opportunity to speak.

Pardon my nervousness but we live in an age where political acts more or less ensure national security surveillance.

In regards to the Earth Charter resolution I’d just like to ask the council to consider the proposal in light of a significant occurrence in global markets today, namely $70 per gallon oil. There can be no denying that the price of petroleum has become increasingly volatile in recent years. I believe a responsible course of action to steer towards insulating our economy against increased volatility in the oil market. I also believe that doing so would coincide with the spirit of the Earth Charter.

Some of you are perhaps aware of the concept of peak oil. To briefly summarize, it refers to a peak in the supply graph of petroleum production. Peak oil theorists, many prominent thinkers and credible sources, argue that the peak will be sooner rather than later and people should really start talking about what the implications will be of a permanent decline in oil supply.

I also believe in supporting the local economy. In my humble opinion, I don’t see why a community couldn’t prosper in a time of more expensive gasoline. By strategizing now, endorsing the Earth Charter, localizing the economy to be net exporters of more essential needs, such as perhaps, transportation fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel, and even electrical power generated with renewable technologies.

These are just some thoughts I had. Thank you again for your attention.

[I should add that I added a lot of other things while listening to other people (opposition) and you'll have to watch to video to get what I actually said at the meeting.]