Glad that that’s over

The elections: Cussin’, discussin’, fussin’; we’re finally finished, and the bar couldn’t have gotten much lower. Perhaps never have we heard such vitriol and soundbites, no substance or legitimate discourse on real, relevant topics. Glad it’s over.

One subject that received basically no attention on national or state levels was climate change. Neither media nor candidates gave it a thought publicly.

Personally, I’m glad; it’s a topic that wouldn’t have swayed voters. Before you judge me, yes, I believe global climate change is happening. Anyone denying it is simply a buffoon or politically motivated. World population has increased exponentially over the past several hundred years. Combine that with technological advancements like autos, industrialization, use of fossil fuels, and loss of natural forests and trees that produced oxygen to offset carbon dioxide emissions, and you’d be a fool to think our climate isn’t changing. And further doubts? We had five 80-plus-degree days in November in Arkansas. It’s happening.

That said, the opposite side of the aisle thinks the U.S. government and bureaucracy can legislate or fix the problem. That’s delusional. Regulations, fines, stricter standards—none will work. Loopholes will be found, legislators bought, and climate change itself is a world problem no one nation can rein in.

Ultimately, in the humble opinion of this lowly educated homo sapiens, Mother Nature will take a long shower, hot, cold, maybe both, and mankind will pick up the pieces and move on as we always have.

About that shower: Any chance it might take away Twitter, Facebook, or even the Kardashians? This whole thing could work out after all! ANTHONY LLOYD

Hot Springs