Are Big Oil Democrats Complicit In The Deaths Caused By The Oil And Gas Industry?
And how the Texas Congressional District 07 Democratic Primary race has turned into an ideological fight over which crime is worse.
Fossil fuel air pollution is responsible for 1 in 5 deaths worldwide yearly. Research from Harvard University found that more than 8 million people die each year from fossil fuel pollution as a result of breathing in air containing particles from burning fuels like coal, petrol, and diesel, which aggravate respiratory conditions like asthma and can lead to lung cancer, coronary heart disease, strokes, and early death.
On top of that, an estimated 400,000 people die each year due to hunger and diseases related to climate change. By 2030, the death toll is expected to rise to 700,000 per year and cost the global economy 2.5% of GDP annually.
The Houston area has some of the worst cancer clusters in the nation. And those cancer clusters lay primarily in Black and brown neighborhoods, killing people of color at higher rates and much quicker than in white Harris County neighborhoods.
In light of these staggering statistics, it is essential to examine the role of political actors, particularly those within the Democratic Party, in addressing the deadly consequences of the oil and gas industry.
While we all know that corrupt Republicans will kill our earth and millions of people in the process for the big money that they get from the oil and gas industry, the Democratic Party is often associated with environmental advocacy. The reality is more complex, especially in regions heavily reliant on fossil fuel extraction and production, such as Texas.
Lizzie Fletcher is a Big Oil Democrat.
Her entire congressional history has been marked by siding with big oil and Republicans on destructive policies that hurt our planet and harm people within her own district.
That’s why endorsing her opponent, clean energy advocate Pervez Agwan, was easy for me.
However, after that endorsement, Agwan became embroiled in his own scandal. The allegations were that Agwan’s campaign manager harassed and inappropriately touched some of the female interns and that Agwan himself attempted to kiss a young intern and prevent her from leaving his office.
The Democratic Socialists of Houston pulled their endorsement of Agwan, and several people contacted me and asked me also to pull my endorsement.
I did not because, in my mind, Fletcher being in cahoots with the oil and gas industry is much worse than whether or not Agwan acted inappropriately.
But I want to clarify: the situation surrounding Agwan is terrible, and I in no way condone this behavior. It’s inappropriate in the workplace and inappropriate in modern America.
The race in Congressional District 07 now boils down to which crime is worse. Being a willing participant in the deaths of millions of people each year, like Lizzie Fletcher, is, or trying to kiss a young female intern?
The pressure I’ve received to pull my endorsement has caused me a lot of anxiety, not because I want to offer an excuse for Agwan’s behavior but because I know how much harm Fletcher has caused. Perhaps the proper action would be to encourage an undervote in this race. Mostly, I’ve tried to ignore the entire situation, but the pressure hasn’t gone away.
Agwan did not drop out of the race, but this incident has sunk his campaign. Lizzie Fletcher is soaring in the polls and will likely win re-election.
The complicity of Big Oil Democrats in the deaths caused by the oil and gas industry should be center stage.
In the aftermath of the ensuing controversy, it is important to reflect on the broader implications for both the Democratic Party and the fight against the deadly consequences of the oil and gas industry.
Big Oil Democrats, like Lizzie Fletcher, reflect the ethical and moral dilemmas facing political leaders beholden to powerful corporate interests. Despite its devastating impact on public health and the environment, Fletcher’s alignment with the oil and gas industry raises questions about her true priorities and commitment to serving her constituents’ interests.
While the allegations against Pervez Agwan are profoundly concerning and warrant thorough investigation and accountability, they must not overshadow the urgent need to address the systemic issues perpetuated by the fossil fuel industry and its political allies. The focus should remain on holding accountable those who contribute to environmental degradation and the loss of human lives, regardless of party affiliation.
Moreover, the controversy surrounding Agwan’s campaign is a cautionary tale about vetting candidates and holding them to high ethical standards. Political leaders must be held accountable for their actions and conduct in their professional capacities and personal interactions.
As the Democratic Party grapples with internal divisions and competing priorities, it must reaffirm its commitment to environmental justice and public health. The involvement of Big Oil Democrats in perpetuating the harmful practices of the fossil fuel industry cannot be ignored or excused.
That means, when Lizzie Fletcher wins re-election, we continue to hold her responsible for her terrible votes and collusion in millions of deaths each year.
The race in Congressional District 07 is a microcosm of the larger ideological struggle within the Democratic Party.
While the focus has been on the ethical conduct of individual candidates, it is essential to recognize the broader systemic issues at play. Political leaders must prioritize the well-being of their constituents over corporate interests and personal ambitions.
The complicity of Big Oil Democrats in perpetuating environmental harm and public health crises cannot be swept under the rug or excused as political pragmatism.
Voters should vote with their hearts, and when the dust settles on this contentious primary race, we must come together to work towards a more just, equitable, and sustainable future for all. Only by holding our elected officials accountable and demanding meaningful change can we hope to address the urgent issues facing our communities and our planet.
Important 2024 primary election days:
March 1, 2024: Last Day of Early Voting.
March 5, 2024: Election Day!
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re; pollution
Houston is ground zero but DFW it about to be interdicted by the EPA for our horrible air qualtiy.
Unless and seeming likey SCOTUS will kneecap em in the coming weeks.
No one , but know one ,knows how bad our air is.
In case any R is reading, Nixon gave us the EPA.
As a male, let me masplain LOL . Get rid of predatory men. Fletcher may be hell on the earth but she is only one vote. Agawan seemingly is a letch and will continue to be so, hurting women. thats it...no political calculus.