Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks about environmental awareness at Western Hall Wednesday night.

Kennedy talks environment

By: Sarah Zeeck

Posted: 10/5/07

Saving the environment is not about protecting the fish and the birds, according to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. It is about protecting the human race. Kennedy, nephew of former President John F. Kennedy, spoke at Western Hall Wednesday as part of Western's theme, "Global Challenges and Personal Responsibility."

An award-winning journalist and lawyer, Kennedy spoke about the lackadaisical state of environmental law. He also talked about the roles of corporations with respect to nature and the media's impact on the issue in his presentation.

He added that the biggest threat to water resources in America is the Bush administration. According to Kennedy, under President George W. Bush, portions of the Clean Air Act have been dismantled and the administration ceased enforcement of already weak environmental laws.

Many audience members said they agreed.

Pat Sullivan, an area resident and teacher at "Peace of Earth Environmental Learning Center," said, "Corporations have turned this world into a non-democratic society."

Kennedy said the economy and environmental policy could coexist, and one did not have to be chosen over the other.

"Good environmental policy 100 percent of the time is identical to (good) economy," Kennedy said. "You cannot separate one from the other."

According to Kennedy, in 19 states, including Illinois, it is no longer safe to consume fish. The high levels of mercury contamination within the waterways are from the lack of regulations to keep rivers clean. Bush "pulled back mercury regulations after he accepted $100 million from a utility industry," Kennedy added. The mercury in the waters can have detrimental effects on the consumer as it works as a poison to the brain.

Sophomore pre-law enforcement and justice administration major Chris Mortimer said he agreed with Kennedy and was disturbed by the statistics, especially those concerning Illinois.

"It's sad and scary that people in this state cannot go and fish in the rivers and eat the fish," he added.

Kennedy continued by explaining that part of the problem with environmental issues lies with the national media.

"Five giant multinational corporations (in America control) 14,000radio stations, 2,500 television stations, 80 percent of newspapers, all billboards and most large Internet content providers," Kennedy said.

He attributed most of the fault to the Reagan administration, which "abolished the fairness doctrine in 1988," but he added that Clinton "finalized the deal" by signing the communications act in 1996.

Kennedy said this has influenced a "negligent and indolent press," so the American public is no longer aware of environmental issues occurring nationwide.

He added that only when the press starts informing America and when it begins to take action to establish a better administration on this issue would environmental problems be resolved.