Does Greed Have No Limit?

     When I began this blog almost seven years ago, I wanted to write posts about Jesus, the environment and animals. That is what I've done, and hope to continue to do that,  Lord willing. 
     I am very sad today. For many years I have worked with others who care about the environment to keep the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge free from oil exploration. This is a pristine wilderness, and it would be so nice to have one place in this country that is unspoiled and that isn't exploited for economic gain.
    Unfortunately, the tax bill that passed in the Senate last night contained a measure to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling. This last place of unspoiled land will now have leases sold to oil companies to drill and explore. All of this was done to generate revenue to offset the loss of income to the Federal government as a result of the new tax cuts that will go mainly to corporations and wealthy individuals. This was done because of human greed pure and simple.
     Sadly, this isn't the only instance of how human greed is destroying the environment and animals. Just a few days ago, the current administration considered allowing hunters to bring to the United States parts of the elephants they shoot in Africa. This has gone back for "review", but I expect that it will be allowed.
     The only reason that people would shoot and kill these magnificent animals is for greed and selfishness. They want a "trophy" or ivory.
     Carl Safina in his book "Beyond Words" writes about how elephants have a complex social network. They communicate with one another and have emotions. They are deeply intelligent animals. But, so many humans want what they want, so they kill them to satisfy their own perverse pleasure.
     The devastation of planet earth and animals continues because of human greed. So many animals suffer. Books like Peter Wohlleben's "The Inner Life of Animals" relate how animals feel and think. However, so many can't be bothered with this since it might disrupt what they want.
     I ask myself almost everyday now when human greed and selfishness will end? What will it take for the majority of people to wake up and care?
    As you can tell, I am deeply disappointed today. But, I will keep working to bring attention to environmental problems. I'll keep trying to make a difference here on the blog and by advocacy for the causes I believe in.  There are some glimmers of good news. Mexico just designated 58,000 square miles of ocean as a marine reserve. Tiger numbers seem to be on the rise slightly. Every nation in the world except one is committed to the Paris Climate Agreement.
     Hopefully, enough people will eventually care so that we can turn the tide. It will require that people think less of their own interests, and that they will think of the interests of others and of this planet.