On Friday morning, O.U.T.R.A.G.E. televised a panel discussion chaired by John McCain. At the head table were several notable scientists, meteorologists, and environmentalists. Eight long tables stretched from the podium, parked diagonally so that all those seated could easily see those seated at the head table. Microphones were in front of each attendee. McCain introduced the panel and made a brief opening statement: "We are here today to discuss environmental issues that are of a concern to the entire world. Officials representing at least forty nations are gathered here in St. Kitts for this open dialogue. As we all know, the issue of global warming has generated hot debate over the past ten years. Scientists have warned that global warming is a real issue - and if we don't deal with it soon, many learned experts believe that within ten years or less it will be too late to reverse course. Our planet is on a treacherous field. We urge citizens, professional environmentalists, and leaders of every nation on Earth to join us in this quest. Anyone present is invited to comment or make remarks at will. We would, however, request that the dialogue be kept civil and polite."
While there was no real legal structure to this meeting, it was at least a very big first step in addressing an issue that had been the butt of late-night talk show hosts' jokes for years. On Tuesday, February 5. 2008, Article XIV had introduced a resolution calling for the expansion of the EPA's role in government. On Tuesday, March 4, 2008, voters passed the formal legislation by an overwhelming 88%. Now the United States was inviting ohter countries to join the crusade in educating people about global warming and other environmental issues.
"Today is the first day of spring," said a scientist from M.I.T. "It's fitting that we introduce this measure on this day, which was also the first Earth Day back in the 1970's." He proceeded to make a long, dull presentation full of facts and figures that had been pronounced hundreds of times before. One element of interest was a clip from the movie, "An Inconvenient Truth", which former U.S. Vice-President Al Gore had helped develop in 2006. Underwritten by a young genius who had founded e-bay, the movie was well-received by the scientific community and applauded for its timeliness and accuracy. The public, however, paid scant attention to a film without any graphic sex or violence, raw language, or spectacular special effects.
Gore went on to establish an impressive elementary education program modeled after Junior Achievement, in which volunteers went into third and fourth-grade classes to teach kids about the environment. The first program had been launched at a school in Nashville, Tennessee on March 21, 2007. Today, on the first anniversary of the program, it was being taught in over a thousand schools nationwide by more tahn eight hundred volunteers.
The dialogue picked up momentum after the scientist left the lectern. Brisk, lively conversation continued for more than four hours as representatives from different countries and different cultures expressed a variety of opinions. Trying to get the world on a single track toward this vital issue was not going to be easy, but O.U.T.R.A.G.E. members seemed pleased to be able to faciitate this first-ever non-binding convention of the minds.
O.U.T.R.A.G.E. cameras were also focusing on similar, but smaller, round-table discussions around the huge hall. Topics as diverse as relocating the White House to dismantling the military-industrial complex were being discussed in earnest.
Meanwhile, clean-up continued on both American coasts. Search-and-rescue teams continued to uncover bodies as they trampled through the remnants of what used to be some of America's greatest metropolitan areas.