Consequences — the best teacher

The Australian states of Queensland and New South Wales are suffering their worst fires, ever. Once more, we hear that word, UNPRECEDENTED. Firefighting experts, farmers, country people are saying, “This is what climate change does!”

The politicians are horrified that people could be so insensitive as to talk about such a divisive issue at a time of tragedy.

This is what I have just sent off to the Melbourne Age:

When I was a student nurse, we had a lecture from a cardiologist on cigarette addiction. During the first appointment after a heart attack, he sat the patient next to a big rubbish bin, then calmly explained the effects of nicotine on the cardiovascular system. Some patients pulled out their packet of cigarettes, crumpled it up, and hurled it in the bin. Follow-ups showed almost invariable success in stopping to smoke. Other patients looked pained, and clearly did everything possible to avoid listening. They were the ones who died not much later.

Unfortunate people in Queensland and NSW are now suffering from Australia’s addiction to coal. What is the COALition’s response? It is SO insensitive to mention the climate catastrophe now! Labor’s response? Now is not the time.

Um… It is exactly the right time. If coal-addicted politicians refuse to listen to the connection, they need to be replaced by people who do. One way might be for affected people, like those who lost their everything, and the insurance industry, to sue them personally.