Few could miss the bold affront on the challenges that America faces as they listened to the newly-elected President Obama during his inauguration speech.  While that is much to be taken from his eighteen minute speech, one of the primary ingredients was the certain belief that we need not retreat from the challenges of our day but to embrace them.

Environmentalism clearly falls into the category of the challenges that we must face head-on.  It is in the power of collective effort that we have our strength.  Factions, parties, and fad causes should not merely promote their own issue, but look to the challenges that we face as a people.  I think, President Obama "Gets It" on this level.

There is another trend that I hope he avoids, and that is the hijacking efforts of socialism who would love to dominate the Green movement by subduing the American spirit and talent for innovation.  Socialism is an elitist effort to use populists rhetoric to franchise the control of the powerful as seen in dictators around the world. 

It is true, nonetheless, that our real strength is in the power of every person to act wisely, work industriously, and realize a share of the good that we have brought about through our efforts.  None are excluded from this kind of system except those who want a free ride and to benefit without contributing to the work. 

The environmental cause, therefore, is about bringing together the power of the efforts of many to face and defeat the challenges before each of us.  It is for this reason, that I am particularly proud of the Green Business League for its call to American businesses to step up to the challenges of the day and leave behind the talk that had only token actions.  The Green Business League is fielding the largest Green Consultant program in America.  More than 250 certified Green Consultants will be prepared to assist American businesses with Green ideas and Green services.  This is an project that deserves everyone's support.