In my Feb. 21 op-ed “A day without oil is a nightmare,” I neglected to mention that I definitely support the transition from hydrocarbons to green energy. The March 4 ADN letter referencing my piece was respectful. But in the comments section that appears online, I was raked over the coals for being an “oily” hell bent on destroying the environment.
But even though I accept fault for the omission, the harsh online reaction was indicative of how tribal people are today in their opinions. For many, we live in a bipolar, “them” and “us” society. You’re either liberal or conservative, good or bad, “greenie”or an “oily,” with no room for moderate, reasoned thinking.
My only aim in the op-ed was to show that the transition away from fossil fuels will be more challenging than we think.
— Frank E. Baker
Eagle River
Have something on your mind? Send to letters@adn.com or click here to submit via any web browser. Letters under 200 words have the best chance of being published. Writers should disclose any personal or professional connections with the subjects of their letters. Letters are edited for accuracy, clarity and length.