Letter: Fossil fuel companies defy public interest

Smoke from fires raging in Canada is blanketing eastern parts of the United States, just as previously, fires in Western states did to that area.

The poisonous particulate pollution in this smoke contributes to respiratory and cardiac disease, cancer and many more health problems and is responsible for about 10 million deaths worldwide each year. ("As Smoke Darkens the Sky, the Future Becomes Clear," op-ed by David Wallace-Wells, New York Times, June 8, p. A22)

As climate change gains momentum, wildfires and their harmful effects will worsen as will storms, floods, hear waves, droughts and crop failures.

Why is the United States not leading the world in an all-out battle against the mounting threat of climate change? Because ultrawealthy fossil fuel interests continue to pour tens of millions of dollars into political campaigns - mostly to Republicans - as they sway that party to block the transition to clean, renewable energy.

To safeguard their profitable private interest, fossil fuel companies are assaulting the public interest.

From tobacco companies to gun, chemical, pharmaceutical, insurance and financial interests, it is the same story: large contributions protecting corporate profits at the expense of ordinary people.

This is a clarion call for getting big money out of politics. Public funding of political campaigns would democratize contributions as we do with voting and elevate merit in government decisions.

Richard Barsanti

Western Springs