On Thanksgiving, for the first time since one of the most divisive elections in this nation’s history, Americans will be having a holiday dinner with our families, friends and neighbors. It’s nearly certain that not everybody seated at the table will have voted for the same candidates, and nerves could be raw.
Even as we give thanks for the many blessings we have, I will have a hard time ignoring — even for a moment — the tremendous work we have in front of us to protect the basic values that defines Conservation Voters for Idaho.
B
ut we have an advantage. The issues we work on behalf of are enjoyed by everybody seated for Thanksgiving Day dinner. Clean air and water are essential to a healthy life regardless of whom you voted for. Public lands are used by people in every facet of the political spectrum. Consumer safety protects everybody — your cousin who drives a Prius and your uncle who watches NASCAR.
Yet there’s one issue that will disproportionately affect the youngest people at the table. It will even affect our descendants who will celebrate Thanksgiving Day table long after we are gone. That issue is a changing climate that threatens future generations. To mitigate the impacts of climate change, we have to work together.
All of our work is focused on our lands, our water, and our air. We understand those resources are our future. It’s that understanding that motivates us every single day.
We are very fortunate to have our volunteers, donors, community partners and members supporting the work we do. Your continued support will be critical in the months ahead. So on this Thanksgiving, I want to express my thanks to you all.
Together, we can work to make Idaho a better, healthier and safer place to live, work and raise a family for everybody on this holiday — whether we agree about politics or not.
That’s certainly something to be thankful for.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Sincerely,
Rialin Flores
