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Senator Barack Obama, IL - Focus the Nation National Kick Off"This is important, I want everybody to pay attention here… Focus the Nation is going to have the largest campus teach-in in United States history [starting] right here on the Clemson Campus. This is an important issue, I want everybody to be involved with it, everybody to be paying attention, I hope all of you choose to participate because that’s a terrific issue and I want to acknowledge that."
Senator Barbara Boxer, CA — video for all CA schools"Let me begin by congratulating all of the organizers that have made the Focus the Nations events a reality...The fact that so many of you are participating in Focus the Nation events speaks volumes about the level of commitment that I hear all across America. I can assure you that I will be on the front lines every step of the way as we fight this fight together, because together we can do what it takes to beat global warming..."
Senator Bill Nelson, FL — 2% Solution webcast"I want to thank Focus the Nation…and the many other organizations that put together this event to help raise awareness of global warming...Global warming is a defining issue of our time. I want to urge you to share your stories and concern with state, local and federal officials. I am confident that you will play a very important part in this national effort. Thank you again for what you are doing."<
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, RI — Brown University, University of Rhode Island (statement)"Global warming is among the most significant challenges we face. Congress is finally taking action – but we need public support to act boldly. I hope this event will give Rhode Islanders an opportunity to speak out."
Senator Arlen Specter, PA — Letter to all PA schools"After years of skepticism, it has become increasingly clear that Americans, businesses and elected leaders are rising to the challenge of addressing climate change...because of your efforts, Congress is now poised to act ...I would like to thank you and Focus the Nation for leading this indispensable effort to educate Americans on the sacrifices and opportunities our society must take to help solve this global problem. I wish you much Success."
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, CA — SFSU"...Putting a stop to global warming is among my top priorities as Speaker of the House, but it is truly our nation's young people who are blazing the way forward...I'm so pleased to be taking part in Focus the Nation this week. I look forward to talking with students and continuing our work together to preserve our planet for this generation and generations to come."
Representative Lois Capps, CA — CalPoly San Luis Obispo"I am thrilled to be participating in the "Focus the Nation" national teach-in... I'm pleased to see students and universities taking the lead in answering this call. We all have to do our part to take action in our homes, our communities, and our country to combat global warming and protect our planet for future generations and Focus the Nation will be an important part of this effort."
Representative Jerry McNerney, CA — Diablo Valley College"As a former wind energy engineer and now, as a member of Congress, I know that climate change is one of the greatest challenges we face as a nation. We can solve this problem, but we need the skills, creativity, and commitment of today's youth to make change a reality, I am thrilled to participate in Focus the Nation and I am excited that we're using new, carbon-friendly technology that will make it convenient and easy for many more elected officials to take part in the discussion."
Representative Mike Thompson, CA — Humboldt State University"The effects of global warming will threaten our world for the foreseeable future, and I am heartened to see our nation's future leaders standing up and demanding solutions. Focus the Nation is an important opportunity for their voices to be heard. I look forward to joining their discussion and bringing their ideas back to Congress where we are taking the first critical steps toward stabilizing global warming."
Representative Henry Waxman, CA — Santa Monica College"Fighting global warming must be one of our top priorities. It requires our urgent attention, and I am pleased to be part of a national effort to Focus the Nation on this critically important issue."
Representative Christopher Murphy, CT — CCSU"The 110th Congress has already been the most progressive Congress in history in facing the challenges of global warming and energy independence...I have supported legislation and taken personal steps in my own office that will help set us on a path towards energy independence. It's imperative that the United States of America regain its leadership on this issue."
Representative Dennis Moore, KS — University of Kansas"Global warming didn't happen overnight and we certainly won't fix it overnight. What Focus the Nation will do is raise awareness about the effects of global warming, challenging each of us to work together for dramatic changes in transportation, energy production and public policy. Now is the time to act on global warming. We can all make a difference!"
Representative Ben Chandler, KY - University of Kentucky"Part of the solution to climate change is public awareness. Focus the Nation provides a unique opportunity to educate our communities about climate change and the many things we can do as individuals to help curb the dangerous trend of global warming. It's encouraging to see college students working on this issue, as they will be a part of the solution to this growing problem."
Representative Edward Markey, MA — Tufts University"Part of the solution to climate change is public awareness. Focus the Nation provides a unique opportunity to educate our communities about climate change and the many things we can do as individuals to help curb the dangerous trend of global warming. It's encouraging to see college students working on this issue, as they will be a part of the solution to this growing problem."
Representative Vern Ehlers, MI — Calvin College"Global climate change is an urgent matter, and I am grateful to Focus the Nation for providing us an opportunity to get the word out about the consequences of this situation. The problems associated with global climate change were created by previous generations, but it is up to the brightest members of the current generation to find a solution."
Representative John McHugh, NY — St. Lawrence University "It is essential that we end our addiction to foreign oil and develop cleaner, renewable fuels. Educating the public about energy consumption and fighting global warming is a worthy endeavor. 'Focus the Nation' is helping to raise the level of debate in this country, and I'm very pleased to be a part of their nationwide teach-in."
Representative James Walsh, NY — Syracuse University"The best way to effect to influence policy on climate change is to become well informed and get involved...Contact your policy makers, join boards and organizations, engage your peers and exercise your right to vote at every opportunity. Choose to lead by example in the decisions you make and actions you take in your day-to-day lives."
Representative David Price, NC - UNC Chapel Hill"Thank you for inviting me to participate in your Focus the Nation event. I am encouraged to see that you are all part of a movement of millions of students and citizens across the country who are engaging their political leaders on behalf of real solutions for climate change…I hope that as our elections near, you will inform yourselves of the candidates' positions on the environment and then help elect leaders who will join you in this historic battle...Your activism is inspiring."
Representative Earl Blumenauer, OR — University of Portland"Focus the Nation is an unprecedented opportunity to put global warming exactly where it belongs, front and center. American policymakers, business and community leaders, and the public have a unique opportunity to consider all aspects of what I believe to be this generation's greatest challenge, global warming..."
Representative Mike Doyle, PA — University of Pittsburgh"Global warming is probably the biggest, most challenging public policy issue our country will face in the coming decades. Because global warming could have such dire consequences - and because the policies needed to address global warming may require real sacrifices from all Americans - it's essential that voters get completely engaged and fully educated... That's why I'm so supportive of Focus the Nation."
Representative Phil English, PA — Mercyhurst"Americans need to lead the debate on possible responses to this challenge and examine what mix of market incentives, regulations, public education programs and technical research will create the best formula of costs and benefits. I am pleased to participate in this forum as an opportunity to encourage nuanced understandings of this challenge and cultivate a discussion that direct light not just heat on the issue."
Representative Bob Inglis, SC — University of South Carolina-Upstate, Furman University, and Clemson University“so I am here to say it’s a real problem, even though I used to pooh-pooh it, its of human making… the evidence is compelling and we need to do something about it. This conservative Republican congressman is also here, because its true to conservative principles, its consistent with how markets are supposed to work.”
Representative Steve Cohen, TN — University of Tennessee-Memphis"Focus the Nation's work is very important and I appreciate their shining a light on the issue of global warming. Global warming is of immediate and vital concern to all of us. I'm proud to help Focus the Nation spread awareness through education initiatives, advocacy programs, and public policy. I'm also happy that they're embracing the next generation of Americans who will carry this message of environmental consciousness into the future."
Governor Anold Schwarznegger, CA - Endorses Focus the Nation"Our future depends on us taking action now, and the steps you are
taking today can create local solutions and build momentum to address this pressing international problem...I want to thank all of the participants, supporters and organizers of Focus the Nation...I also applaud all the young people for getting involved, and I encourage each of you to continue to share what you learn today with your friends, families and communities. Keep up the great work!"
Governor Ted Kulongoski, OR — University of Portand"Global warming is one of the most important issues Oregonians will face in the coming years and we need to take action now to secure our environmental and economic future. This Focus the Nation event is an important opportunity to engage and inform the public on what we are doing and what we need to do as a state, and a nation, to make sure we combat global warming at every turn."
Governor Janet Napolitano, AZ — 2% Solution web-cast"The urgency of global climate change demands that universities government and industry come together to offer balanced solutions. We must build a good future for our young people. In this effort sustainability is key. I urge you to keep up the good work."
Governor Crist, FL — Webcast "As we all know, climate change is a serious issue. This is especially true for Florida, where we are particularly vulnerable to climate change like severe storms, sea level rise and droughts. That is why I believe we must all work together to create solutions…I applaud you and urge you to share your concerns and recommendations with your state and federal decision makers too. We need to hear from you on this important issue. God bless you and thank you for your leadership."
Lt. Governor Mark Parkinson, KS — University of Kansas"Kansas is working to be a leader in renewable energy. With our natural assets in wind power and biofuels, we're uniquely situated to help America secure a clean energy future. Efforts such as Focus the Nation are an important part of continuing the dialogue on how to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and be better stewards of our environment."
Governor Jennifer, MI — Michigan State University (sending rep)"The challenge of global warming requires us to Focus the Nation. Here in Michigan the solutions to global warming are an extraordinary opportunity to transform our economy, secure new investment and create good jobs."
Van Jones — Executive Director of the Ella Baker Center“The global warming crisis is an opportunity to revitalize America's communities, create green jobs for all, and make the economy work for more families. Focus The Nation has created a place for these critical debates on solutions to reach everyone."
Dennis Hayes — Earth Day Founder and President of the Bullit Foundation"Much as the first Earth Day mobilized public support for clean air and healthy water, Focus the Nation is mobilizing people to demand real solutions to global warming. After three decades of painstaking science, the scientific debate is now over and it's time to act."
James “Gus” Speth — Dean, Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies“We are in a time where critical decisions need to be made on global warming, which means today’s leaders and the youth who will inherit the crisis need serious education on the issue. Focus The Nation is our country’s foremost model to create that level of education and interaction with law makers.”