is the government doing enough to ensure that the enviroment is safe and healthy?
400114
No president has gone after the nation's environmental laws with the same fury as George W. Bush -- and none has been so adept at staying under the radar.\n\nThe Bush administration has been gutting key sections of the Clean Water and Clean Air acts, laws that have traditionally had bipartisan support and have done more to protect the health of Americans than any other environmental legislation. It has crippled the Superfund program, which is charged with cleaning up millions of pounds of toxic industrial wastes such as arsenic, lead, mercury, and vinyl chloride in more than 1,000 neighborhoods in 48 states. It has sought to cut the EPA's enforcement division by nearly one-fifth, to its lowest level on record; fines assessed for environmental violations dropped by nearly two-thirds in the administration's first two years; and criminal prosecutions-the government's weapon of last resort against the worst polluters-are down by nearly one-third.Bush also has ordered dozens of sweeping changes to existing environmental policies, usually to benefit business interests. He reversed the government's course on global warming, power plant emissions, roadless areas of national forests, environmental law enforcement and agricultural run-off.\n\nTwo major Bush administration proposals still languish in Congress. One would change the way air pollution from power plants is regulated, with gradually shrinking limits on emissions and the first-ever limits for mercury pollution. Critics say Bush's approach would require fewer pollution reductions than current law.  For more than twenty years, the United States had a "polluter pays" policy that made it possible to clean up hundreds of the worst abandoned toxic waste dumps in the country. The Bush Administration has reversed that policy, shifted the cost to taxpayers, and dramatically reduced the number of toxic waste cleanup projects.
115713
I don't think we need to die out to protect nature.  Why? We're capable of making rational decisions and minimizing our harm.  It's just that we tend to refuse to do anything that inconviences us.  We need more emphasis on sexual education and birth control to stabilize the population, and politicies to mimize pollution and protect the remaining natural environments.
1070776
The government can control the economy, providing stability and a sense of certainty that would lead to a rise in economic activity. The economy can then sustain a steady growth
557468
That's not really the government's job, even though they have incorporated a completely new food "pyramid."  It's not a pyramid anymore really, it's just a triangle.  And there is a program called Healthy People 2010 to help encourage people to stay healthy and fit.
334606
why is it up to the government?? people in our nation want everything done for them and they don't want to pick up and do it. it's up to each individual person to make sure that out planet is taken care of. and honestly why does it matter about the governements plans an laws??they are broken EVERY DAY! speeding, burglary, murder, drugs.. it happens everyday why do people think if the government is involved that it will all the sudden get better??
99402
Not at all, in fact it is healthy. Keeps your mind and body fresh and fully focussed.
248583
Public health is the publics total well being or holistic well being.
962741
For the most part, I'm okay with nuclear power.  It tends to be clean, and is actually very safe when the guidelines are followed and standards are met.  My only fear is that guidelines and standards bow down to politics all too often.\n\nI think that, in general, we need to know a little about a lot.  As an example: I might not know everything about the engine of my car, but I know enough to recognize when there's a problem, and what that problem might be.
564171
the best standard of health would no doubt lie close to nature.\n\nif you take plenty of raw fruits and vegetables, good amount of green leafy vegetables, natural or organic cereals. \ntake little or no amount of meats, fats and cholesterol rich foods.\nhave moderate exercise.\nstay happy, calm and sleep well\n\nyou'll be healthy enough to require minimal amount of medicines....    but it isn't easy
164805
given that ecology is about the interrelationship of live on this earth, it should be relevant to everybody. If your environment is destroyed, you wouldn't want to live their anymore. Toxins in your environment can make you sick (and if you are a nurse, they may have made some of your patients sick). Sick people are also much more sensitive to additional toxins. \nWhere to people like to go when they want to recover from a lengthy disease? Usually not in the middle of a big city, if they can, they much rather go to the seaside or the mountains, to places where the ecology is much more intact and healthy. \nA healthy ecosytem around you is good for your health. And you need knowledge in order to keep it that way, or try to make it better
167415
it is 99% environmental
1113594
Both. It's not an either-or proposition, by the way. If you look around the world, you will see that countries with poor economies also have high pollution.\n\nBecause with good economies comes high standards of living and the ability to implement clean environmental policies.\n\nSo, if you're for good economy, you'll get a cleaner environment. If you're for a cleaner environment, the best way to accomplish that is with a good economy.
968036
Government regulation of business is valid so that regulations will be properly implemented.
887197
the major justification for govt seems to be protection of the people  and this can be bent to justify almost anything \nthe actual role in waste is probably complicated by local ordinances but I'm not specifically acquainted.sorry I couldn't find any good american links on thier role in waste management.   peace out!
218517
no.\n\nCurrrent scientific studies show that its genetics AND environment....not one or the other.
893099
Have you tested the levels of pollutants that bus or car is putting out?  How about the water you drink?  Or the mountains of waste produced by the office you work at?  How far away do you live from a chemical factory? Or a nuke plant?  Where is all the garbage going that you and your family produce?  How about the food colorings and additives?\n\nAnd you're worried about some cigarette smoke?\n\n\nPULLLLLEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSEE!!\n\nPeace.
464344
It should not be the government's job to ensure product safety. Recalls are made by the manufacturers when they become aware of a problem with their product, usually through numerous consumer complaints.