Last modified: Tuesday, May 13, 2008 12:18 AM EDT GUEST COLUMN: Energy crisis load must be shared energy crisis BY DAVID JORGENSEN In the ongoing discussion and, on occasion, actual positive actions concerning the worsening global warming/unchecked pollution crisis, the naysayers and assorted ostriches often present. A few have selected facts to bolster their cries for "leaving ill enough alone," while also deliberately ignoring the mounting frightening evidence right in front of their eyes and ears. It is true that some pollution of our planet's atmosphere is and has been caused by various, somewhat predictable. yet to date uncontrollable natural occurrence, such as volcanic eruptions. However, much of the increasing and long-standing pollution choking and endangering each and every one of us today is man-made and can and must be addressed and stopped by us. "Nukes," whether powering submarines, contained in deadly missile warheads, or the result of tests and bombs exploded in various places and on inhabited cities, or expelled in nuclear power plant meltdowns at Chernobyl or Three Mile Island, for example, dirty the atmosphere for very long periods of time, and endanger and slowly kill people as a result of the radiation released. The continual burning of dirty sulphurous coal only adds another dimension to the problem. Among the biggest offenders are vehicles emitting the choking residue of burned gasoline. We are the culprits, in one way or another, and united in a common cause we can also bring about solutions to the problem thus created. Of course, this will not be easy. But consider the alternative and the swiftly ticking pollution time bombs in our midst. Those we choose to put in office as our elected mouthpieces can help greatly by changing priorities regarding the ways in which they spend/waste our fiscal life's blood. Yes, initially hybrid public transportation may carry an expensive price tag. This is short term, though, and is dwarfed by the long-term costs to us and those yet to come, in pollution-related health care expenses. Concerning energy alternatives, with the gas lines and price hikes, the hand-wringing and foot-dragging things have only worsened daily. Massachusetts is, finally taking various bold initiatives regarding recycling, and the adopting of alternative power sources such as solar power (in a limited fashion), and the plans to construct wind generators which some claim will "destroy the pristine beauty parts of Cape Cod," but in reality will only provide some alternative lasting energy to cash-strapped citizens there. Petroleum products will continue to be used in many ways. Research into viable alternatives here must continue and be properly funded. This does not mean, however, that we should forego seeking and producing other, lasting, renewable sources of energy. DAVID C. JORGENSEN lives in Attleboro.