A common retort to America or Americans acting is, “It doesn’t matter if China doesn’t act. They pollute more than we do. We only produce [some fraction] of total emissions” or some variation of it doesn’t matter what we do, we only produce a fraction of emissions.

First, a lot of what China pollutes and depletes to do is to supply products and services that Americans pay for. If we stopped funding their supply, they’d stop emitting what we as users are ultimately responsible for.

Don’t tell PA or MA

But more importantly, if you say that the US stopping its pollution and depletion doesn’t matter, then tell the colony of Pennsylvania in 1775 not to become the first political entity in history to abolish slavery. After all, it was one colony, not even a nation. It didn’t have as many slaves as other colonies, let alone nations.

Tell Massachusetts not to follow to abolish slavery soon after. What does living by your values matter if you can’t change all of global culture overnight?

These colonies inspired England to ban its slave trade, later slavery in its empire, but according to you, a result like that global spreading couldn’t happen now. According to you in couldn’t happen then, or would you like to reconsider your views?

Besides, what’s wrong with living by your values even if you can’t change the world all by yourself overnight? Is living by your values such a sacrifice? On the contrary, it is the definition of improving your life. Your values are what you consider good. Not living by your values because China doesn’t makes you a follower, and a follower of people violating your values.

Don’t tell the Founders either. What difference could they make?

Also don’t tell Samuel Adams, John Hancock, or any of the people who became revolutionaries to oppose tyranny from a remote king.

Don’t tell Patrick Henry, who said to give him liberty or death. If he listened to you, he would have chosen death. After all, what difference could he make, or could all of Virginia or all the colonies make?

America has changed the world by promoting at home liberty, freedom, equality, democracy, and security for nations and individuals. It spread. People want leadership, not capitulation.

I disagree with those of you who say what we do doesn’t matter in favor of people who helped end tyranny and slavery, tasks you would have poo-pooed and considered impossible.

I disagree with those of you who oppose responsibility, credibility, and hands-on practical experience.