Charles the Charlatan

I'm braced for the email I'm going to get on this article from the Prince Charles Fan Club faction of readers- especially regarding the title. I'm prepared for the tirade of "you never cut Prince Charles a break". My only hope is that I receive more articulate arguments for the man than blatant insults about my qualifications (or lack thereof) in drawing these conclusions. Of course my "favorite" letters are those that accuse me of secretly hating him as if these Charles fans believe they are more in touch with my feelings than I am. How can I be held responsible for the endless material Charles provides me with regarding how out of touch with the human race he really is? What has he done now to send me leaping onto my soapbox? Well, as long as you asked…

Charles has accused mankind of causing its own destruction through weather. Here are a few of Tuesday's headlines from some major newspapers: "Prince blames floods on arrogance"; "Charles blames storms on society"; "Storms are Man's fault, says Prince". Hundreds of his future subjects are evacuated. Billions of pounds worth of damage are caused by torrential flooding while many have lost their physical lives and a great deal more than that have had to put their life as they know it on hold. Have you read how Prince ActionMan, heir to the throne of England has chosen to respond? He delivered a "hastily re-written" speech to the British Medical Association's Millennium Festival of Medicine thus using his access to this forum as a platform to spew his unfounded beliefs unto the pages of the major newspapers and broadcast news programs. At a time when people need the help and support of their country and its leaders, he is wagging his finger saying, "I told you so!" To me his behavior is comparable to rowing up to a drowning man whilst wearing a life jacket and saying, "I told you one can never take too many safety precautions." The drowning man knows that and only wants you to either let him in the rowboat or toss him the life jacket. He'll be happy to discuss the lessons learned at a more convenient time - a time when his life isn't hanging in the balance.

This would have been the perfect time for Charles to meet with the weather agencies to see how the coming weather looks. A time to meet with the safety agencies to learn more about evacuation plans, lodging for displaced families or insurance issues that the people and the insurance companies will now face. A time to meet with the Energy Commission to find out how the world's fuel crisis will impact emergency services to the plagued areas. A time to meet with the Red Cross to assist with mobilizing manpower and supplies to assist the victims - not sit on (or speak out of) his self important ass saying I've been telling you so. No one needs to hear that right now. Now is when the focus needs to be placed on the victims who with such first hand experience will, in the end, be the people who assist with the plan to improve things in the future.

Now getting to the reason I called him a charlatan or if you prefer a quack, it's because what makes him so sure that what he says is true? I'll preface this portion with the fact that I am no scientist nor do I have a great deal of interest in science - history is what I love. From what I do recall of science, the earth experienced - among other "ages" - an ice age. After the ice age, the cracked, melted ice dragged along the earth making mountains, lakes, etc., causing the extinction of some life and creating new species. I don't recall the mention of humans let alone "mankind's arrogant disregard for the delicate balance of Nature" in these lessons. Hmmm, perhaps Prince Charles can find a way to link the cave dwelling Neanderthals with their ingenious use of fire to the melting ice caps? I mean it all happened so long and he is a Prince…

Over the years I've read a plethora of theories on Global Warming. Some say it is the result of the desolation of the rain forest, some say it is from aerosol cans damaging the ozone, still others attribute it to the burning of fossil fuels or the age of our sun (pretty old) and on and on. I've even seen theories that the gasses in our atmosphere reflect the sun and actually prevent global warming. What I want to know is who is Prince Charles to not only stand up and rub salt in the wounds of his countrymen, but to profess that he "knows" the answer? If people who have devoted their lives to such issues cannot agree and grow ever more unsure by new findings how does he "know"?

Now here's what I would like to read - a more fitting response: Prince Charles shows concern for the plight of the tens of thousands of citizens of Great Britain who are suffering as a result of the violent storms and flooding. He is working with the Meteorological Office to ensure that all areas affected will be given ample notice for evacuation if necessary. He is working with Health and Human Services to ensure that adequate temporary shelter and food are available to the evacuees. He understands the government is looking for ways to deal with the fuel shortages, which are having a great impact on all the citizens, not just the flood victims. He is meeting with a committee of experts on this subject to review the situation with a short-term goal of awareness and a long-term goal of lifestyle changes. Succinctly put, I want to see Prince Charles taking a leadership position, affirming that if we each do what we can, together we can lessen the impact of these devastating circumstances.

I'm your average citizen concerned about the environment and doing what I can to help preserve it. I drive a four-cylinder, five speed automobile which has a good EPA rating and who's tank of gas lasts much longer than the extremely popular gas guzzling SUV. Recycling is a process, in which I believe and participate in. I try to use environmentally friendly products and packaging where possible. I recognize dripping faucets and cracked windowpanes as a serious source of waste and a drain on our precious resources. I do my level best to correct such situations as quickly as possible. Do any of these things have a negative affect on my lifestyle? No. They are all habits developed through education and simple suggestions provided by the experts. Knowledge is power. Prince Charles could overnight transform himself from charlatan to leader if he would only take a step back and look at it from another point of view - the peoples'.

To Prince Charles I say, "If your hot air could solve some of our energy or weather issues, I'd welcome it. When will you give the people the credit they deserve for wanting to do the right thing? You show over and over that you talk the talk, how about showing us how you walk the walk? A good leader leads by example, not by pious, overbearing commentary from the safety of his pulpit. Stop disappointing us Charles, we're counting on you!"

Well this week wasn't heavy in the email department, but to those who did write to share your views, I thank you. As mentioned in the beginning of this week's column, I do appreciate a well-articulated opinion even if it isn't one I share. Looking forward to some impassioned emails after the great fodder I've just provided. :-)

All the best,