My brother, Chris Englert, of Nacogdoches, Texas, took me at my word when I invited him to check out this website.  I urged him to comment if he felt inspired, and he did so.  Not only that, he chose to comment about the plan to nationalize Oregon’s waterways.  (You can read the post and Chris’ comment here.)

Chris wrote, “The best way you can protest in a meaningful way is to turn off your power to your house; then you won’t be contributing to those satanic energy companies.”

At first, I interpreted the comment to be symptomatic of a conservative bias, and I didn’t answer it.  Then I realized the comment could be construed as offering a challenge.  Wow, this could be fun, and it’s from my brother, no less.

As I publish this post, Chris is under a surgeon’s cutting expertise to repair the rotator cuff of his right shoulder.  Everything seems to going as planned, and it’s fair to honor him by respectfully answering his challenge.  Brothers often disagree, but it’s important they do so honorably.

I accept the gauntlet without reservation, because I’m already in the winning column.  When Alice and I moved to Hillsboro, our only option for electric power was Portland General Electric Company.  The local company offers a novel approach for environmentally green citizens who choose to make a difference.

Portland General Electric asks customers if they want to commit to receiving green energy under its “Green Source” program.  I thought about it, and said, “Yes.”  It costs us a bit more – just a tad – than energy for regular customers.  But that selection means all our energy comes from “renewables,” 3% designated “biomass,” another 1% solar but then an amazing 96% from wind.

By making this voluntary electricity choice, one earns the right to protest and take a stand along with thousands of other Oregonians committed to renewable energy.

By the way, there’s something else Alice and I chose that reduces our carbon footprint.  We live in an apartment complex conveniently located less than a mile from a Tri-Met rail station.  Consequently, whenever we savor the taste of something special in City Center, we hop onto a clean futuristic train that speeds us downtown.

So we’re winners, in the best possible way.  As I read over my brother’s comment, I think Chris is trying to make the following point: “Choose what you want to believe; just don’t be a hypocrite about it.”

His point, which I clarify as good down-to-earth Texas advice, cuts across the full political spectrum.  Therefore, I’m happy to agree with him.  We’re brothers, after all.