The Nation: Straight Talk

A multicolored map of the U.S. appears on the television screen and slowly begins to burn from the center. As the flame widens, voice-over narration accompanies a dramatic juxtaposition of images and objects to conjure up for the viewer a reckless driver, an unconcerned citizen littering a street, a man confronted by a bottle-laden table who declares, "One more won't hurt," and another man's gruff refusal to sign a petition to fight pollution. After the map is burned totally black, a wind begins to scatter the ashes and a deep, doom-ridden voice warns:...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!