The Deepwater Horizon disaster has probably damaged the Gulf of Mexico beyond recovery in our lifetimes.

However, one great blessing remains. Now is the time to act so that it, too, isn't lost forever. Our Chesapeake Bay, spoken of by H.L. Mencken as the "great protein factory," has, despite our best efforts, been sick for decades. But we still have the power to bring it back to health. The obstacles are political rather than technological.

This year's election provides an ideal context within which to spread this message. We should demand of all candidates that they make a concrete commitment to use elective office to act in the interest of the Bay rather than interest groups of any kind, be they big industrialists, small businessmen, contractors, farmers, sportsmen, property owners, labor leaders or any other.

Instead of wringing our hands over what cannot be saved, let's roll up our sleeves and together restore our beloved bay!

John Emmerling, Ellicott City