Holms writes:
I definitely agree with this and wish this was the force behind the changes we are seeking.
Yes yes. If America had the political will to snap out of the energy status-quo and focus it’s attention on developing viable clean, replenish able energy systems then the power that the middle east oil producing states currently have would be America’s (or whoever develops this tech . . get your skates on, it could be the Chinese !) If doing the right thing in regard to the environment is not enough to motivate political will, then how about letting another ”alternate ideology’ have that much power when it could be yours?
Holms writes:
It is only this last part that I am disagreeing with. While you state (and perhaps rightly) that America tends to be reactionary and needs catalysts to get moving, I disagree that feeding that habit is worthwhile, no matter the end.
I agree, It’s sad that this seems to be the case but that’s what happens when a culture gets comfy and complacent. Just look at 9/11. America got complacent and comfy, thinking that such an attack was ”inconceivable’, and yet . .
The people of all nations should be more aware and pro-active in many things, but that means risks, that means breaking the status-quo of “I’m doing OK”.
America (talking on average) is ”doing OK’ and there is precious little anyone else can do to sway its policies. So it chooses to not force things like Kyoto onto its companies and people because it’s more convenient to let the status-quo ride. You have to preserve the good ol’ American way of life, don’t you? And what good is it to be American if you can’t drive your large, horrifically inefficient gas-guzzelers any time you god-damn please?
Sorry, that was a tad unfair . I apologize.
No, what good is it to be an American corporation if your government forces you to make a cleaner more efficient product at the expense of your share dividends? Go fig.
I agree that this habit of contented apathy should not be fed but as long as the US feels comfy it will need prodding into action .