Comments Tod has made

I Should Add

That in essence I'm disappointed the Norwegians didn't choose this overly ripe moment to create a nonpartisan global leader for the movement. There are many candidates out there who would have instantly become nearly as recognizable as Gore, but with a wider potential reach.

The non-Gore winner would have had instant access to every global head of state, every media outlet. The Norwegians did the planet a disservice by missing the moment to craft powerful climate change leadership.On Al Gore and the IPCC jointly win peace prize posted 2 years, 1 month ago 56 Responses

Forgot to Answer

The answer, by the way, is SUPER AWESOME.On Oy posted 2 years, 3 months ago 5 Responses

Once again . . .

Who you gonna vote for, folks?

Hand over your votes to Dems? Repubs? Neither of which give two shizzles for our collective future.On Sadly posted 2 years, 3 months ago 3 Responses

Monbiot

Poor guy has been walloped in most green communities, but Monbiot has been touting these DC lines for quite some time. Personally, I hate the thought of Edison ultimately triumphing over Tesla, but if the last engineering hurdles can be overcome, this gives a HUGE boost to the matter of today's awesome post by Dave (mandated renewables). On Economist stuff posted 2 years, 3 months ago 17 Responses

Big Thanks

Could this be the first time I've actually thanked you outright, Dave?

You've put together one hell of a brief here, compelling enough that I am inclined to download the PDF. I can't promise I'll read it in one sitting, mind you but it looks as though the info is important enough that we should all be conversant with it.

I agree that, if the numbers can push higher (say 50% by 2030 minimum) this is an equal wedge to carbon taxes. At 20%, I'm not so convinced, but let's not get distracted by numbers at this stage.

My other concern is with the concern of consumer cost. Who cares? If we're really and truly going to pull this airplane out of its nosedive, it is going to HURT. Things will cost more. There will be 'regressive' taxes. The global economy way falter. SO WHAT. For naysayers to put economic concerns in front of environmental corrections merely steers the conversation into unproductive waters. Saving the world is going to be a very painful affair. We need to stop pretending that it won't be.
On The energy policy that kicks ass and gets too little support posted 2 years, 3 months ago 17 Responses

Utility Reform Network is bullshitting

Blueline has been doing this successfully. Consumers equipped with their product have shown 10-15% reductions.  

http://www.bluelineinnovations.com/nlpower/support.html

UK has shown similar results.

Been following these devices for a few years. . . and so so so SO glad they're finally getting a real try here. Texas utilities are also looking at doing same.

These help us consume LESS, which is numero uno. On Stupid on smart meters posted 2 years, 3 months ago 4 Responses

Indeed.

More likely millions, if not more (the Kunstler/Lovelock scenario).

Yet, are the humans the ones we really need to worry about or the other species who cannot defend themselves/have no say? I'd say that we need to be more concerned with absolute biological diversity than a few billion humans who will rapidly repopulate. Not to say the suffering isn't real, or isn't horrific.On Kristof speaks posted 2 years, 4 months ago 5 Responses

Amen, Jim

On Holy $%#! posted 2 years, 5 months ago 9 Responses

John . . .

Well, John, that's a bit of a dour take on things, don't you think? You see, in order to be heard, and to trot around the nation, it DOES TAKE MONEY! I don't have it, but I don't begrude those who do (unless it's gained via, say, old family Nazi connections or something sinister) and neither should you.

As for your general statement about activists, I think you're far off the mark. The eco-activists until very recently have been largely limited to academics and environmentalists, both groups to whom huge moneybags are something of a rarity. The recent influx of L.A. cash is a boon, to be sure, but cannot be taken to be the standard operating procedure over the past forty years.On Laurie and Larry David call it quits posted 2 years, 5 months ago 5 Responses

Don't Point at Me!

VtDoc -

I know I'm an easy target. . . don't do it. I understand your argument, but like Dave, I don't know that it exists in the minds of real world environmentalists.On Unfortunate posted 2 years, 5 months ago 9 Responses

We've all known this.

We (eco-community) just won't admit it.

It really means that our projections of a 'remote and beautiful' life on ten acres in twenty years is a pipe dream - one that we don't want to give up.

It has been too late for twenty years.

"Because the world doesn't matter if you don't have the strength to go ahead and choose something that's really true." - Julio Cortazar www.todbrilliant.com

Numbers are wrong

90% by 2030.

80 by 50 is not enough soon enough.

Sorry, but we have to do more.

All jet travel, for starters, must go.

"Because the world doesn't matter if you don't have the strength to go ahead and choose something that's really true." - Julio Cortazar www.todbrilliant.com

Thanks

1. Amazing post title. Best of the year.

2. Thanks for the link. This is a very critical bit of information that Pollan relates and deserves the attention you've given it.

"Because the world doesn't matter if you don't have the strength to go ahead and choose something that's really true." - Julio Cortazar www.todbrilliant.com

but cork is inferior

All tests show that natural cork is the worst possible closure for wine. It satisfies 'purists' but not those who are after quality. Imagine paying $100 for a bottle of wine and having it tainted (approx. 6% of all wines with corks suffer from taint - a failure rate that would put any other product manufacturer out of business)On Umbra on wine corks posted 2 years, 7 months ago 9 Responses

Sriracha

Copious amounts.

On everything.

"Because the world doesn't matter if you don't have the strength to go ahead and choose something that's really true." - Julio Cortazar www.todbrilliant.com

Great Tip + Gore as 3rd Party?

Dave,

Nice tip on this blog. I'm the first subscriber via Bloglines . . . the rest of you Blogliners step up!

Also, Dave, what do you think of the notion I've just floated on my site? Your opinion is on this topic I'm more than interested in?

todbrilliant dot com - see u there Dave (so many holes in my theory you'll be able to rip it up!)

"Because the world doesn't matter if you don't have the strength to go ahead and choose something that's really true." - Julio Cortazar www.todbrilliant.com

The Longer Post

I'm in agreement with the tone of Dave's post here, but one really needs to include with this criticism of Brand (and those like him, though I really admire  Brand and visit his Long Now Foundation when I get the chance, if only to admire the amazing machinery), the 'longer' treatise against the wisdom of nuclear power. The day of the centralized power plant and the resulting inefficient infrastructure has passed. This alone (oh boy am I simplifying and opening myself up) is enough to discard nuclear as a real option for future progress. Smaller, decentralized plants (solar? wind? wave? I really don't know and this is why nuclear seems so viable - it EXISTS and this is tough to argue), as Edison originally argued are what is needed. A rebuilding of the way we live, a tearing down of the existing infrastructure so that we may rapidly approach Richard Register's ideal of the "EcoCity" is required. This isn't as absurd as it sounds. Recall the post-WW2 project that resulted in our national highway system and suburbia - all completed, more or less, in fifteen years. We take this all for granted, as if it always existed. Given tax shifting or subsidy shifting, and we can rebuild this country in a very short time to much more adaptable and much more energy thrifty. Nuclear is the lazy man's method - one that does ZERO to restructure our way of life. It's a band aid at best. . . a dirty, nasty band aid.

"Because the world doesn't matter if you don't have the strength to go ahead and choose something that's really true." - Julio Cortazar www.todbrilliant.com

Looking forward to the Sequel, regardless

Sequel to his documentary will be much more pro-active. . . at which point I'll actually think about voting for him if he runs in 08 (which he won't - leaving us with?)

Info on the sequel is

HERE

"Because the world doesn't matter if you don't have the strength to go ahead and choose something that's really true." - Julio Cortazar www.todbrilliant.com

Wait and Hope

Very, very interesting development, for sure. Whether or not it's mere "boardroom stalling" as someone mentioned or a legitimate step in the right direction may or may not ever become clear.

What is hopeful is that this should compel enviros to search for similar, potentially more effective deals with other energy behemoths. I'm hoping this represents the crack in the armor we've all been waiting for and a "Berlin Wall" type of crumbling will unfold.

"Because the world doesn't matter if you don't have the strength to go ahead and choose something that's really true." - Julio Cortazar www.todbrilliant.com

As Good of Place as Any

for my rant, since I've been quiet lately. Breaks some posting rules - also, I include myself absolutely in the below group of "NPR & Arcade Fire listeners. It's this knowledge of my impotence that provokes. Really, though, it's the continued defense of Gore and his hypocrisy, when there are more intelligent eco-leaders out there who aren't saddled with the baggage of Gore, whom we should elevate rather than waste our time with the flawed Gore, that provokes my juvenile outpouring:

To the Grist readers who believe we've time on our hands (like Boxer and her fifty year plan):

You do realize that we are absolutely and undeniably fucked, right? The United States, as the primary culprit, must become a leader in environmental reform yet between our two parties (what a joke), neither is dedicated or interested in making immediate, massive changes in the way we live, work, play, eat, commute, consume. No, they are both concerned with the popularity of such legislation, and losing the power base of their party. They still (and most ignorant U.S. citizens - kept that way, mind you, so it isn't their/our fault, right?) don't get it: If we don't act RIGHT NOW, the Earth as we know it will be unlivable in a few short decades. I've seen Barbara Boxer's proposal to reduce emissions by 2050. Who the hell is she kidding? By 2050, it's all over. Yet, do people really give a shit? I don't think enough of us do. So many I see are still overly enamored with their iMacs or their iPhones or their brand new homes. So many dumb-ass ostriches with their heads in the sand. Sure, they're wearing ear buds attached to their iPods, listening to a mix of NPR and Arcade Fire (if this is you, pull that iStick out of your ass and get with the program), so they know what is happening and they talk the talk (they even browse Treehugger and Grist and, of course, own a copy of Worldchanging), but they don't really, ultimately, give a shit. If they did, they could not, would not, will not, place blind faith in a political party (take your pick but we know that which party these cookie-cutter folks vote for) to take us to the promised land. Keep an eye of the 2008 presidential elections. When it's over, millions of `liberals' will have voted for either a rabidly pro-war candidate with zero points for environmental progressivism (Hillary) or one who knows very little about the issue and believes in liquid coal as the future (Obama). When it's over, so too, will we be. And, yet, some of you still think we can save ourselves with the ballot box. I HATE YOU and your willful ignorance.

Phew. Yeah, I lifted it from my lame blog, but I just don't have the energy to spew twice in 24 hours. Need to take a nap in between, don't you know.

Oh, do I care about Gore's jet travels? Not a whit. It's inane to criticize him for this when he can be hung from a high tree for many other crimes of negligence. Would I vote for him in '08? Probably.

"Because the world doesn't matter if you don't have the strength to go ahead and choose something that's really true." - Julio Cortazar www.todbrilliant.com

It MUST work better, that's all

Dave,

I hear you loud and clear and I agree with you - and it's a huge source of my frustration (the impotence of my position). No, I don't have the answers, but they MAY (there I go with the caps again as I don't have access to ital, or maybe I do. . haven't tried coding) be out there. Actually, I think Lester Brown's 'wartime approach' is solid as hell. That is, all industry is turned over to a massive, rapid transition to solar/wind before the oil resources are too scarce to propel that transition (we'll need lots of oil to make the infrastructure of the new 'solar economy'). Governments should (and some are) subsidize this transition with direct subsidies and with tax shifting. Here in the U.S., this could start tomorrow. Instead of pursuing the fool's gold of electric cars, we should be starting the nation's largest public works project - the re-engineering of our urban cores to become more energy and travel efficient. This isn't pipe dreaming - we can and should be doing these things while passing hyper-aggressive environmental legislation. This shouldn't be waiting until after the 2008 Presidential elections and it shouldn't be caught up in in-fighting between Feinstein and Boxer (both of whom promote weak legislation, one weaker than the other).

Certainly, if we take a step back, we realize that most of us want the same future. The real difference is in how to get there and what time line we are working with. I don't have the answers but I know roadblocks to creative thinking when I see them. I've read a ton of your posts, Dave, and enjoy using you as a foil for my (imaginary) readership. It's clear to me that you've wrapped your mind around these issues many times - and you frustrate the hell out of me because you clearly have a great grasp on much of what ails us. . .yet you rarely promote aggressive action, falling back on pragmatism time and time again. What passes for a pragmatic approach in the U.S. is really a social construct crafted by politicians who fear a citizen-led revolution of idea(l)s. You're a fast horse. Take off the blinders and start ripping down all the other roads you've been missing.

Shit - I just looked over this post and it doesn't really make much sense. In short, I don't want to agree to disagree. It's the fighting among ourselves that keeps us sharp.

"Because the world doesn't matter if you don't have the strength to go ahead and choose something that's really true." - Julio Cortazar www.todbrilliant.com

I'm convinced

Even though I'm not a huge Gore fan, and even though I've sworn off voting for a Democrat, the man would get my vote for his recent efforts. If he doesn't run, I'll be voting Nader as a write-in, just to spite DR. Heh.

Edwards? Maybe?  I'd think about it, but only as P, not as VP under Clinton. Hell, I'd have to think about a Repub before Clinton, as scary as that sounds.

"Because the world doesn't matter if you don't have the strength to go ahead and choose something that's really true." - Julio Cortazar, Hopscotch

Total Agreement

Don't know the 'COM' is the best I've seen this year(would have been a lock but for the mishandling of the final scene. . .needed to hold the shot for five more seconds), but it trumps 'LMS' handily. Trouble is, sci-fi, even toned down sci-fi, never gets the nod.

"Because the world doesn't matter if you don't have the strength to go ahead and choose something that's really true." - Julio Cortazar, Hopscotch

Nice interview

Have to admit, this is a solid interview. New respect for TT after reading this, which is the point of any good interview, no?

"Because the world doesn't matter if you don't have the strength to go ahead and choose something that's really true." - Julio Cortazar, Hopscotch

another example of dem hopes dashed

When are we going to realize that neither party is going to get this done?

Prediction: If Obama runs for office, few Grist readers will care about this liquid coal plan - they'll vote for him anyway.

"Because the world doesn't matter if you don't have the strength to go ahead and choose something that's really true." - Julio Cortazar, Hopscotch

The real question

is. . .and I mean this not so much in jest . . .

What if we killed every human with nuclear weapons? Would the environmental disaster be less than if we are allowed to live? Certainly, over the short term (several thousand years), the damage would be significant, but the worldwide cooling trend as a result of particulates blocking sunlight may well act as a decent salve for our polar regions, reverse the albedo effect, and give the globe some much-needed recuperation time.

There is a case to be made that nuclear war is the strongest environmental action currently available, no?

:)

"Because the world doesn't matter if you don't have the strength to go ahead and choose something that's really true." - Julio Cortazar, Hopscotch

That's not enough

You can't just say, "The bill's co-sponsor is a Republican." That's a bit dramatic - like an intentional 'bomb' ending. Responsible journalism demands that the name/state of the legislator is included. It may be that you don't consider yourself a journalist, but thousands of people read this site, creating journalistic expectations. Come on, Dave! Yes, we can and do click the links, but enough of this transparent (admittedly perhaps unintentional) party bashing. Bipartisan efforts are the ONLY way we're going to get rapid legislation enacted (see above). To foster the divide among Grist readers actually works AGAINST the environmental movement/agenda.

"Because the world doesn't matter if you don't have the strength to go ahead and choose something that's really true." - Julio Cortazar, Hopscotch

Amen Randy + But Kathy!

Randy - you're dead on.

Kathy - Al Gore will never get elected? He DID get elected as VP, remember (and perhaps as Pres). Did he enact any of his "radical" thinking? Rather, did he even really try? Did he take his case directly to the people? Apologists too often say "the VP has no real power". Tell that to Cheney. What's more, Gore could have, had he found it more important to 'save the planet' than advance his policial career - called a press conference at any time to decry both parties' lack of action on the most significant task that faces humanity. Sure, it may have been political suicide - but it would have been the right thing to do. Leaders do what is right, not what is good for them as an individual. Gore is not the leader you are looking for.

"Because the world doesn't matter if you don't have the strength to go ahead and choose something that's really true." - Julio Cortazar, Hopscotch

P.S.

Biodiv -

I tried emailing you through your website, but the mail came back returned. I've a question for you. . ..

"Because the world doesn't matter if you don't have the strength to go ahead and choose something that's really true." - Julio Cortazar, Hopscotch

It's a good idea

First of all, by your logic we should dismiss black Americans as well - as they are a shrinking demographic. Still want to stand by that comment?

Second, this is a nonpartisan issue and I believe it is the association of evangelicals with the Republican party that is a big part of the reason why so many would rather not see them included in the movement. If we continue to think that the environmental movement is in any way a partisan issue, our efforts are doomed by our ignorance. Once again, bravo to Sustainablog's Jeff for alluding to this in his recent post.

Third, I think that if you take a close look at Gore's record during eight years in office you would be shocked at how many things you disagree with. Example: Gap between wealthy and poor grew at fastest rate in history. Example: Access to abortions was reduced more than during any other administration (Clinton/Gore didn't object to congressional restrictions on abortion funding so long as rape and incest were exempt.) Time to look harder for our leadership, folks. Time to look for true, charismatic, nonpartisan leaders who have and will put the movement ahead of personal goals. Gore is not the man who will lead this movement.

ANYONE is allowed to give a damn about the Earth. Don't judge people to be "ignorant" simply because of what you think you know about their faith. Remember, not everyone who identifies themselves as, say, Catholic believes that women should remain forever subservient or that transgressions are forgiven by entering into a wooden box. In fact, I'm betting that of the few who read this post, the majority know someone close to them who considers themselves religious and who also supports the environmental movement.

Too often, I see signs that our movement is becoming one that cares only about reaching out to an affected intellectual (or was it 'ineffectual'?) elite. If the "masses" don't sign on, we're fucked ladies and gents. Get over yourselves or watch it all slip away.

"Because the world doesn't matter if you don't have the strength to go ahead and choose something that's really true." - Julio Cortazar, Hopscotch

Static Cultures

No culture in the history of our planet has been static.

Absolutely untrue. Many, many cultures have been and are entirely static. Isolated tribes the world over have lived thousands of years without any new cultural encounter. Remember, you used the term "culture" not "gene pool." Huge difference. Any anthropologists in the house will give you dozens of examples. Further, the Northern Euros are doing their best to remain static. I'm not arguing this is good or bad, but it is relatively common for a group to remain static.

Trying to hold a culure static is an exercise in futility and is the weak link in conservative attitudes.

Agreed. When two cultures are coming into repeated contact, efforts to discourage this are futile and inane.

Bush has a black woman in his cabinet for Christ's sake, a direct result of the Liberal fight for racial equality.

I'm SO glad you said "Liberal" and not "Democratic" as the Dems had very little to do with his fight, they merely slowly reacted to immense public pressure and with EXTREME hesitance (as a Party, certainly there were individuals within who wanted rapid action, but they were a minority). Also, in certain groups, the term "black" is frowned upon. You may want to find an entirely neutral reference phrase when referring to people who have descended from either African or Aboriginal forefathers (the two being obviously linked but now distinct). Oh, wait, did I say "forefathers?" How callous of me to include only one gender!!!

"Because the world doesn't matter if you don't have the strength to go ahead and choose something that's really true." - Julio Cortazar, Hopscotch

Great Interview

Interesting and engaging enough to make me want to learn more about Patzert. Thanks!

"Because the world doesn't matter if you don't have the strength to go ahead and choose something that's really true." - Julio Cortazar, Hopscotch

HOORAH HOORAH

Good job Richard!!! Not enough, perhaps. . .but it's all the man has to give. Who among us has given an equal portion of our income?

Yes, it's too little, too late and we're all fucked but I think it's great that we'll go down fighting!

"Because the world doesn't matter if you don't have the strength to go ahead and choose something that's really true." - Julio Cortazar, Hopscotch

Gore

WOah. You mean you really think Gore would have really fought for any of this as President? Where was his voice in the EIGHT YEARS HE WAS VICE PRESIDENT? I've heard from hundreds of Gore apologists. . .none of it washes. The man's convictions, while strong, were absolutely subsumed by his desire to advance one last rung.

I support what he's saying, don't get me wrong. Any time someone publicly parrots Lester Brown, Sachs and the rest of them, it's a great thing. Yet, the man had his chance, had the power, had the ability to shape policy, yet he sat on his hands until the waning days of his tenure (yeah, we got some national parks at the very end).

Gore isn't the revolutionary leader that will bring about rapid change. Real revolutionaries act when given a chance. That person is hopefully out there - but I can promise you this: He or she will be an Independent.

"Because the world doesn't matter if you don't have the strength to go ahead and choose something that's really true." - Julio Cortazar, Hopscotch

100 Years of Solitude?

I'm sure we'll all be amazed by whatever comes out.

"Because the world doesn't matter if you don't have the strength to go ahead and choose something that's really true." - Julio Cortazar, Hopscotch

How Significant?

The term 'significant' in this article means nothing. To have any value, this study needs to state just how high the taxes need to be and just what the result will be.

I think we should start with a gas tax in the neighborhood of $2/gallon and go from there.

"Because the world doesn't matter if you don't have the strength to go ahead and choose something that's really true." - Julio Cortazar, Hopscotch

A lot to think about

THANKS, Frogfish. You really wrap up the difficulties of trying to accept Lovelock's position. The idea that solar/wind is NOT enough, will NOT fix things readily is something most of us have real trouble with. Same reason so many stones are thrown at Kunstler. There seems to be a growing chorus, pouring from the mouths of the well-trained and educated that our fantasy of an easy transition to 'alternative' energies is, well, a fantasy. Of course, I'm still in denail, even though I can accept Lovelock's position as possibly valid. Yet, if we don't openly discuss these issues, if the 'eco-movement' shuns Lovelock/Kunstler/others, this is a very, very, very bad sign. Only open and thoughtful dialogue, translated without pause to action is going to get us anywhere. Gaia forbid we mistake our current theories about global warming and alt-energies as FACTS. The facts may be that Lovelock is spot on. Our best scientists, our greatest thinkers, they must not be allowed the luxury of contentment. They must continue to question everything, even their own assumptions.

www.todbrilliant.com

"Because the world doesn't matter if you don't have the strength to go ahead and choose something that's really true." - Julio Cortazar, Hopscotch

the prophet of tabuse

Yes, I remember this "Luke Of the (Visionary) Site" character. We learned of the original Prophet of
Tabuse right around the same time we were introduced to similarly wacky Mormon faith (crystal scrying stones and all!). Tell us more, however. Is Del asserting that his fear of black helicopters/Blue Thunder runs counter to your point or in support of?

"Because the world doesn't matter if you don't have the strength to go ahead and choose something that's really true." - Julio Cortazar, Hopscotch

more than television, though

I don't know Patrick, this one isn't so strange. I haven't had cable/satellite in over fifteen years, yet I very much know of Irwin(helps that half my family lives in Australia). That is, the Croc Hunter wasn't entirely a  product of TV culture. He actually lived and worked outdoors, among and with the creatures about which he was so passionate. Some would say that he is a hero for the work he did to aid the protection of several species.

Viva Steve Irwin!!

"Because the world doesn't matter if you don't have the strength to go ahead and choose something that's really true." - Julio Cortazar, Hopscotch

A long process, indeed

You're right, this is a LONG process. And we don't have time for this kind of process. We need real leaders, right NOW, who will push for instant tax and subsidy shifts and the resultant explosion in alternative energies, employment. Not in 2020, nor 2010 - RIGHT NOW. As long as we hand the Dems our vote without pushing them to be our instrument of change, we will make this type of incremental progress. Too little, too late. The time for a third party has never been better. The time for the nation's first progressive party since Eugene Debs is beyond ripe.  

"Because the world doesn't matter if you don't have the strength to go ahead and choose something that's really true." - Julio Cortazar, Hopscotch

good use of fear

Here's where fear comes in. Poachers should fear for their lives. I know that in some areas poachers are shot and killed. We need to simply step this up, adding troops if necessary. No, I don't know where the funds will come from, and I do know the economic pressures these people face, yet unless they fear death they will continue until we've zero elephants (likely within twenty years). In short, at this point in time, human lives are worth far less than those of elephants. Do the math.

"Because the world doesn't matter if you don't have the strength to go ahead and choose something that's really true." - Julio Cortazar, Hopscotch

Fear IS effective

David,

With all due respect, and I do mean this as your writings always inspire me, I have to disagree with you on this one.

First of all, you seem to equate fear with violence. There is no direct connection. Certainly, one can make a jump from one to the other and back, but one can do that with any two states of beings. There are myriad threads that connect all actions. Fear does NOT imply violence. Rather, it can compel cowardice, heroism, anger, sadness - you name it.

More importantly, David, you must rememeber that we are running out of time to make changes. We should not rule any weapon out of our arsenal. Our greatest leaders, from Ghandi to Malcolm X all used fear, in some way or another, as motivators. The fear of falling behind, the fear of being usurped, the fear of the consequences of failing to radically rebel against an oppresive system. Not to get too political, but this is the failing of Dems and their pocket orgs, like MoveOn - they don't use all of the tools because they don't seek to lead the citizenry. Rather, they seek to coerce and co-opt. Understand that I'm far to the left of the Dem party and MoveOn, so I don't judge them for their failings, they are, to me, ineffective and will play no large role in the coming economic and lifestyle revolution that we will either engineer or will be forced upon us by nature. As with the equal rights movements of the 20th century, the Dems did not propel either, they simply followed along when the public pressure became too great. By this time, far too much suffering had transpired.  My point, FEAR can be a proactive agent, can inspire radical change. I FEAR what my son will live through, and his children as well. I FEAR not doing my part to right things. I FEAR many things that are very much worth fearing, and this keeps me active and on my toes, both intellectually and physically. This is not to say that I live my life in fear, but fear is certaily an essential component among my daily motivators.

Do not cast aside fear. Do not fear fear. Yes, it is often wielded recklessly, but this does not mean that it is a faulty mechanism. Again, our greatest leaders provide concrete examples of proper useage. Look to them, not the Republicans, for examples of how to use this tool.

Again, David, thanks for your writing on the subject. It is a very necessary item for us all to analyze.

"Because the world doesn't matter if you don't have the strength to go ahead and choose something that's really true." - Julio Cortazar, Hopscotch