Message 1204 of 3857

An Un American Lack of Vision

I think one of the most annoying things about the far-right and far-left is their stubborn lack of vision. Neither of them can think more than a minute or two ahead. The result is they are constantly as they used to say "a day late and a dollar short."

A perfect example are the issues of energy and global warming. The far-left howls about how Humanity is doomed unless we retreat to the 14th Century while the far-right denies that a problem exists and blames the whole thing on those they hate. They both agree on one thing: blame the other guy.

Basically, the problem is technological and like just about every other technological problem, technology is the solution.

The immediate problem is to port our civilization away from fossil fuels. There are short term and long term solutions. The short term solutions involve converting coal fired power plants to natural gas, building wind farms and solar farms. At the same time, we replace our aging nuclear fission power plants with new, more modern ones while simultaneously adding new fission plants. It's a project that can easily take most of the next two decades.

In the meantime, the nuclear fusion power plant in France comes on line. It may take a decade to work out the bugs; but by 2030, nuclear fusion plants will sprouting everywhere. With an inexhaustible supply of fuel and virtually no pollution of any kind, nuclear fusion solves two problems at the same time.

Of course, people will have to be convinced to surrender their gas powered cars for electric ones, but after a Tesla smokes Bubba in his fat pickup or his fat SUV three times at three stop lights in a row (it actually wouldn't help if Bubba drove his Challenger because the Tesla does 0-60 in 3.9 seconds) and spends only $.80 a day doing it, he will want a Tesla or an electric car even faster than the Tesla.

Yes, Virginia, it's entirely possible that future freeways and expressways will have special 150 mph lanes reserved for fully automated, high speed electric cars that wisk their passengers to their destinations.

Message to the far right and the far left: get over yourselves. While you are howling and crying and holding your breaths (and generally behaving like two-year-olds), the rest of us are doing what it takes to make this world a happier and better place to live.
LenRobertson's profile
Replies 1 - 10 of 65
1 2 3 ... 7 Next »
I should have written: ...the rest of us are doing what it takes to make this 21st Century a happier and better place to live."
LenRobertson's profile

over 2 years ago
Very good post, Len. You should cross-post it in some of the politcal fora and see what kind of reception it gets. I think you'll find that there are a few moderates who will see the wisdom of what you say and a few wingnuts who can't see the wisdom of anything. At least it's good to get the dialog going. We need people who are willing to stide boldly down the center of these divisive issues so that the others know there is hope.
merlinsflame's profile

over 2 years ago
The politicians are the defenders of the status quo because their money comes from the big established industries that might be adversely affected by radical progress .

over 2 years ago
Interesting post, Len, especially the call to arms. So tell us, just exactly what are YOU personally doing that would be 'doing what it takes to make this world a happier and better place to live', other than spending your time writing jeremiads in Eons groups? Perhaps we can follow your example.
MartiInMexico's profile

over 2 years ago
I run my blogs on several sites. I send my better blogs to newspapers. I'm also working on a graphic novel non fiction book that addresses this topic that's tentatively titled The Unexpected Century.

In addition, I really believe this country needs a World's Fair. Now, I know they were done to death in the late 20th Century, but no one is looking ahead in the 21st Century. Doing research for 'Century," I looked at the effect the Centennial Exposition in St Louise in 1904, the Chicago Fair in 1933 and the New York exposition collectively had on America. They made Americans comfortable with the 20th Century.

It's had to find anyone comfortable with the 21st. It's like Americans have gone deaf, dumb and blind.

What say you?
LenRobertson's profile

over 2 years ago
"the rest of us are doing what it takes to make this world a happier and better place to live." I don't think so.
The problem has nothing to do with technology. It has nothing to do with left or right. It has to do with who can get government subsidies to pay for what would otherwise not be profitable.
Fossil fuels...why are you talking about what they want you to talk about?
tjbr52's profile

over 2 years ago
The "me" generation. Old news. Once waxed and waned; what's next?
MisterScience's profile

over 2 years ago
...ooohh! maybe the "Earth" generation?!?!? Of course they'll probably call it the "green" generation. Bleh! So overused!
MisterScience's profile

over 2 years ago
If people refuse to accept the 21st Century, they will continue to fail and blame THEM, whoever THEM happens to be.
LenRobertson's profile

over 2 years ago
Len, because you are blogging and writing a graphic novel is currently 'making the world a happier and better place to live just exactly HOW? How does your rattling away on a blog make MY world a 'happier and better place'?
MartiInMexico's profile

over 2 years ago
Replies 1 - 10 of 65
1 2 3 ... 7 Next »

Eons Picks

Visit Eons-Only Specials
For a limited time, get FREE SmartSound Earbuds on purchases of $100+! Use the code “EONSBUDS” at checkout.

Eons Rewards Club
Great shopping deals & savings for Eons Members!

Save on Eons Games
Eons Downloadable Games. Now just $6.99!

Read Member Blogs
Eons has great blogs—read the latest from members or start yours!