rants and raves of a
Christian homo sapiens
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Two websites for study:
http://www.kuro5hin.org/story/2004/2/24/14175/0884 (Title - The Hydrogen Economy - Green Nirvana or a Pipe Dream?)
http://www.kestsgeo.com (Kinetic Energy Supported Transportation Structures to Geostationary Earth Orbit)
Can the USA seize the day? To be rid of the domineering influence of the oil lobby on its economy, to show the world's other insatiable consumers of this non-renewable resource that they will be left far behind? The peace dividend attained by waging the Cold War (on the home front by an all-out expansion of the oil-based economy in the 1950's*) is the basis for developing a non-oil based economy. For instance, by insulating commercial and multi-residential buildings, the US could reduce its present oil imports to nil.
By taking bold initiatives such as these, the US would regain its economic independence. There would also be less need for so-called strategic materials (rare metals, catalytic agents, etc.) deemed vital for an oil-based society and often available only overseas. Existing stocks of these non-renewable resources could be saved for a 'rainy day' or allotted to R & D at lesser cost.
Chinese oil production peaked in 2000 and Russian oil production in 2002 exceeded that of Saudi Arabia. Aren't these benchmarks merely indicators of how far consuming countries have fallen behind? Canada's reserves (in the Alberta Tar Sands) are said to exceed those of the Saudis'. But the true economic purpose of bringing oil to market is to manufacture oil-derived products that we cannot otherwise produce (e.g. space age and consumer plastics such as insulating materials, medical bandages, etc.).
In the USA, a highly guarded patent has been applied for many years to recycle virtually all materials found in scrap vehicles. This is an example of an existing process that could be shared with many countries. The Americans have recently referred disparagingly to "Old Europe". Instead, they could regain the higher ground by rebuilding their economic infrastructure (a process the Europeans have already begun).
By ensuring a more sustainable lifestyle, a more stable social order could emerge. For example, a less mobile lifestyle would permit a greater sense of permanence in both our surroundings and our immediate neighbours.
*The idea was that a mobile, mechanized society would be dispersed over a large number of urban centres and thus be more able to withstand a nuclear attack.
For info that you won't find in North American mass media, check out this Berkeley professor Emeritus' site: http://socrates.berkeley.edu/~pdscott/q.html
A Prayer in Time of Trouble
O God, our help and assistance, who art just and merciful, and who heareth the supplications of thy people; look down upon us miserable sinners amd have mercy upon us, and deliver us from this trouble that besets us, for which, we know, we are deservedly suffering. We acknowledge and believe, O Lord, that all trials of this life are given by Thee for our chastisement, when we drift away from Thee, and disobey Thy commandments; deal not with us after our sins, but according to Thy bountiful mercies, for we are the works of Thy hands, and Thou knowest our weakness. Grant us, we beseech Thee, Thy divine helping grace, and endow us with patience and strength to endure our tribulations with complete submission to Thy Will. Thou knowest our misery and suffering and to Thee, our only hope and refuge, we flee for relief and comfort; trusting to Thine infinite love and compassion, that in due time, when Thou knowest best, Thou wilt deliver us from this trouble, and turn our distress into comfort, when we shall rejoice in Thy mercy, and exalt and praise Thy Holy Name , O Father, Son amd Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages, Amen.
Well, now we argue over who or what is killing people in SUVs. The Toyota Prius has been on the road since 1997 - and some still say that a hybrid vehicle can't make it in this world. Is this what is known as the 'process of natural selection'?
God help us!
Latest hot idea;
Insulate the California homes/buildings for warmth in winter and to maintain cool
temps. in summer = create new growth industry. Memo to oil lobby: oil is a non-sustainable/non-renewable commodity so the principle should be to minimize its use, no matter how wealthy or militarily powerful your 'friends' are.
First post, Jan.13., 2001. Thanks to Peter for inspiration.
"Dummies" format - easy to read and understand - rocket scientists welcome.
Christian principles - not a threat to non-Christians.
Purpose - discuss/debate why bother saving the world, and be home for dinner.