I was watching a documentary the other week, basically it said that there are 500 millions cars, in the world. Of which 200 million are in America. Many of the cars had poor fuel consumption, and pump out a lot of polution. However there seemed to be a growing movement encouraging people to move to more fuel efficient cars. What I want to know is, what does the average American think about it ?
Good question. So many American families have the income to buy big, comfortable vehicles, and to keep them fueled up, that it is probably hopeless to think that they (most of them) will respond out of altruism and buy environmentally-friendly vehicles.
Fox News loves to call out liberal Democrats who own big SUVs and private jets, given that Dems have more of a pro-environment reputation.
Originally posted by Paul Dirac
Good question. So many American families have the income to buy big, comfortable vehicles, and to keep them fueled up, that it is probably hopeless to think that they (most of them) will respond out of altruism and buy environmentally-friendly vehicles.
Fox News loves to call out liberal Democrats who own big SUVs and private jets, given that Dems have more of a pro-environment reputation.
Fuel has to be taxed heavily ..... and not just a few percent.
Originally posted by Nemesio
Why do you say that, Ivanhoe?
And you do realize that the oil lobby is tremendous in
America which makes what you are proposing almost
impossible to implement.
Nemesio
Why do I say that ? Because I mean it !
The power of the oil lobby must be broken.
How about that for a paragraph in a party program ?
Originally posted by Nemesio
By 'why' I, of course, meant for what reasons to you have
this position?
Given that you feel so strongly about it, how do you propose
overcoming the oil lobby which you acknowledge as a strong
one?
Nemesio
Because of environmental reasons.
Your question of how to break the oil lobby isn't an easy one. However I think people should adress this issue and should not look upon it as impossible. I have no instant answers to this question. First of all people should become aware of the necessity.
A necessary reform in my eyes would be to implement a State/Corporation separation in the same spirit as it was done with the State/Church separation.
Originally posted by ivanhoeI've been thinking about your last point for years, ever since hearing about Eisenhower's warning about the military/industrial complex.
Because of environmental reasons.
Your question of how to break the oil lobby isn't an easy one. However I think people should adress this issue and should not look upon it as impossible. I have no instant answers to this question. First of all people should become aware of the necessity.
A necessary reform in my eyes would be to implement a State/Corporation separation in the same spirit as it was done with the State/Church separation.
Originally posted by ivanhoeI feel that you are being vague. What aspect of environmental
Because of environmental reasons.
Your question of how to break the oil lobby isn't an easy one. However I think people should adress this issue and should not look upon it as impossible. I have no instant answers to this question. First of all people should become aware of the necessity.
A necessary reform in my eyes would be to implement a State/Corporation separation in the same spirit as it was done with the State/Church separation.
reasons are we talking about here?
I believe that the oil lobby will 'break itself.' No matter how
much people try to deny it, there were a finite number of
dinosaurs, and, as a result, there is by necessity a finite amount
of fossil fuel.
What do you mean a State/Corporation separation? I don't
see how that is physically possible. Unlike religion (at least
ostensibly), corporations exist to perpetuate economy. Money
runs governments which provide services for its constituents.
Do you mean, for example, that all business should become
'non profits' or something?
I just don't see how a State/Corporation separation could be
achieved.
Nemesio
Originally posted by NemesioNor do I; doesn't mean it can't be done, or at least controlled by limiting corporate lobbying. The bottom line in business is profit and that's the way it should be; I hold that government should take a broader view.
I feel that you are being vague. What aspect of environmental
reasons are we talking about here?
I believe that the oil lobby will 'break itself.' No matter how
much people try to deny it, there were a finite number of
dinosaurs, and, as a result, there is by necessity a finite amount
of fossil fuel.
What do you mean a State/Corporation separ ...[text shortened]... ething?
I just don't see how a State/Corporation separation could be
achieved.
Nemesio
Originally posted by ivanhoeA simplified solution on paper would be, if the oil companies doubled the gas prices, whilst at the same time the drivers double their fuel efficiency. Both parties would see no finance difference, but environmentally this would half polution, which would benefit both sides.
Fuel has to be taxed heavily ..... and not just a few percent.
Obviously this is not a practicle solution but considering that gas prices are always rising because of oil shortages, then it is only a matter of time before americans will be forced into buying more fuel efficient cars.
Don't worry guys. Bush has the lack of oil and abundancy of pollution all sorted in his policies...
"We need an energy bill that encourages consumption."
Seems sussed to me, so we can all relax.
Obviously his relaxing of the laws regarding emissions from industries is a step in the right direction, as does not signing the Kyoto Protocol. Obviously, the example he has set to all the poorer countries will have no negative impact either.
The guy is a logical genius. Thanks for voting him in guys.
But, do you know what the funniest thing is? America is experiencing the effects of climate change worse than most countries, and they vote in a guy who is guaranteed to help speed up the causes. I have to say the irony is fantastic.
D
