Excerpt from coal and utility advertisement run in Kansas
Back in November, by framing their advertising appeals in terms of economic competitiveness and patriotism, a coal company and utility effectively promoted it attacks on the governor of Kansas. Their claim, conveyed powerfully in ads as shown above, argued that the governor's rejection of two power plant applications on the basis of greenhouse emissions would force the state to rely on natural gas from an Axis of near-Evil that included Venezuela, Iran, and Russia.
The Wichita Eagle newspaper responded with both a print editorial and an innovative "online video editorial" defending the Governor and criticizing the coal and utility company. At his new blog Dot Earth, the NY Times Andrew Revkin has the details here and here.
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A controversial situation for sure! I almost choked the first time I saw ads on TV promoting coal as a wonderful energy source. I think there was an American flag waving in the background! LOL!
But like most complicated situation I think a lot of time has to be spent cogitating and gathering facts. I have a blog post, and am open to be a radio talk show guest on the topic: Plug in hybrid vehicles could save the planet.
Someone on the other side of this could lead in with, but that means more pollution from power plants. Yes, that's true, but as is pointed out in the post, it is a lot easier to sequester carbon, etc., from one smokestack instead of 1 million tailpipes roaming all over the globe.
Tailpipes also spew out carcinogenic chemicals that don't come out of smokestacks.
That coal ad did point out that we have the coal here in the USA so no embargoes or funding hostile governments.
In important issues there are usually 2 sides and a fence right in the middle. So many times I find myself standing on that fence.
I love this blog especially because I love science so much and would hate to see it suffer if we don't do the best possible job of presenting science positively to the general population who will benefit.
In this coal deal I think it is best for every one to remain as cordial and polite as they can. Don't use phraseology you would really hate to have to eat later. And if the other side makes a scientifically valid point, acknowledge it.
People can become impassioned about their side of the fence and use tactics and hyperbole that can come back later and bite them.
I also think an open mind and a cordial, polite and respectful demeanor can be one of the most useful approaches in dealing with complicated issues.
Dave Briggs :~)