Well, so Romney won Michigan. Sigh.
I was a McCainiac in 2000, and I was just starting to feel a little bit of the buzz again.
But that's not what I wanted to say.
What's fascinating about Michigan, to me, is that the particular nature of the race in this state led to a focus on climate and energy policy--subjects that, until now, have gone largely neglected by the mass media on the campaign trail.
Indeed, even science came up some in relation to battle in Michigan between Romney and McCain. Hard to believe, I know, but it did.
But in my latest DeSmogBlog item, I argue that we science and climate people should hardly feel content just because our subjects are finally getting prominently discussed.
We need to keep pushing for a full fledged science debate--so that these topics come up in a concerted and deliberate way, not just incidentally because of the particular nature of a given state's economy (in this case, Michigan's reliance on the auto industry).
Which, in turn, makes this yet another post about ScienceDebate2008--and thus, in turn, another post about "The Intersection" in its new form.
See how everything fits together?
If I were a Bokononist....
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Bokonon says:
Even if you're not a practicing Bokononist, I'm certain by now we share a karass.
But in my latest DeSmogBlog item, I argue that we science and climate people should hardly feel content just because our subjects are finally getting prominently discussed.
I agree. All the stats I have heard say that even if we stopped the pollution today we cold never go back to the pristine state of years ago. So, it seems like it will be a continual, on going struggle!
Dave Briggs :~)
How apropos that foma would emerge in a discussion of global warming.
"All of the true things that I am about to tell you are shameless lies."
I could post a couple of relevant quotes from Vonnegut's later writing, but it seems unnecessary. Folks who care enough to seek wisdom in Vonnegut's writing can find it on their own. His essays for In These Times are online and his sad poem "Requiem" is widely quoted and reprinted on the net.
Vonnegut's last writing included multiple laments about the state of our planet and our contribution to its sad condition. At times he wrote about his loss of confidence in his fellow humans' ability to behave wisely. It's when I read blog comments that I find myself most tempted to share his depression.
But I remind myself to look deeper than shallow taunts, to ignore unconscious irony, to see past projection, and to take heart when I can also enjoy demonstrations of healthy, mature attitudes and healthy, mature public interactions among Sheril, Chris, Fred Bortz, and other folks here who demonstrate wisdom and prudence as they contemplate our shared future.
I take heart from their example.
I love much of Vonnegut's work. He was delightful to hear in person. That said he was a cranky old socialist misanthrope. Typical liberal elite, railing against capitalism from the comfortable perch of wealth. But he did it with such warmth and grace that it showed his underlying optimism.
I miss him.