Missing the point

Okay I'm hoping this note will act as a springboard for my writing on this blog. My initial reaction to PeonSmurf's post is not that its a bad idea, nor that helping some small country isn't a useful way to develop the next generation of technology that will eventually cleanly fuel my Escalade (or Accord as it may be) . The problem is the assumption that the people you want to bend over backwards for and convince this idea is a great solution, just don't see a problem. The fact is that whether the loyalties to fossil fuels are because of economic reasons or simply skepticism, your Joe "oil man" American doesn't think this 'environment' thing really needs consideration. If you can't agree on the problem statement, you really can't argue about the solution.

It reminds me of the animal rights movement. Animal rights activists will tell you that animals deserve to be treated humanely and given the right to live an meaningful (or more meaningful) life. Unfortunately their adversaries see nothing more in the purpose of the animals' lives than to serve whatever purpose man has in store for them. So the premise (that the word humane applies to animals) is not agreed upon and there becomes no basis for a true argument.

And we all know that if there is no coherent argument then all those lawyers in congress can't moan and groan about it (yielding to the congressman from Kentucky,etc.). If there is no moaning and groaning, I think we all know that good ole' Cape Verde is not getting a McDonald's let alone a renewable energy plan. One question would be why our compatriots @ places like the World Bank or U.N. don't seem to have any interest in investing in things like this. If that could be a way for countries to be self-sufficient, then why exactly wouldn't everyone throw money their way?

I think Smurf's idea is pretty brilliant, though. That is the tragic thing. I'm really not sure how to approach this problem (the environment) so it is both effective and the other side would listen.

Okay this wasn't the most entertaining post in the world but after a 4-6 month hiatus it's a start.
~Gama