I think that Curt and Mark have just (unwittingly) summed up the general view of many Americans, and Republican politicians regarding the environment, unlimited economic/population growth, and most everything else.
"What you see is not really happening, don't listen to those pesky scientists, global warming and a crumbling infrustructure are all part of some pinko plot to enfringe on my enjoyment of my Hummer/Suburban/speedboat. The earth and it's environment is not effected by man-made factors, in fact I'm about to drive my SUV to Best Buy right now to buy some gadgets made in China!"
By the time that the average rich American's lifestyle is effected by these huge, irreversible environmental changes, it will be WAY TO LATE! We need to be more intelligent than the hamster who continues to suck on some sweet-flavored liquid while his children starve 6" away, and look past the hood ornament of our SUVs and take an honest look at how our (collective) behavior is impacting the (very foreseeable) future. Please proove to me that we are not stupid enough to destroy our living space/planet because we are not willing to make some small sacrifices now.
I did not infer from 350HP's post that he is suggesting a new international law regarding population growth, but rather a much more realistic policy agreement between developed nations to change certain trends. Aren't we supposed to be the leaders in the world? Or is does that only apply to "bringing democracy" to countries w/ huge oil reserves at the tip of a gun?
The attitude that all is well since I can still put gasoline in my truck (this week) and drive to Circuit City, or that I still haven't lost all of the wealth and possesions that I aquired during the Clinton years, (
), is not very hopeful for future policy.
I'm glad that you guys are still enjoying life, really I am. You're nice people and deserve it, along w/ a lot of nice people in the world who deserve it but aren' t so lucky. But if you think that this "prooves" that population and/or environmental policy is unnecessary at this time, I would have to disagree.
