EVWorld’s Holiday Message of Warmth and Humanity

My good friend Bill Moore is not only a terrific writer, but a man of great compassion for humanity. I thought I’d post his holiday message for those who may not have seen it. As I wrote back, “That is absolutely lovely, Bill. On behalf of all seven billion of us, thanks for being a voice of reason and compassion in a world some believe to be headed the other way.”

Dear Friend and Colleague,

Judy and I extend to you and your loved ones our warmest regards as 2011 comes to an end and a new year begins, one that is filled with as much promise as uncertainty. The year now fading saw the first tentative sales of three pioneering electric-drive cars from GM, Nissan and Mitsubishi, as well as the emergence of the Arab Spring and Occupy Wall Street movements. These events would seem to suggest the beginning of a shift — albeit an unsteady one — not only in how we power our vehicles, but more significantly, how many of us are starting to see the world and our place in it: that we aren’t alone in our desire for a safer, cleaner, more equitable global society, and that we can do something about it when we work together.

Curiously, if you research the origins of many of the customs of Christmas, you’ll find them adopted from Roman and Greek celebrations, the centerpiece of which was the temporary end of slavery for a few days, where master and servant briefly became equals; and a few fortunate souls were granted their freedom, which was marked by a cap not unlike that worn by French revolutionaries of the 18th century and later in caricature by Santa Claus. One source claimed the Saturnalia of ancient Rome — held the week starting December 17th and during which gifts were exchanged — was meant to recall a long lost ‘golden age.’ I would argue that golden age lies not behind us, but yet ahead. It is the destination towards which we all yearn, each in our own fashion.

From EV World’s perspective, it is a world were “all cars are green, bicycles rule, and public transit is fast, frequent and fun… a world where cities aren’t just smart, but they are intelligent and nurturing places to live…” You may recognize this as the introduction to our podcasts for more than a decade. When I wrote those words, I was dreaming of that future ‘golden age.’ I am pleased to report that 2011 nudged us a bit closer in that direction; and I believe 2012 will continue the momentum.

May the holidays and new year bring you all joy, good health, and the great satisfaction of having made a difference.

Bill & Judy Moore
Papillion, Nebraska
Christmas 2011