Notes on a Couple of 2GreenEnergy Commenters
One of our readers just wrote me on a number of issues, in the course of which he made the following observations on two of the frequent commenters here at 2GreenEnergy. He notes: “MarcoPolo is a contrarian,” and “Lawrence likes to push back.” I respond:
Yes, MarcoPolo is a contrarian, and there’s nothing wrong with that in and of itself. Moreover, the guy is extremely knowledgeable in a seemingly unlimited number of subject matter arenas; I’m not sure I’ve ever known anyone like this in my entire life. Sometimes I feel like I’m on (US TV game show) “Jeopardy,” playing against Watson (the IBM super-computer). The problem I have with him, however, is that his main positions are intensely difficult to defend, e.g.,
• Commerce and its regulation shouldn’t be shaped by ideologies
• There are no heroes and villains in the world of business and the environment
• There is no problem with big money in politics
(Of course, he’ll object to this, but I believe it’s a fair summary.)
These are just weird ideas. Our planet is being destroyed by commercial entities that are indifferent to the health of the environment, and we shouldn’t have an issue with that? That’s quirky at best.
But where I have a serious level of respect for MP, I can’t say the same about Lawrence. From his comments it’s clear that he misunderstands most of what I write, apparently because he’s in such a hurry to lash out at me; then he does so with no reasoning behind what he’s saying. That’s not too impressive, to me at least.
Thanks for the note.
@ Craig comments on Marco and Lawrence
Marco Polo does indeed take Contrarian positions that conflict with my perceptions of reality. But his intellect does ring thru very much of the time.
I am sure sipping good red wine with Marco would be a memorable and quite engaging discussion worth the travel time to the Land Down Under !
Lawrence seems to be mad about something that happened in the past in respect to Renewable Energy versus Nuclear or something?
But his activities with Inverters and the Energy Academy in china are good examples of real ACTION based on the links he shared so congrats to him.
I would like both of them to SAY Thank You to the GREENS in NY for saving 3 of their Sacred Nuclear Temples ! If Illinois does the same then we have Started a Movement ! HUGE !
Silent Running could really enjoy a package of treats delivered to my home
no respect where is the Balance ???
on it goes Carry on Mates
Craig,
I think what you mean to say is:
” I find his main positions are intensely difficult to defend ”
I believe my ‘positions’ represent the majority of opinion in the western world. Most people are fairly conservative, moderate and amazingly open minded. I dislike calling people terms like, “stupid’ or “Sheeple”, I have too much respect for my fellow citizen.
I’ve also learned that in order to make a change or difference, yelling insults and abuse at large, well resourced individuals and corporation is counter-productive.
I’m a realistic environmentalist. I hope I’ve achieved a modest degree of tangible success in helping a diverse number of environmental projects become successful. I hope these serve as examples for adoption of environmental principles.
I have often pointed out my environmental hero’s, Carlos Ghosn, Elon Musk, Barry Shrier, Ross Blade and many others. I see no point in vilifying individuals who don’t share my opinions.(Unless involved in criminal activity).
I need to involve everyone. I need both consumers and investors. Every day I think of ways to convince fairly conservative individuals to invest or buy Clean Tech. Preaching, and moralizing, may provide some with a feeling of smug superiority, but would just alienate the very people whose acceptance I’m trying to gain.
I find the idea of divorcing money and politics bizarre ! Since the earliest civilization, politics has always been inextricably intertwined with money.
I’m not alone in finding the idea that it’s ok for a billionaire with leftist or liberal views to spend millions on supporting candidates, but “evil” when it’s a conservative billionaire, just a tad hypocritical.
In a large modern nation with elected representative government, candidates will always need mass media, organization, and infrastructure to be heard and elected.
The US system with short election cycles and primaries, creates even more expense for candidates than other systems.
A US Senate candidate in California must reach nearly 22 million voters. That takes money. Even if the candidate spent just $5 per voter that’s $100 million, that’s without the cost of research, full time campaign workers, infrastructure, advisors etc.
The idea of a village style utopian system, is a fantasy.
I doubt you believe that taking aggressive positions against perceived evils is counter-productive. The Civil Rights boycotts and sit-ins weren’t productive? It’s true my stuff alienates some people; that comes with the territory.
Craig,
It depends on what you define as evils. I only adopt an aggressive stance when I’m sure there is no other alternative, and I really possess a practical resolution.
However, alienation just for the sake of alienation is counter-productive. Abuse and name calling against people of different political/ideological persuasions, only detracts from the quality of any debate and lessens faith in public institutions.