Monday, June 30, 2008

Shrug


I read a sci-fi story years ago where these aliens came to earth and landed in California.

They were amazed at how we hurtled around, locked inside chunks of steel which had no defence mechanisms in place so that when we crashed we often died spectacularly in the wreckage.

With their superior intellect they could see the San Andreas fault line and were equally stunned that earthlings would consciously live in an area that could slide into the sea without any warning.

I wonder what these aliens would make of today, where, through our excessive and unconscionable consumption of carbon-based fuel, we have now created an iceless north pole. Open water in the north pole! A north pole we can boat across!

And are Big Gov and Big Corp concerned? Very. They are wondering how to access the minerals and maybe – hallelujah!- the oil trapped beneath.

Where are we going and why are we in a handbasket?

9 comments:

  1. Republicans have just blocked a climate bill that would have reduced greenhouse gas emissions. During the debate, Evangelist Congressman James Inhofe (R) said global warming was 'the biggest hoax ever perpetrated on mankind'. No doubt God told him that. He's probably convinced its Armageddon, all God's work, and we mustn't interfere. I just hope for his sake he's not in the same handbasket as me.

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  2. I hope The Lord of Darkness is providing plenty of capacity for the contents of this handbasket, I don't want to be broiled too close to Senator Inhofe!

    James Inhofe is one of our Oklahoma Senators - he's been calling global warming a hoax for years, but I really thought he'd have desisted by now RJ - incredible! What an a-hole!

    I wonder if he's coming up for re-election - one of them is, I think it's Jimbo. Won't I have fun casting my first vote agin him? It'll make all the hassle at the hands of USCIS worthwhile!

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  3. Inhofe is definitely a couple of bricks short of a load, RJA. How he ever got elected is beyond me. Then again, the lobbyists have very deep pockets....h'mmm
    -------------------------------
    hey T:
    We're all relying on you and your all important vote to change things in the Big Oke!
    --------------------------------
    XO
    WWW

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  4. hey--in case you don't stop back at my blog. i wanted to tell you that i read that alan bennett novella about the queen reading; it was published in the london review of books. it was wonderful! not just funny, but wise and true.

    on your recommendation, i have bought his book of family stories.

    so thank you for that.

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  5. I'm just reading Jodi Picoult's Sister's Keeper - don't know what attracted me to it. I also just took your Liberal quiz - I'm also a Peace Patroller. Hmmmmmmm
    I have lots of theories as to why we're in a handbasket on the way to perdition.......first and foremost, though is our (western) compulsion to see everything in terms of how it can serve us. Pure, unadulterated selfishness. It's at the root of Big Gov, Big Biz, and Big War. So sad.
    .......and happy Canada Day to you on the other side of the country!

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  6. This post and the info I found out this afternoon(and posted on my blog) makes me want to go offline again (and back to my garden refuge).

    I fear it is not a handbasket but an oil powered rocket launcher.

    The clearing of the North-West passage in MY lifetime of 41 years suggests that my fears are all too realistic.

    The Franklin expedition has become a modern day fairy tale in our lifetime.

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  7. Laurie:
    And thanks for the Blake Morrison tip AND also, on your recommendation I spent all of $1.24 on a notebook today in the village shop. I now have my little yellow book log!!
    XO
    WWW

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  8. that's my bedside book, P!!
    Let's compare notes at the end, shall we?
    Yes treating the world as if its resources are infinite has been an enormous mistake. It all boils down to respect again, we've had no respect for this precious planet!
    XO
    WWW

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  9. Orla:
    Yes massive changes in all our lifetimes and more yet to come, we will be forced into honouring Gaia.
    I am off to visit your post now!
    XO
    WWW

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