Humanists/Progressives Need to Focus on What’s Important
A reader comments that there has been a shift of focus in the blog here, from clean energy technology to “left-wing” politics, to which I respond:
I can only say that I write exactly what’s on my mind at any one time, and that tends to be what I perceive to the the biggest single obstacle standing in the way of human progress and the alleviating of (current and future) suffering. Right now, the news in the arena of renewable energy technology is far less important–and interesting–than the (chiefly U.S.) politics that is in the process of destroying 50 years of advancement in environmental stewardship, not to mention dozens of other aspects of human rights. Our country is being piloted by a sociopath, and that’s, IMO, BY FAR the most important area in which people of decency and compassion should be focused.
Craig,
Here’s the thing, while you spend time screaming your obsessive hatred of President Trump, you actually damage your own cause.
Whether you like it or not, he’s President and you’re not! That’s reality. No doubt President Trump will self-destruct and his star will wane, but in the meantime there’s still important work to do, and much can be accomplished.
As I said to Silent, focus on the bigger picture and reserve criticism for the important issues. It’s foolish to get sucked into a vortex of mutually crazy claims and counter-claims.
Environmentalists at the moment have a reputation as irresponsible, impractical, big spending whacko’s, with a leftist agenda and bat-shit crazy advocates spouting failed policies and discredited idea’s.
Ranting about others,(even someone as easy to rant about as Trump) won’t restore the credibility needed to make progress.
The only way to regain credibility, and garner support, it by prove that even within the new dynamic, clean(er) technology is indispensable and a sound investment.
It might be a little harder and might require a more moderate approach, and maybe more self-criticism, but I believe it’s achievable.
It just requires focus. Focusing on what’s really important, not getting side tracked into extravagant theories, or endless outrage. Trump thrives on outrage, it just makes him stronger.
So it’s your choice, waste the next four years ranting about the administrations defects, or focus on what can be achieved within the new dynamic.
There are some positive aspects to the policies of the new administration. The administration and GOP majority desperately needs to prove it can create new levels of domestic employment, rural and industrial prosperity.
This government could be persuaded to support a massive new industry around carbon sequestration.Not perfect, not ideal maybe, but much better than the present!
Trump may well encourage advanced nuclear, or at least cut the time and complexity involved complying with obsolete regulations.
Trump could also listen and support his new innovation advisors. Government support could see investment in clean technology reach unprecedented levels.
I’m freezing in a sub-zero UK at the moment. While back home, my family are enjoying simmer on the Australian great barrier reef.
The UK Prime Minister is in the US trying to make sense of the changing dynamic. It’s business as usual.
You are powerless to stop the Trump Juggernaut, but don’t despair he will either moderate his policies, or self destruct, but it’s beyond your control.
In the meantime, let’s get back to focusing on what we can do to make the world a better place.
I’ve heard the “damaging my own cause” argument hundreds of times (many dozens of times from you alone). The problem: there is no evidence whatsoever that you are correct. Raising public consciousness about social evils is an extremely well established tool, spanning millennia, to bring about change.
To say that I’m “powerless to stop the Trump juggernaut” is true if by that you mean me personally, but I become more convinced every day that he’ll be removed from office (legally) before his term is complete, as I’m joining countless millions of people around the globe who are working hard to push this along at its maximum pace.
And yes, there are thousands of things Trump might be doing behind the scenes to pilot the ship in a rational manner, but again, all the evidence suggests the contrary.
Craig,
You are are correct in saying each person must sail his own ship in his own way.
It’s because of my high regard for you that I try to persuade you from diverting energy to unproductive pursuits.
Removing a US President from office is almost impossible. Being unpopular, or even a bad President isn’t sufficient. Donald Trump is well advised and very tough. Congress would not dare throw the nation into constitutional crises of unprecedented proportions, against a populist President in his first term.
With the mood of the people already against professional politicians of the major parties, such a move would be electoral suicide. (sharks don’t commit suicide).
Trump’s star will soon wane as his policies lose popularity. In fact, there’s good evidence to suggest raucous and fanatical opposition to his administration is his only hope of survival, since he can blame his failures and transgressions on his opponents.
At the present time, any attack on Trump, will be seen by his supporters as an attack on themselves.
Again, I invite (implore) you to forget Trump and concentrate on longer term goals. As Elon Musk points out, Trump has shown an interest in supporting innovation.
Like Musk, I see this as an opportunity to garner support from a whole new sector. While Trump supporters might not be “global warming” adherents, they may, because of Trump, invest and support new technology, which is environmentally beneficial.
(Keeping EV incentives is essential).
The environment doesn’t care about ideology, it’s the benefits that count.
To give you an example of what I mean. Let’s take the issue of resource exploitation in US Parks and Reserves.
There are two approaches to take:
1) Radical . This involves massive demonstrations by the usual suspects, violence, media hysteria, yelling “Trump’s a sociopath’ etc,. Since the demonstrators will largely be urban, the locals (already Trump supporters) will become bitterly resentful of the intruders and the nation will grow more divided.
Trump will blame the loss of jobs and prosperity on the greed of the urban affluent.His supporters will rally behind him.
2) Rational. Welcome the Presidents interest. Compare Trump to President Teddy Roosevelt (a hero of Donald Trump since boyhood). After all, national Parks are Teddy Roosevelt’s great legacy, as ‘Trustee-in -Chief, Trump should personally ensure the behavior of any mining, resource extraction didn’t harm the parks, or jeopardize his and Teddy’s legacy.
Watch the reaction. Trump has one huge advantage, he’s beholden to no one. No oil company, no mining company contributed to his campaign, in fact many backed his opponents.
I might be wrong, but it seems to me at some stage you must decide what’s more important, what is your real objective ? Is just hating Trump and fighting the objective in itself, or working around him to achieve long term goals ?
So yep, we’ll keep reminding you when your passion interferes with your judgement ! But please remember, it’s a form of compliment, no one would bother if they didn’t believe your voice was valuable.