Category: Norm Reynolds

Tonight, as I contemplate what lies ahead for the new year, I am overpowered by the lyrics and melody to a song, “Can Anyone Tell,” I heard many years ago at an antiwar conference in Nelson, BC. The song envisions the Sun, Moon and Stars in a conference. The Sun, in this celestial gathering is saying to the stars and moon, “I see that you are sorrowful. For ages we shone for her (our Earth) and loved her so well, but now she is turning/busted and burning. Why would they do t is Can Anyone Tell?” The song goes on to paint a musical picture of this beautiful life-sustaining planet, beautiful in its seasons and life sustaining and asks repeatedly, “Why would they do this (destroy this beautiful, life giving planet)? Can anyone tell?”

In the unconvincingly feeble argument over the democratic value of the internet some have pointed to the effects of online discussion and incremental small bit fund raising as a counter to big money influences on political campaigns as proof positive that the internet has been good for democracy.

According to Dauncey, “When we frame our thoughts around the negative language of “energy descent” and “deliberate contraction,” we confirm people’s fear that solutions to the climate and ecological emergencies will wreck their comfortable lives. This is so harmful. It’s like a sports coach telling her athlete that winning a medal will ruin her family life, and besides, it’s impossible.”

There are incorrect perceptions/ reactions to solutions to global warming; I see most environmentalists thinking that e-cars are a solution to global warming. I see it as incorrect group think. There are corporations and enviro organizations that are taking advantage of the Greta movement that will use it to continue the growth of capitalism; for example solar panels for Africans. They will be indebted to the corps to pay for them. Again people do not accept criticism of where this might lead us. Most people do not want to rock the boat and go against accepted views of the majority.