Monday Morning Happy Thoughts


By DIA, Section News
Posted on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 04:58:32 AM EST

It's monday morning and that means happy thoughts from Mr. Kuntsler.
The gravest problem this nation faces, therefore, is the inability of the American public and its leaders to confront the fact that we can't continue to live the way we do -- and, by the way, when I say "leaders," I don't restrict myself to political leaders. Our failures of leadership are comprehensive, including leadership in my nominal sector, journalism.

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Monday Morning Happy Thoughts | 12 comments (12 topical, 0 hidden)
I think Mr Kuntsler (none / 0) (#1)
by alfrednewman on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 06:36:42 AM EST
Has been reading your blog.  I have been saying the same thing for over a year here.

As far as not continuing to live the way we do- consumerism isnt the same as capitalism- it is actually oposit of it.  Capitalism made us great, consumerism made us worship Chinese made tv.

"What? Me worry? " "whatmeworry.alfred@gmail.com"

Capitalism vs. Consumerism--what's the diff? (none / 0) (#2)
by chuckles on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 07:38:56 AM EST
That's right. We didn't need those forests anyway!

Capitalism needs growth to survive, and that growth is fueled by consumption of goods and services.  What do you mean they are not the same???

[ Parent ]

Chuckles (none / 0) (#3)
by alfrednewman on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 09:39:26 AM EST
They certainly are not. Capitalism does not mean the endless consumption of goods. It does not mean going out to Target (French owned) using your Citizens mastercard credit card (Scotish Owned) to buy a Phillips (Dutch) TV made in China that looses 50% of its value in the second you take it out of the store.

You may also want to consider that the above transaction is regulated and controlled (at each step) by the government- not by private sector- and it is a form of very unhealthy socialism.

Chuckles- take a moment to think through the following. I have drawn up the basic plans for an electric pickup truck. 1000 pound capacity, 100 mile range between charges. Body and frame can be locally produced for under a grand.   How many government agencies would I have to go before before I even set up and start to produce a truck?  How many governmental reviews would I have to go through before I could sell the truck?  

Pickup trucks are gas guzzlers. Wouldnt it be great to be able to walk into a showroom and buy an environmentally friendly replacement for under 10 grand?  

In a capitalist system I would have already gotten started. In ours the plans are going to sit of my desk because I cant afford to hire to hire the attornies necessary to even start the process.

One thing that you brought up,trees, International paper planted more trees than the cut.  Most of the paper companies did.  Trees are a renewable resource and it is in their interest to replace what they take.
"What? Me worry? " "whatmeworry.alfred@gmail.com"

you are just (none / 0) (#4)
by Lame Man on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 12:52:55 PM EST
the king of hypothetical situations, aren't you, al?

[ Parent ]
Lame, (none / 0) (#5)
by alfrednewman on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 01:57:46 PM EST
I do get board easily. This is what I do all day. Sit and try to keep from falling asleep or do something completely mind numbing (like today).

The design is based on a GEM (http://www.gemcar.com) but would have a beefier frame and much stronger motor.

Local aluminum foundry in Cambridge, NY can make the frame...

I want an electric work truck for my business.  Most of the trips we run are within the city limits and the only real requirement is that it be street legal and have a 5 x 8.5 bed.  I spent a day last month looking for one and then spent another afternoon looking a GEM over.  

Sure I am the king of the hypotheticals. Some of my stupid stunts work, however.  

Maybe I should spend all of my day listing to the Communists on WRPI and drool all over my self like some of you guys do.
"What? Me worry? " "whatmeworry.alfred@gmail.com"
[ Parent ]

al (none / 0) (#6)
by DIA on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 02:31:17 PM EST
do they come with radios?   Because I might buy one of your trucks but only if I can listen to the communists while i drive and drool.

Put me on the list.

PS.  Have you considered a job with the state?   You could get paid, nice benny's, pension AND plenty of time to do what you now do for free.

[ Parent ]

I am sure (none / 0) (#7)
by alfrednewman on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 03:57:42 PM EST
that I could go to Radio Shack and get one of those crank up Grundig style radios and duct tape it to the dashboard.  

Although it looks like the Chinese already have what I am looking for.  

(www.spark-ev.com/carryall.html)

State worker? Me? Wow, I could become a union member. I could quit my day job. This is starting to look good.
"What? Me worry? " "whatmeworry.alfred@gmail.com"

handy guy like you (none / 0) (#8)
by DIA on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 04:19:54 PM EST
must have a place waiting for him in OGS.    I've heard great things about their overtime policy, too.    

[ Parent ]
I would rather (none / 0) (#11)
by alfrednewman on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 05:11:34 PM EST
have my mother-in-law get me a job with the Green County Highway department.  Whats big, green and sleeps 3?  A Green County dump truck.

Besides, I know people at OGS.  I dont think they would want to work for me.
"What? Me worry? " "whatmeworry.alfred@gmail.com"
[ Parent ]

And Lame (none / 0) (#9)
by alfrednewman on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 04:23:08 PM EST
I am a firm believer in the entreprenerial spirit. I have tried and failed and gotten back up to try again, a couple of times now.  

King of the Hypothetical? Thats me.

I already know how I am going to make my second million (after, of course, I actually make my first) and am looking for ways to make my third.

 
"What? Me worry? " "whatmeworry.alfred@gmail.com"

entreprenerial (none / 0) (#10)
by DIA on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 05:03:26 PM EST
Is that some kind of disease?

[ Parent ]
OK (none / 0) (#12)
by alfrednewman on Mon Oct 01, 2007 at 05:18:03 PM EST
So I cant spell.
"What? Me worry? " "whatmeworry.alfred@gmail.com"
[ Parent ]
Monday Morning Happy Thoughts | 12 comments (12 topical, 0 hidden)
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