When the Flames put together a decisive win or two people
are predicting a deep playoff run. When we lose a "big" game
the majority of posters are picking the players apart and predicting
doom and gloom. On both occasions there is a small minority who
see it opposite to the crowd and these posters receive a good
share of ridicule for their thoughts. Scientists too have an unhealthy
herd mentality. Scientist are largely funded by government. This
funding is based on performance. Therefore a scientists reputation
will decide his livelihood. The other major factor with receiving government funding is public interest. If scientists were more honest
about the limited conclusions one can reach by the data they've
produced there would be less political interest in funding more research.
I don't believe in a conspiracy or even a clear cut agenda on either
side of the issue. I do think scientists are human and as such succumb
to the failings of humans. The money today is in finding human links
to global warming. Any research that contradicts this hypothesis is
met with ridicule. Research that contradicts the hypothesis is underfunded
by government because of the political climate today.
The big losers in all of this will be tax payers; Not big companies. This
will become a "moral" reason for new taxation. Oil companies will still
reap in the big profits from their dwindling supplies with the increasing
demand from China. They will also have new revenue sources in these
alternate energy sources. They'll even get government subsides to go
greener. If global warming wasn't the pet issue of the day we would still
be moving away from petroleum in the next decade because of the cost
a decreased supply and greater demand world wide. Thanks to this issue
we are going to be paying for these companies to retool.
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