Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill Bumface
I'd just like to point out that we have someone here with a frequently opposing political view from a lot of the crowd, that is actually discussing things in good faith. See? "Having an opposing viewpoint" isn't an excuse to drag the forum down into the sewer.
This is more like what I wish politics would return to, largely aligning on the the same goals and problems to be solved through the shared lens of Western ideals, but debating the solutions that will best achieve those goals or solve those problems.
If we're aligned that the world is hotter than ever in human history, and it is starting to, and will continue to, impact the ability for our societies to thrive, then we get to the debate of how to mitigate it, as 2StonedBirds is.
The Carbon Tax is one method of trying to curb consumption, but if it's largely targeting transportation and home heating, is it actually realistic for most of the population living cheque to cheque to upgrade their dwellings and vehicles? The idea of more Luxury Tax based approaches that target vacations and more crap from China seems like a totally reasonable approach. I'd support that. Same deal for Nuclear.
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Thing is, I enjoy playing devils advocate. Thats my hang up. My point here being that to get to the point we are discussing, you're going to run into opposition from those who feel such measures are draconian. I'm probably in that camp. I'm not against figuring out a better way to skin a cat when it comes to energy and the enviroment. But we simply aren't there yet, and may have to make concessions somewhere, such as nuclear energy. Who for some is a non starter as they will point to Fukashima and Chernobyl. Those specific instances came from cut corners, either in construction or procedure that created disaster. However we can look at the multitude of reactors that have been in operation for
decades with no issue, and have plenty of life left. I find that a reasonable solution.
In the meantime I don't see anything wrong with power generation from nat gas turbines. It's the best mousetrap we currently have in Alberta for example until we get the technology, infrastructure or whatever hurdle is needed to move away from carbon intensive generation.
I also think that O&G exploration isn't going away, regardless of power generation. We still need oil for manufacturing. Offhand, and if I'm wrong someone please correct me, but I believe last I heard that around 25%of O&G produced actually ends up as fuel. The rest is for manufacturing ect.
When it comes to taxes I know this won't be popular, but I'm of the opinion income tax for individuals should be gone. Have a flat rate rax on goods. Want to save money? Save. Want to spend like a drunken sailor? Fill your boots but you'll wish for the GST days.
As far as societal issues regarding individual rights, I wish politicians would shut their ####ing trap and let society figure it out. We have enshrined rights, and everyone deserves the right to live their life the way the see fit. Don't like it? Time to start worrying about your own backyard. I don't give two squirts what the dude down the way is doing so long as he isn't disrupting anyone else's right to do the same. Knowing that, politicians shutting up about it would do a hell of a lot in the way of settling down "culture war" and division as it were.
Married lesbians protecting their dope crops with AR-15s. That's where I'm at but I realize it ain't for everybody. C'est la vie.