Thomas Friedman argued a very passionate case on Fresh Air yesterday about how our insane dependency on fossil fuels (“hell” energy vs. “heaven” energy sources such as wind & solar) is killing America while strengthening petro-strong terrorist bases and dubious nations such as Venezuela, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Russia.
Friedman saved his strongest disgust for the “Drill Baby Drill” crowd at the Republican National Convention, just about calling them out for treason for perpetuating a “stupid America.” The best part was when he likened the RNC cheap-shotters’ chants of “Drill Baby Drill” to the industrial-social equivalent of yelling-out “IBM Selectrics Baby!” at the turn of the last century (as the world moved to digital tools of course).
Freidman said that what was needed was not so much us running about screwing in low-wattage bulbs and buying silly-looking Priuses and such, but a radical shift in (American) political leadership. He denounced McCain for his unwillingness (not voting on key bill for instance) to support extensions of tax exemptions for heaven-energy R&D co’s. And while he noted Obama’s support for such bills (which did not pass, FYI) he hardly praised his green leadership to the skies.
It was all quite brill and kept me riveted in the car, burning-up some more of those “hell” fuels I might add, to keep listening to the end. And yeah, he got me. I’ll go buy his new book now. Other than changing-out my own light bulbs and using only cold water in the washing machine and dishwasher, I consider hearing the passion of a green Thomas Friedman a personal green watershed moment for myself.
So watch out world. ‘Nuff said. Word.
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