"When will people learn: Democracy doesn't work!" - Homer Simpson (a Barack Obama voter)
A bunch of scientists got together and determined that a single multi-billionaire could probably fund a project to combat climate change by spraying sulfur particles in the atmosphere. It is, of course, controversial even among scientist; some theorize that this "solution" may destroy the ozone layer. ("Egon, this reminds me of that time you tried to drill a hole in your head.")
But beyond the technical challenges, talk turned to what practical issues would arise in building a global consensus for any such undertaking. As New Scientist correspondent Fred Pearce reported:
"Some enthusiasts for geo-engineering - or eco-hacking, as some have taken to calling it - said we might one day have to ignore democratic niceties in order to get the job done. "
Democratic processes are not "niceties" - they are government systems that prevent oppression.
Environmentalists may make the argument that Homer Simpson made - that ignoring the will of the people may be necessary to follow a path that promotes an overall good for mankind. But considering that they can't even agree on which path that is, let's not burn the Constitution just yet.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
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