I am a scientist because I care about finding what is true, and not what makes me feel happy or comfortable. I am an engineer to design sustainable solutions so that the intelligence which began here may continue as long as possible. I am a skeptic to protect myself and fellow humans from bad people.
Corporate lobbyist transparency needed for the green age
See, a huge number of companies make modest improvements in practices, but lobby all-out, in a variety of ways, to stall the adoption of higher standards, better land-use practices, green taxes or even health and safety regulations. And the impacts of those lobbying efforts usually far, far outweigh the good they claim to be doing with their pilot green efforts.
The Second Amendment matters again in California
The little-known case of Nordyke v. King is a huge and much-needed milestone for protecting Second Amendment rights at the state level, and has opened the door for other gun rights cases which previously had no standing to commence.
Torture memo raises question of legal proceedings
Some believe that advocating against harsh interrogation techniques like waterboarding is irresponsible, possibly putting innocent Americans in harm’s way. Others believe that torturing people is unethical and contrary to American ideals.
Dictatorships or democracies: all governments rule by force
We do well to fear the potential dangers inherent in any government, whether such government is of a tyrant or the fictitious “will of the people.” Government, even democratically elected government, is always the same. It is force, a force which can be used for good or bad, right or wrong.
Green Spot: We could learn from the Danes
In Forbes magazine’s “Best Countries For Business, 2009,” the No. 2 pick is the good ol’ USA, but Forbes’ No. 1 country for business — for the second year in a row — is uber-green Denmark!
Business as usual: All Wall Street’s a stage
Despite the rhetoric, the Obama administration (and the Bush administration previously) seems to have little interest in encouraging a genuine understanding of the roots of the crisis. After all, a true explanation would take into account all the facts, not just those that are politically correct.
Modern-day tea party shows absurdity is brewing
I am amused by absurdity in society, and this week I received from the conservative movement a gift abounding in absurdity: Wednesday’s Tax Day Tea Party. The 1733 Boston Tea Party was an important foundational event for America.
Congress must embrace private solution to piracy
The recent increase in piracy off the Horn of Africa has gained an enormous amount of media attention, including the essay printed Tuesday by Mustang Daily reporter Mikaela Akuna.
The left’s unsettling silence
Last week, I labeled many of you cavemen, citing your unapologetic reliance on violent methods to attain your aims, whether they are of a right or left agenda. I do not withdraw my criticism as it remains true this week as much as it did last week.
Bad economy can’t crush spirit of a (green) entrepreneur
It is not the best of times for the green industry. We are sometimes susceptible to that pervasive feeling of dread and doubt that hovers over us like a thick blanket of Los Angeles smog.