The price of gas

I know the only real way to lower the price of gas is to stop using it but the price increases have really hit hard. The current structure of our economy forces many people to rely on a car to do anything. We've all heard the numerous excuses about why prices are so high: supply/demand, terrorism, geopolitical risk, lack of refining capacity, hurricane, oil prices are high etc.

A few things that should be examined are the connection between the price of a barrel of oil and your local gas pump. I've done a brief review and I don't see them moving in tandem as much as the oil companies say. Well, at least they don't move down as much. Can our demand patterns change? Even with prices getting higher that doesn't seem to be declining. Will the prices curb economic activity? By the looks of it, only for those who can't afford it. I don't think hybrids will save the day either. The Prius may be a great car but unless you do your research you'll never hear about the batteries or the electrical components. Ethanol? Only designed to subsidize farmers and create the appearance of action.

Regardless, gas prices are high for one reason. They can charge whatever they want because we need it. Until we have alternatives, or the oil boom busts, prices are only getting higher.

The "McLibel" Trial

I'm sure by now you have heard of the McLibel trial. It took place in the UK when McDonald's sued two Britons over a leaflet that negatively portrayed some of their corporate practices. McDonald's subsequently sued under libel laws in the U.K. I've watched the documentary film in the past and thought it was an amazing story of how individuals can make a difference. The real kicker in the case is that the judge found that some of the points made were not libelous. You can read the verdict.

It's a great story because of how they were able to turn the tables on McDonald's in some ways. It also demonstrated how far some companies will go to quash any contrary opinion and once the PR machine backfires how quickly they run. I also like the fact that it is a case involving a fast food chain. Fast food is not the healthiest choice you can make to eat. There is no news here. Just read Fast Food Nation or watch Supersize Me and you'll know all you want about the food. Take some time and read through the links for details about the McLibel case. It may inspire you to take on a corporate giant. At least you should remember that every individual can make a difference.

Nuclear technology

I've been reading a book titled The New Nuclear Danger by Dr. Helen Caldicott. It is an eyeopener to say the least. It primarily focuses on nuclear weapons and their development but it makes you think with so many other facts and points made. I'm not going to do a book review here but it is a good read. I have seen it in the discount racks as a new version was released in 2004. I'm reading the 2002 version, which seems dated with all that has gone on militarily in the world, but it is still timely. The Bush administration is obviously chastised here but the book also reflects on the Clinton administration's inability and unwillingness to change the nuclear weapons policy of the U.S.

The environmental impacts of nuclear technology are astounding. The waste generated from nuclear plants and weapons production is astounding and the environmental damage and health effects are widespread. To further compound the problem, depleted uranium is then used in other "conventional" weapons that create additional pollution and health hazards.

Is nuclear energy the answer to the climate change problem and our electricity shortage? I doubt it. The dual use potential of the technology combined with our current inability to handle the waste safely makes it far too dangerous.

It's always funny...

I like satire/comedy making fun of public figures to explain the reality behind policies and maybe exaggerating some points for effect. I like this video for that. It also highlights the deficiencies in environmental policy as laid out by the US government.