Clean coal mythology | 33 comments (33 topical, 0 hidden)
Re: (none / 0)
@ Cogitor:

"Converting coal to fuel for combustion engines"

This is the problem itself, we are not reforming the internal combustion engine economy. As long as we slaves to a technology developed in the late 19th century, we will never escape the trap of carbon. Also, let us not forget that this technology has made too many people very rich, even created a "aristocratic" working class with the auto workers. How can we prove this, the documentary, "Who killed the Electric Car" is a good example of how special interests, or as they really are, class interests, undermine technological development for accumulation. Exactly as Marx predicted they would. Same goes for Marijuana which was made illegal in 1937 because it was a competitor the DuPont and others, has nothing to do with medical reasons.

"Using coal to produce energy: economically possible, but emits a lot of carbon. "

Which is a contradiction, again the endemic  problem of capitalist logic. Basically, short term profit, long term destruction. As Keynes said, "we are all dead in the long-run". Basically, the current system is suicidal thats obvious to anyone who is not ideologically capitalist. What is economically possible does not equal, socially or economically viable.

Blog: http://perspectivos.blogspo t.com/

by Nick86 on 05/11/2008 08:22:55 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Get real (none / 0)

First of all, you represent a false dilema. It's not either all-out capitalism or socialism. There's a middle road. It's called regulation by a democratically elected government. For political purposes, however, that middle road has been painted by the far right as socialist, with great succes.

A. Seccond, if for reasons of survival as a civilisation, the state needs to dictate "how much energy we use and what kind of vehicles we drive", I don't see a problem with that. If you believe global warming's link to human emissions is real, you should see the logic in this.

B If, however, you do not consider the link between global warming and human emissions credible, I can verry well see how you would consider "the state dictating how much energy we use and what kind of vehicles we drive" a limitation of your autonomy not proportional to the emission-issue.

Until there is a concensus on the issue of global warming - emissions between us, this debate will go nowhere: I will adhere to position A, you to position B.

by Cogitor on 05/11/2008 09:15:39 PM EST

[ Parent ]
@Cogitor (none / 0)
You are correct in suggesting that there is a middle-ground between the free-market and socialism, we call it a Keynesian/regulated economy. Works pretty well in Germany, although Germany can be considered a mix between neoliberalism and the welfare state, but it maintains the title as the worlds most competitive economy based on exports, which has seen its emissions actually decrease in absolute terms since 1990.

Unregulated capitalism can NEVER correct itself, the market cannot correct itself because its goal is profit not social justice. The irrationality of capitalism, principally neoliberal capitalism is this, again, privatizing profits and socializing costs. Neoliberalism has NO problem socializing our costs. I agree with you that the state has to step in and internalize the externalizes of the firms to FORCE them to change their ways. As long as they do not pay for their externalizes, they will not have an incentive to change. I am totally in favour of regulated capitalism, the real indoctrination is not from my analysis. The real danger of totalitarianism is the pseudo-scientific neoclassical analysis which justifies exploitation as a natural, cosmic force of nature. ;)

Blog: http://perspectivos.blogspo t.com/

by Nick86 on 05/11/2008 09:35:20 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Note: (none / 0)

"I agree with you that the state has to step in and internalize the externalizes of the firms to FORCE them to change their ways. As long as they do not pay for their externalizes, they will not have an incentive to change."

Note, this is a NEOCLASSICAL theory!
 

Blog: http://perspectivos.blogspo t.com/

by Nick86 on 05/11/2008 09:36:38 PM EST

[ Parent ]

Clean coal mythology | 33 comments (33 topical, 0 hidden)