Republicans and Big Energy. A love Story.

Step right up folks.  It's an energy extravaganza bonanza.  Everybody is invited.  Everybody is making money.  Our benevolent ruler Donald Trump is leading the charge.  But, big money brings big consequences.  How can we make sure that the populous gets their fare share?  How can we prevent unacceptable damage to the environment?  For this, we are going to need some kind of decision making tool.

Eastern philosophers have a taxonomy system that is based on intellect.  It should work just fine for this purpose.  Here's how it goes.  I think we can all agree that people should be treated better than animals.  Dogs, cats, and other intelligent animals should be treated better than worms and insects.  Worms and insects should be treated better than plants.  But, plants have at least some level of consciousness.  They do respond to light and other environmental factors.  So, they should probably be treated better than minerals.  It sounds simple at first.

Lets see if our hierarchy of intellect really works as a decision making tool.  Here's an example.  Worms and insects deserve to be treated better than plants.  So, why do we kill them in order to save our crops?  We do that because humans deserve to be treated better than worms and insects.  Humans need those crops.  But, does this mean that we should create jobs for humans without regard for the environment?  Not really.  Humans need to live in that environment.  You see.  The whole thing keeps coming back to humans.

Some of you might think that plants and animals should be treated better than humans.  Others might think that minerals should be treated better than plants and animals.  If you fit into either of those two categories, do us all a favor.  Navigate away from this article.  Then forget that you were ever here.  But, everybody else is in for a real treat.

Let's take another look at that hierarchy.  Coal is a mineral.  When it is burned, it helps people by creating energy.  But, it hurts people, plants and animals in other ways.  Scientists disagree on the effects that coal has on things like global warming.  But, how should we decide which scientists to believe?  Our hierarchy needs accurate information.  

You are about to embark on an epic odyssey.  It will be a journey of discovery.  But, it is not for the faint of heart.  I am insisting that you keep an open mind.  Forget everything that you think you know.  Then seek out scientists who are of high moral character.  Make sure that they are trustworthy before you bother researching their theories.  Are you ready?

Okay, that's it.  My job is over.  But, yours is just beginning.  This next part is extremely important.  I need you to detach yourself from everything that you think you know about energy and the environment.  Enter this research with a completely open mind.  But, start by making extensive use of the social media buttons below.