Polar bears and Thomas Friedman

Well, there's nothing like Monday afternoon when you've skipped your morning class. Hey, to be fair, the weather last night was out of control - the walls of our apartment building were howling while rain pounded all the windows. I couldn't fall asleep until 4am - and right before I fell asleep I turned off my alarm clock. Anyways, now I am in my cozy building once more, and have decided to surf around for some energy and utility related news (while munching on my afternoon snack of Ghiradelli chocolate chips.)
In terms of news, first check out the website below - it is an interactive part of the New York Times website which allows you to view where campaign contributions to all potential presidential candidates are coming from - and how much each candidate has received. It is surprising to me that Obama is the #2 in most money recieved for his campaign so far. Obviously, Hilary Clinton is #1 and Romney is #3. I realize that this is not a politics blog, but I think that looking at this information is important. Or at least it is good to know that such information is out there, and accessible. You can see what corporations are giving to whom and make up your own mind as to whether it matters. I personally believe that there should be a law limiting the amount of money any candidate can receive from corporations, or maybe total. I mean, it goes to fund propaganda fuel hate wars between candidates. It also (maybe) allows certain lobby groups and corporations undue influence over politicians - at the very least it creates conflicts of interest. And although I do not want to doubt the principles of our politicians, it is wise to avoid creating financial conflicts of interest.
http://www.nytimes.com/ref/us/politics/2008_EG_FINANCES.html

Further articles to check out:

1. Myers, S. "Russia Tries to Save Polar Bears With Legal Hunt." Source: New York Times



This article contains an interesting debate - whether allowing some legalized hunting of endangered species, such as polar bears, will in fact aid in the survival of the species. The topic of polar bears is especially pertinent to Russia because melting ice and the subsequent reduced habitat has forced these animals inland. It has become harder for the polar bears to hunt seals because of the fewer ice islands - therefore polar bears are coming back into the mainland sooner than usual - and also venturing further in. This brings them into contact with people, and increases the risk of poaching. Polar bears are an interesting species at this juncture also because they are being considered for the endangered species list. If they are declared an endangered species then there is debate over how far the EPA and other agencies must go in order to protect them. This is ironic because global warming is linked to the degradation of polar bear habitat - is the US then legally obligated to take measures to stop global warming in order to save the polar bear? You can begin to see why environmental groups love this animal.

http://scienceblogs.com/strangerfruit/polar-bear.jpg


2. Friedman, T. "The Power of Green."


If you want to read a little environmental propaganda written by one of the greenest demagogues in the country - check out the above article. I actually saw Thomas Friedman speak this past summer in DC at the premier showing of his documentary. His speech and his rhetoric were very similar for this article, and it did inspire the green recesses of my heart. However, the problem with Friedman is that he often simplifies issues and he is adept at appealing to emotions rather than rationality when framing these issues. I mean, I agree with many of his points, but I try and see the deeper complexities underlying some of these situations. Additionally, Friedman is pro-nuclear, a stance which is (at the very least) worth maintaing skepticism towards. That being said, read it for yourself and make up your own minds. I just like to see a little healthy skepticism around here.

Best of luck for the upcoming week. - Emily