On Jan 30, 2007, at 11:40 AM, Jonathan Grabert wrote: Just because these guys are libertarians doesn't mean that they're wrong. You're attacking the messenger, not the message. (Not that calling someone a libertarian is necessarily an attack, but in this case it is.)
Again, sorry about the attack. Didn't want it to be perceived that way, and now that I read it again, I can see how it would be perceived that way. See my previous post.
Like you, I felt like I had to study up on what was said in the program. I went back and read the sources, and some other information. (I'd recommend Bjorn Lomborg's _The Skeptical Environmentalist_, which was featured in P&T's season 1 episode on the environment.) What I've read absolutely supports what P&T say. It takes money, energy, and time to recycle paper, and the net effect is *bad* for the environment.
I disagree with many of Lomborg's arguments. I read parts of his book and some articles he wrote a few years ago, and don't mind reading more. Maybe I'll borrow his book from the library.
Lastly, I just wanted to say that it's really good of Andy to promote this discussion. It takes a lot of courage for him to even consider denouncing recycling. I take a lot of heat for it, but for Andy, a self-proclaimed hippy, to do so is even bigger. I agree. I've had many wonderful conversations with Andy, and even when we don't agree he's very willing to listen to my side, and actually consider changing his mind. (Many people have trouble doing this.) I only hope that I can be so strong in my critical thinking skills as he is. Likewise, I admire how Andy can speak his mind, even about potentially inflammable issues.
In this case, I would love it if Andy came over to my side of the recycling debate, but if he doesn't I will at least know that he thought carefully about it. That's a good thought. :)
:-j |