Remarks to the Commonwealth Club Michael Crichton (Theme: Environmentalism is really Urban Atheism)

Michael Crichton ^ | September 15, 2003 | Michael Crichton

[FreedomPoster]

I have been asked to talk about what I consider the most important challenge facing mankind, and I have a fundamental answer. The greatest challenge facing mankind is the challenge of distinguishing reality from fantasy, truth from propaganda. Perceiving the truth has always been a challenge to mankind, but in the information age (or as I think of it, the disinformation age) it takes on a special urgency and importance.

[StriperSniper]

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[Prodigal Son]

However, it is not the scientists (The priests of environmentalism) but the congregations, those who BELIEVE, as opposed to understanding, in ENVIRONMENTALISM, that make this a religion.

That's a key point and one that is easily misunderstood. The religion aspect has less to do with the scientists than it does with the perspective of the practioners or the faithful of the religion (ie the masses who lap up the environmental prognostications).

[general_re]

Heh - and all you had to do was ask. ;)

Anyway, I've pretty much dumped it myself, in favor of browser-based bookmarks. Keeps my cards closer to my vest that way - I'd much prefer an option to make the bookmarks not publicly-accessible, if one wished.

[Swordmaker]

Another sub-group here would be the the NIMBY who really cares nothing about the environment but is opposed to development because of a percieved loss of his property value.

The only argument I have with this statement is the "perceived" loss of property value. Environmental impacts can have a REAL effect on property values. I, for one, would be extremely opposed to having a lead smelter constructed behind my house. I believe it would make the value of my property negative; I would have to pay someone to take it off my hands!

Certain forms of Nimbyism is acceptable... it is the Nimbyism that is based in ignorance, bad science, or elitism that should be condemned.

[Ben Ficklin]

Agreed.

[KC_for_Freedom]

I like how you put that.

[Atlas Sneezed]

Most of the people I know who are "environmentalists" are rather sincere but have little knowledge of the scientific data. They are rather like a jury trying to understand DNA or fingerprint or ballistic analysis.

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Not a bad analogy. Enviros are ruining our liberties and prosperity on non-evidence they can't defend, just as some jurors are willing to ruin (or end) the life of an innocent man (or free an obviously guilty one on evidence they do not understand.

[js1138]

FR bookmarks are sorted alphabetically and don't display the date and time. These two features make them nearly useless for me.

[aardvark1]

I assume from your remark that you agree with the author that religious fundamentalists think they know it all. I would completely disagree. In fact, those who have a biblical worldview understand we don't know it all. We realize that we are "merely" human and that our minds have been affected by Adam's fall (noetic effects of sin, I believe is the theological term).

On the other hand, humanists (those who have a materialistic worldview) place themselves in the place of God and judge all things from a human perspective, thus tacitly (or in some cases blatantly) stating "I know everything, so I can judge everything."

The person with a biblical worldview who understands the devestating effects of sin and his own limitations must state "I don't know everything. Where God has spoken clearly, I proceed with confidence. Where God's word is not clear, I proceed with caution."

The one place God's word has certainly spoken clearly is in the area of sin and salvation. What better time of year than at Christmas than to see that the "Word became flesh and dwelt among us."

[liberallarry]

I assume from your remark...

...that you haven't read, or have misunderstood, all my posts on this thread.

[aardvark1]

You referred me to "post #12" the gist of which I responded to. When I got your response, there were 168 posts on the thread. You're right. I didn't read them all. If I misunderstood what you were referring to, my apologies.

[liberallarry]

And my apologies to you if I misunderstood the intent of your first post.

[liberallarry]

Perhaps, I should summarize.

In my reading, Crichton was complaining about rigid and intolerant people who claim special access to "the truth" - access which they feel is self-evident and not subject to criticism.

Crichton, as is the case with much of the secular world, characterizes this mind-set as religious - wrongly. There are many, many believers who are open-minded and tolerant and many athiests who are not. But he is not without justification. For centuries religious believers held power - and too often abused that power to suppress and persecute dissident voices.

[Issaquahking]

A must read!!! Glades Guru, after reading this, I was walking on air!

[HairOfTheDog]

A must read!!!

Then I shall read it! - But tomorrow morning over coffee.... Thanks for the ping.

[GladesGuru]

Just a slight addendum to your "7 researchers and $75,000 budget". Here in the Sheeples Republic of FloriDUH, an ex colleague said that he wouldn't bother with a grant of less than $1,500,000.

And this transparently veiled socialist was tenured faculty at Gainsville, not Harvard.

Inflation has hit even the Grove of the Academe. Well, in this case, arguably the scrub brush of the Academe.

[GladesGuru]

Much of this was discussed at length on the Convoy drive, remember? Come to think of it, we made a rather long "detour" one night in the Nevada outback due to just this subject distracting my navigation..

Thanks for the ping.

[HairOfTheDog]

This was a great article IK!

Thanks for the ping! (sip)

[Ben Ficklin]

I realized that 75,000 was not adequate and only went with it on concept. I'm not sure that the mil and a half would be adequate.

A project such as this would take at least 3 years. Leasing offices and the knick knacks, furniture, utility deposits, etc, etc. I would need numerous computers. I would need administrative and technical staff, as well as staff directors. And of course an accountant to keep up with the money. Then there is travel and entertainment. The printers would likely overcharge me.

We also have to realize that my wage rates would require 600 thou for 3 years.

BTW, do you have any contacts over at the Ford Foundation? Interior Dept?

[Issaquahking]

Thought you would enjoy a great article, especially since the man did it SF to those who really needed to hear it most! Article sure put a smile on my face and renewed hope in returning the nation back on to the road of common sense.