Mark Steyn: Unless we change our ways ...

National Post (Canada) ^ | 05/27/2002 | Mark Steyn

[FairWitness]

The same "1491" article I cited in #20 also points out that more than half of the food crops in the world originated in the new world:

When Columbus appeared in the Caribbean, the descendants of the world's two Neolithic civilizations collided, with overwhelming consequences for both. American Neolithic development occurred later than that of the Middle East, possibly because the Indians needed more time to build up the requisite population density. Without beasts of burden they could not capitalize on the wheel (for individual workers on uneven terrain skids are nearly as effective as carts for hauling), and they never developed steel. But in agriculture they handily outstripped the children of Sumeria. Every tomato in Italy, every potato in Ireland, and every hot pepper in Thailand came from this hemisphere. Worldwide, more than half the crops grown today were initially developed in the Americas.

Maize, as corn is called in the rest of the world, was a triumph with global implications. Indians developed an extraordinary number of maize varieties for different growing conditions, which meant that the crop could and did spread throughout the planet. Central and Southern Europeans became particularly dependent on it; maize was the staple of Serbia, Romania, and Moldavia by the nineteenth century. Indian crops dramatically reduced hunger, Crosby says, which led to an Old World population boom.

[MeekOneGOP]

Mark Steyn: Unless we change our ways ...

Excerpt:

And who knows what the Columbuses of tomorrow are planning to wreck? This weekend, Professor Rick Steiner proposed that the moon be designated a UN World Heritage Site, even though, technically, it's out of this world. But the point is: Think globally, act lunarly. As far as I know, there's not a lot of development planned for up there, though a British men's magazine recently announced plans to screen a giant image of Jennifer Lopez's bottom on the surface of the moon. J. Lo's butt would be visible from anywhere on earth without a telescope. So what's new? But, if Professor Steiner has his way, this sort of commercial exploitation would be forbidden. As Nick Denton commented on his Web site, "The moon is an airless, lifeless, pockmarked ball of rock. I would far rather industrial development took place off-planet, or in Antarctica, for that matter. English meadows, or California redwood forests, are far more valuable to me than a wasteland that most human beings will never visit. And, if anyone is worried that development will spoil the view of the full moon, we can always put the industrial zone on the far side."

Please let me know if you want ON or OFF my ping list!. . .don't be shy.

[Carry_Okie]

There is no such thing as Natural

My book devotes a chapter not only to that topic, but demonstrates that to enforce policy based upon the assumption that leaving "Nature" undisturbed will help, is perhaps the most destructive thing people will have ever done to the environment.

[blam]

1491, that was a good article. Maybe we should post it again.

[terilyn]

Thanks for the ping!

Interesting little known fact about our almost president, Al (Green) Gore, was told on Fox & Friends one day a month of so ago. It seems that Al was offered, as his official vehicle, the most gas effecient, environmentally friendly car money could buy. Did he accept it? Nope! Mr. Green Gore chose instead, (drum roll please), a Cadillac Escalade. One of the biggest gas guzzlers out there.

What a hypocrite. Al, do as I say not as I do, Gore.

[linn37]

bump

[RobFromGa]

bttt. and read "The Skeptical Environmentalist" everyone-- it contains fabulous ammo against the enviro-wackos.

[Faraday]

Since 1970, when the great northern forest was being felled to print Paul Ehrlich best-sellers, the U.S. economy has swollen by 150%; automobile traffic has increased by 143%; and energy consumption has grown 45%.

During this same period, air pollutants have declined by 29%, toxic emissions by 48.5%, sulphur dioxide levels by 65.3%, and airborne lead by 97.3%.

When will these facts be taught in the schools? Not soon, I'll wager.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Thanks for the ping, MnM. For the first time in years, an administration is questioning the "science" behind regulations...turning the light on the enviro-liars. Will the left apologize to, and finally stop scaring the children? They've been scared by the lies into believing that the environment is their #1 problem (topping even popularity, appearance). Will Hollywood and the NEA pull the plug on enviro-lying textbooks, teachers and TV programming? There oughtta be a law! (^:

[SheLion]

BUMP

[Victoria Delsoul]

Thirty years after the first doom-mongering eco-confab in Stockholm, it should be obvious even to the UN frequent-flyer crowd. Markets aren't the problem, but the solution to the problem. The best way to clean up the neighbourhood is to make people wealthier. To do that, you need free markets, democracy, the rule of law and public accountability. None of those things exist in the Middle East, which is the real reason they'll be taking communal showers once a month in 2032.

Bump!!!

[MeekOneGOP]

What a hypocrite. Al, do as I say not as I do, Gore.

Yep. http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/690638/posts?page=53#53
Link to related FR article post by Yours Truly!

[MeekOneGOP]

Oh, it will be the ragheads.
let me get my crying towel (snicker,snicker)

LOL!

[I_be_tc]

Thanks, Richard, this was wonderful, as usual. I love reading Mr. Steyn. He always shows the humor in the most absurd.

TC

[MeekOneGOP]

Thanks for the ping, MnM. For the first time in years, an administration is questioning the "science" behind regulations...turning the light on the enviro-liars. Will the left apologize to, and finally stop scaring the children? They've been scared by the lies into believing that the environment is their #1 problem (topping even popularity, appearance). Will Hollywood and the NEA pull the plug on enviro-lying textbooks, teachers and TV programming? There oughtta be a law! (^:

Yes. President Bush is doing an admirable job, imho!
No. Don't look for the Lefty Liberals to grow a conscience now. They are incorrigible.
They HATE this country and would cheer the NEXT 9-11-like attack...........

[MeekOneGOP]

It's MY pleasure! Thanks, good FRiend!

[terilyn]

LOL! Great graphic!!

[MeekOneGOP]

LOL! I'm a gonna nickname you "Eagle Eye!" I loved that one too!
Another 4-bagger for Steyn, imho!.......