by Global Patriot on May 12, 2012
Considering the plethora of important issues facing planet earth, the need to engage in conversation that cross both political and ideological lines has never been greater. In recent years, conversations in America between Liberals and Conservatives have devolved to the point where there’s rarely an exchange of meaning information, but rather an exchange of heated rhetoric that bares little resemblance to the truth.
In this TED Talk from 2008, Jonathan Haidt speaks to the differences in the liberal and conservative moral compasses, but more importantly to the need for us all to understand both points of view and both sets of moral values in order to create a better world. This is a point that all political parties should pay attention to.
I’m also reminded of the passage below from Fritjof Capra‘s book, The Turning Point, in which he describes the contrasting aspects of Yin and Yang, as well as the need for both to be present in a balanced, harmonious society.
Self assertion is achieved by displaying Yang behavior; by being demanding, aggressive, competitive, expanding, and – as far as human behavior is concerned – by using linear, analytic thinking. Integration is furthered by Yin behavior; by being responsive, cooperative, intuitive, and aware of one’s environment. Both Yin and Yang, integrative and self-assertive tendencies, are necessary for harmonious social and ecological relationships.
As Global Patriots, it’s important to see the balance between Yin and Yang!
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by Global Patriot on May 6, 2012
If you’ve spent any time researching the long history of global oil production you’re familiar with the phrase, “the easy oil is all gone”, which means that reserves close to the surface have all been exhausted, and oil companies now need to drill deeper and deeper to find deposits. This infograph from Energy & Capital provides a clear picture of where we’ve been, and where the world is now heading as we seek new sources of oil to satisfy the thirst of an expanding global population.
From the old days when West Texas crude oil made America the #1 producer in the world, we now drill more than 10 times deeper, and do so offshore where the risk of accident is much higher. We all know what happened when the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded in a ball of fire and ultimately sank into the Gulf of Mexico.
Relative Depth of Oil Reserves - Click on Image for Larger Size
The ultimate point is that the process of extracting oil from the earth is becoming more and more difficult, resulting in much greater cost and risk to the environment. It’s impossible to say exactly when the supply will run out, but the fact is that oil reserves are not unlimited, and that day will eventually come. The question before us is whether we have the will and determination to advance the use of alternative energy sources as a way to maintain sustainability.
