Good day readers, no, drinkers of the Coffee. There’s really so much to cover that this could be a full-time job, this Coffee-brewing thing. But, alas, it cannot be, so we’ll have to consume in moderation, and savor the sweet taste when it’s available.
And because it’s so sweet, I implore you, if you deem it worthy, to pass along the Coffee to others who might appreciate it so. Better yet, refer them to the site…
Please, Enjoy the Temperature We’ve Set for You:
In the never-ending quest to combat global warming, planning poorly for growth, and insufficient infrastructure, Californian legislators are always seeking an advantage. And now, they might have the missing link: radio controlled thermostats, or as they call them, programmable communicating thermostats (PCT). Now, if the need arises, regulators can adjust your thermostat remotely, in case you and your fellow consumers are using too much electricity during peak times.
It’s such a small thing really. I don’t know why this would bother anyone; I don’t know why it bothers me. We trust these people to do the right thing, right? I mean, it’s only the temperature in your house. That’s all they want. For now, anyway.
Okay, I tried. I don’t buy any of that, really. It may be a small thing, but small things turn into bigger things. This is your house, people. Maybe they should get the message out more efficiently that you can turn your temp down a few degrees, and it’ll save you money. But instead, they try to implement regulations to control it for you. And you’re okay with this, apparently.
My problem with this goes beyond the intrusion of government into our homes. In fact, I have several issues with this PCT business (and its likely future spawn). For one, how is the decision made to lower the thermostats and in what areas and in whose houses? Will it be, as Joseph Somsel of the “American Thinker” writes, a case of the rich being catered to while the not-so-rich suffer? Will Malibu or La Jolla be nice and cool, while Central Valley bakes? Never mind that this undermines a central tenet in post-feudal life, that being private property and a man (or woman) controlling his or her castle. (Come on, it’s not yours anyway, really. Try not paying your taxes even after paying off your mortgage.)
Another problem I have with this absurdity is that it seems to absolve the state from having to properly establish and run institutions to provide for the public. Ralph Cavanagh, an energy expert with the National Resources Defense Council, says that, “most people given a choice of two degrees of temperature setback and 14th century living would happily embrace this capacity,” during times of peak electrical use. That argument sure sounds persuasive and makes going against the idea seem like whining. But really, in 21st century America, these are our only two options? In essence, “let us decide what’s best, or you can live without electricity for a few hours out of the day.” No. If you want unparalleled economic growth, then you need to provide the infrastructure necessary to meet the demands of said growth. In this, the administrators of California are failing. California’s energy crisis is part of a larger problem we have in this country, and unless we start thinking of revolutionary ways (beyond regulating to death the citizens of our country), 14th century living is going to frequent our lives a bit more. How has our innovation become so stagnant? Our best solution is indeed a technological wonder, but it’s a remote controlled thermostat with which the state can regulate your power consumption from afar, not a more efficient power plant or a new source of energy that is clean and cheap.
Columbian White in Baghdad:
If California’s energy woes aren’t enough to convince you of the existence of global climate change or global warming or whatever you want to call it, then this should. It snowed in Baghdad last week. You know the sort of snow we get here in the states; those big fluffy flakes floating to the ground and stuff? Yeah, that’s exactly the kind of snow they had. I realize that one half expects Iraqi snow to fire AK-47s into the air and attempt to ethnically cleanse the other flakes, but their snow is as docile as ours. And get this, not a single Iraqi was seen to be complaining about it. Would you see that in America? I think not, friends. Of course, it’s the first time in 100 years that Baghdad has seen snow, so it’s fairly novel. In fact, Iraqis saw it as a good omen; a sign of peace to come. Their blithesome mood would likely change if for five months out of the year, the forecast called for snow and bitter cold temperature, but we should let them enjoy it for now. They have enough to feel badly about.
Regrettably, that is all I have time for this morning. I hope though that you’ve enjoyed what I’ve brewed today. I have a few profoundly delicious Pots brewing, so stay tuned.
Word of the Day: Raillery (noun): 1. Good-humored banter or teasing. 2. An instance of good-humored teasing; a jest.
On This Day in History: Marcus Antonius, better known as Marc Antony, was born (83 BCE). The Fundamental Orders, widely considered the first written constitution in Western history, were adopted in Connecticut (1638).
“None are so hopelessly enslaved as those who falsely believe they are free.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
“So long as the people do not care to exercise their freedom, those who wish to tyrannize will do so; for tyrants are active and ardent, and will devote themselves in the name of any number of gods, religious and otherwise, to put shackles upon sleeping men.” – Voltaire.
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