re: #15 Tumulus11

. The historical record is clear:

Mississippi Declaration of Secession
‘Our position is thoroughly identified with the institution of slavery - the greatest material interest of the world. Its labor supplies the product, which constitutes by far the largest and most important portions of commerce of the earth. These products are peculiar to the climate verging on the tropical regions, and by an imperious law of nature, none but the black race can bear exposure to the tropical sun. These products have become necessities of the world, and a blow at slavery is a blow at commerce and civilization.’

Note that a very similar parallel argument regrading the use of fossil fuels vs. alternative sources of fuels exists, and is being pushed by the GOP. The history of the world makes no sense unless you understand that the availability and control of mechanical “work” drives everything. Look at ancient Rome, and ancient Greece. Look at Egypt. Look at the south, pre- Civil War. Look at the industrial revolution.

None of it makes sense unless you take into account who or what is used to provide mechanical energy. A gallon of gas contains about 28,900 calories of usable energy. That is a CRAPLOAD of work energy to get for under 4 bucks. Our entire standard of living depends on that, and nobody wants to take seriously the things that need to be done to find other sources of energy.

It pisses me off, because it is a HUGE issue, and it is discussed by the right as though it were an inconvenience to have to talk about it, and that’s on a good day.