It does really set a legitimate cause back when an expert makes a prediction of apocalypse occurring on a date certain. It was arrogant of Ehrlich to think he could predict the explosion of the population bomb. Although he and his publisher probably knew that otherwise sales wouldn't be great. So, when the predicted end of times doesn't happen, everyone goes, "Ehhh," and continues on without worry.Taylor wrote:Mann brings up the influence of Paul Ehrlich’s “The Population Bomb” during Mann’s time in college. The reason I bring this up is that the profits have famously been wrong. This sets the debate back, it allows for the appearance of legitimate criticism of current events. Mann “Oscillates” between the wizards and profits. I am interested to learn how his “curiosity” is satisfied.
You have a frontline view of the power of interests, even when the interest is only recreation. The gun lobby I think is largely also about the right of people to recreate as they choose. The self-defense justification for 2nd Amendment fundamentalism isn't the real main thing, IMO.Personal anecdote: I am a Diesel and gasoline engine mechanic in the marine industry, There are no liberal boat owners. They own things that are the epitome of self centered thinking. This is an industry that provides nothing to the environment, typically these vessels are mobile hazmat sites. The owners show little respect for the water they claim to love. I am a strange dichotomy, on one hand I can tell a guy(boat owners are typically dudes) give me 25 grand and I can restore their catastrophically failed propulsion system or give me 35 grand and I can improve there system to a more fuel efficient one. Rarely are improvements chosen. The idea is, the owners understand the difference between having to pay for restoration and volunteering to pay for improvements. Like doctors of medicine, I am not the bearer good news. It’s a delicate position, because it is purely about money. I resent the industry that provides my paycheck though I must be good at what I’m doing, because I’m making a decent living, I like being in the faces of these guys and taking their money. These customers don’t walk away from me, they need me. They need me to justify or affirm their lifestyle.
My industry is a daily reminder of the uphill battle the Vogtians struggle with. There is innovation in this industry but that innovation is very expensive. It is limited to the wealthy who can afford expensive toys and adaption to a changing climate. They have the money to lobby state and federal agencies to reduce regulatory rules, that require lower emissions, and the regulation of fisheries. They push for more open access to fish for specific game that is at critically low stock. These competing industries, sport fishing and commercial fishing like most others prefer to “regulate” themselves.
Anyway, I am going to attempt to create my own take on the “Wizards and Profits” that brings something different to the table.
I suppose we have to accept the bad with the good when it comes to interest groups. The solar industry, for example, could become powerful enough to lobby against other forms of renewable energy. We see how the corn biofuel lobby has prevented challenges to its market, despite clear evidence that corn ethanol's benefits don't justify the pressure the industry puts on food prices.
Anyway, looking forward to your "own take" on all the wizards and prophets out there.