Seth Godin, aka His Baldness, is a prolific writer. Many think he’s a genius. I won’t weigh in on that, but I will say that his post, The triumph of coal marketing, was provocative.
He shares what for many are “annoying facts” about energy. As we sprint to global judgment about nuclear power based on the extraordinary engineering achievement in Fukushima (of did I say the last nail in the nuclear coffin based on the tragedy?), and are overwhelmed with stories about how nuclear plant licenses are dead in the water, and spinach is generating ticks on the Geiger counter, His Baldness shares the above image.
Of course there is extraordinary power in this image, but my guess is the impact on this story, through the media as currently controlled, will be minimal.
by Julie on October 31, 2010
Today was one of those glorious fall days in New England when you fill your lungs with fresh air and soak up the scenery – leaves, bricks, sky, and think – how could I be this lucky? It was a typical Sunday for me in many respects. I went to Haverhill with my brother Tom, to visit our father who lives in a nursing home. The one thing that was out of the ordinary was that we attended a political rally in Washington Square for Charlie Baker. The square was filled with enthusiastic, sign-toting supporters and we even got to meet Curt Schilling, the famous Yankee fan.
A little bit about my brother: Tom lives in a group home for developmentally disabled adults in Salem, MA, that’s operated by Northeast ARC (Association for R*$&* Citizens). Since moving there several years ago, he’s become healthier and more active than he had been for most of his adult life. He attends a day habilitation program that he enjoys very much. His house is comfortable, roomy and staffed by caring, hard-working people. It’s a wonderful situation, and it’s funded in large part by the state of Massachusetts.
Some people might wonder why I support Charlie Baker, who has pledged to cut government spending and employees. It seems like it might go against my brother’s interests. But I believe that a vote for Charlie is a vote for Tom and folks like him.
The thing I have asked myself is whether our state is on a sustainable path. With the expansion in state jobs, government programs and pensions, the answer is clearly “no.” What’s going to happen when push comes to shove? Do you think Tom and his housemates stand a chance against the union folks and pensioners? Do you think the bureaucrats earning six-figure salaries are going to give up their jobs voluntarily so that my brother can go to his day program? I think not.
Some people would have you believe that limiting government spending will mean catastrophe for the less fortunate, but the opposite is true. If we don’t start taking steps to get control of government pensions and benefits, it’s the people like my brother, those without powerful voices, who will suffer.
The highlight of my glorious fall day in New England was being able to introduce my brother to Charlie. He shook Tom’s hand and mine. He looked me in the eye and thanked us for coming to the rally. It was a brief encounter, one of tens of thousands that I’m sure Charlie has had on the campaign trail. But it was a nice thing for Tom and me.
On Tuesday, Charlie Baker’s name will be on the ballot. But I will be voting for Tom.
