Comments on: More than 1 out of 5 Canadians are idiots http://www.ryan-mclaughlin.com/blog/farrago/more-than-1-out-of-5-canadians-are-idiots/ I'm a dad, designer, China expat and blogger Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:41:49 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Eliot http://www.ryan-mclaughlin.com/blog/farrago/more-than-1-out-of-5-canadians-are-idiots/#comment-10941 Eliot Thu, 05 Apr 2007 10:04:34 +0000 http://www.thehumanaught.com/blog/2007/03/24/almost-1-out-of-5-canadians-are-idiots/#comment-10941 The actual root of the problem here is the term "global warming" and the fact that it is winter in the northern hemisphere. The reason there are people in Alberta who are skeptical about the entire earth being warmed is that a large number of people in Alberta are freezing their asses right now. Why doesn't anyone have conferences and polls on this subject in August when the same population is bitching about how hot it is? Just about four weeks ago, we had a blizzard here. Had you asked anyone in the province about "global warming" they would have offered to chip in and buy some of it. The actual root of the problem here is the term “global warming” and the fact that it is winter in the northern hemisphere. The reason there are people in Alberta who are skeptical about the entire earth being warmed is that a large number of people in Alberta are freezing their asses right now. Why doesn’t anyone have conferences and polls on this subject in August when the same population is bitching about how hot it is? Just about four weeks ago, we had a blizzard here. Had you asked anyone in the province about “global warming” they would have offered to chip in and buy some of it.

]]> By: Ryan http://www.ryan-mclaughlin.com/blog/farrago/more-than-1-out-of-5-canadians-are-idiots/#comment-10158 Ryan Sun, 25 Mar 2007 08:26:29 +0000 http://www.thehumanaught.com/blog/2007/03/24/almost-1-out-of-5-canadians-are-idiots/#comment-10158 @Dez: More accurate, yes; different, perhaps; widely different... probably not. <blockquote>The Kyoto situation in Canada is <strong>indicative of human nature at large</strong> - short term wants always beat out possible long-term gains.</blockquote> We're saying the same thing my friend. I agree that proper votes aren't going to cure the problem, and of course environmental responsibility is on the shoulders of everyone. Which is on a basic level, I wash my hands of the 'environmental movement'. I envy people who retain hope that humanity, when looked at as one large mass, has the ability to do anything but fuck itself. We're parasites, and though individually we have the ability to see that being a parasite is counter-productive long-term, as a group... we're just going to use it up, burn it down, club it and consume it until we stop and go, "oh.. umm... crap." The great part, for us, is that we're adaptable, and that adaptability is the kink in all apocalyptic fantasies. We'll find a way to survive... just might not be too many frisbee matches ;-) @Dez: More accurate, yes; different, perhaps; widely different… probably not.

The Kyoto situation in Canada is indicative of human nature at large – short term wants always beat out possible long-term gains.

We’re saying the same thing my friend.

I agree that proper votes aren’t going to cure the problem, and of course environmental responsibility is on the shoulders of everyone. Which is on a basic level, I wash my hands of the ‘environmental movement’. I envy people who retain hope that humanity, when looked at as one large mass, has the ability to do anything but fuck itself.

We’re parasites, and though individually we have the ability to see that being a parasite is counter-productive long-term, as a group… we’re just going to use it up, burn it down, club it and consume it until we stop and go, “oh.. umm… crap.”

The great part, for us, is that we’re adaptable, and that adaptability is the kink in all apocalyptic fantasies. We’ll find a way to survive… just might not be too many frisbee matches ;-)

]]> By: dezza http://www.ryan-mclaughlin.com/blog/farrago/more-than-1-out-of-5-canadians-are-idiots/#comment-10155 dezza Sun, 25 Mar 2007 06:27:41 +0000 http://www.thehumanaught.com/blog/2007/03/24/almost-1-out-of-5-canadians-are-idiots/#comment-10155 Ryan: my point about surveyors asking me and you was rhetorical and more a point towards how these opinion studies are conducted. They poll 1000 people or so from around Canada and use their data to reflect what all Canadians think..now if they asked 3 million people, 10% of Canada's population it'd be a bit more accurate don't you think? Ryan: my point about surveyors asking me and you was rhetorical and more a point towards how these opinion studies are conducted. They poll 1000 people or so from around Canada and use their data to reflect what all Canadians think..now if they asked 3 million people, 10% of Canada’s population it’d be a bit more accurate don’t you think?

]]> By: dezza http://www.ryan-mclaughlin.com/blog/farrago/more-than-1-out-of-5-canadians-are-idiots/#comment-10154 dezza Sun, 25 Mar 2007 06:24:37 +0000 http://www.thehumanaught.com/blog/2007/03/24/almost-1-out-of-5-canadians-are-idiots/#comment-10154 Ryan: "short term wants always beat out possible long-term gains" Yes, but that's human nature in general. We have ourselves to blame, we rely too much on fossil fuels to live our lives. Do people want to pay significantly more for services, food and consumer goods because oil prices are taxed to reflect the environmental damage they do? We all have to look at ourselves first because not only can we make changes with our votes but also our consumer habits. Blaming politicians, while valid, is just a cop out. We all need to start educating ourselves better on the issues and conserving energy at a grass roots level, this is the biggest change we can all make IMHO. Ryan: “short term wants always beat out possible long-term gains”
Yes, but that’s human nature in general. We have ourselves to blame, we rely too much on fossil fuels to live our lives. Do people want to pay significantly more for services, food and consumer goods because oil prices are taxed to reflect the environmental damage they do? We all have to look at ourselves first because not only can we make changes with our votes but also our consumer habits.

Blaming politicians, while valid, is just a cop out. We all need to start educating ourselves better on the issues and conserving energy at a grass roots level, this is the biggest change we can all make IMHO.

]]> By: Jason S http://www.ryan-mclaughlin.com/blog/farrago/more-than-1-out-of-5-canadians-are-idiots/#comment-10106 Jason S Sat, 24 Mar 2007 14:56:39 +0000 http://www.thehumanaught.com/blog/2007/03/24/almost-1-out-of-5-canadians-are-idiots/#comment-10106 Okay anonymous douche-bag, don't trust SCIENTISTS. No, definitely don't. It's much better to just whimsically think about stuff, and, not being able to understand it, think it sounds crazy and come up with opinions about it. We people who actually listen to the f---ing experts will continue on admittedly ignorant, but trusting the 90 something percent of them who DO know the subject. Real smart. Sorry...got a bit worked up there. Sad irony just really gets me going. Okay anonymous douche-bag, don’t trust SCIENTISTS. No, definitely don’t. It’s much better to just whimsically think about stuff, and, not being able to understand it, think it sounds crazy and come up with opinions about it. We people who actually listen to the f—ing experts will continue on admittedly ignorant, but trusting the 90 something percent of them who DO know the subject. Real smart.

Sorry…got a bit worked up there. Sad irony just really gets me going.

]]> By: Ryan http://www.ryan-mclaughlin.com/blog/farrago/more-than-1-out-of-5-canadians-are-idiots/#comment-10105 Ryan Sat, 24 Mar 2007 14:55:45 +0000 http://www.thehumanaught.com/blog/2007/03/24/almost-1-out-of-5-canadians-are-idiots/#comment-10105 @Jamieson: No idea mate. @Zhongtang: Gawd, don't get me started on the Québécois and their plights for "freedom". Far too many Mel Gibson movies for that lot. But yeah, good on 'em for taking the initiative. Sadly it's all for naught if the government doesn't get on board. Though, to their credit, the Bloc federally and the Parti provincially both seem more interested than all but the Greens and NDP in meeting the Kyoto requirements. @Josh: I love <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qmglGWMsdk" rel="nofollow">Bill</a> :-). @Jamieson: No idea mate.

@Zhongtang: Gawd, don’t get me started on the Québécois and their plights for “freedom”. Far too many Mel Gibson movies for that lot.

But yeah, good on ‘em for taking the initiative. Sadly it’s all for naught if the government doesn’t get on board. Though, to their credit, the Bloc federally and the Parti provincially both seem more interested than all but the Greens and NDP in meeting the Kyoto requirements.

@Josh: I love Bill :-) .

]]> By: Josh http://www.ryan-mclaughlin.com/blog/farrago/more-than-1-out-of-5-canadians-are-idiots/#comment-10104 Josh Sat, 24 Mar 2007 14:54:04 +0000 http://www.thehumanaught.com/blog/2007/03/24/almost-1-out-of-5-canadians-are-idiots/#comment-10104 4 out of 5 are convinced. 1 out of 5 is almost convinced, but remains skeptical. Suckers! "Giant, flying lizards? You moron! That's one of God's easiest jokes." "It seemed so plausible!" 4 out of 5 are convinced. 1 out of 5 is almost convinced, but remains skeptical. Suckers!

“Giant, flying lizards? You moron! That’s one of God’s easiest jokes.” “It seemed so plausible!”

]]> By: Zhongtang http://www.ryan-mclaughlin.com/blog/farrago/more-than-1-out-of-5-canadians-are-idiots/#comment-10095 Zhongtang Sat, 24 Mar 2007 13:21:37 +0000 http://www.thehumanaught.com/blog/2007/03/24/almost-1-out-of-5-canadians-are-idiots/#comment-10095 Al Gore received this weak an honorary doctorate from Montreal's Concordia University. Gore was also present at the Palais des Congrès of Montreal where he said : "Quebec is the conscience of Canada on the environment. The rest of Canada is pretty good on this issue also, but Quebec is the conscience of Canada and you young people are the conscience of Quebec on this issue." The deal is that Concordia University students took radical steps to fight global warming : 75 cents per course goes to a green fund, which will be used to replace diesel-fuelled shuttle buses with electric buses and to provide reusable mugs to students for all beverages bought on campus. What will happen to Canada if the nation of Quebec becomes free ? Quebec provincial elections are Monday March 26th and the Parti Québécois might win with a minority majority. Al Gore received this weak an honorary doctorate from Montreal’s Concordia University. Gore was also present at the Palais des Congrès of Montreal where he said : “Quebec is the conscience of Canada on the environment. The rest of Canada is pretty good on this issue also, but Quebec is the conscience of Canada and you young people are the conscience of Quebec on this issue.”

The deal is that Concordia University students took radical steps to fight global warming : 75 cents per course goes to a green fund, which will be used to replace diesel-fuelled shuttle buses with electric buses and to provide reusable mugs to students for all beverages bought on campus.

What will happen to Canada if the nation of Quebec becomes free ? Quebec provincial elections are Monday March 26th and the Parti Québécois might win with a minority majority.

]]> By: Jamieson http://www.ryan-mclaughlin.com/blog/farrago/more-than-1-out-of-5-canadians-are-idiots/#comment-10094 Jamieson Sat, 24 Mar 2007 13:17:15 +0000 http://www.thehumanaught.com/blog/2007/03/24/almost-1-out-of-5-canadians-are-idiots/#comment-10094 Who was that Anonymous wanker ? Saw the Gore movie. All statistics and dire predictions, but with few (if any) concrete plans to FIX THE PROBLEM. Of course, Dubbya does that smug leer and pooh-poohs the whole Global Warming/Greenhouse gas concept, on camera - no less. Sigh. Who was that Anonymous wanker ? Saw the Gore movie. All statistics and dire predictions, but with few (if any) concrete plans to FIX THE PROBLEM. Of course, Dubbya does that smug leer and pooh-poohs the whole Global Warming/Greenhouse gas concept, on camera – no less. Sigh.

]]> By: Ryan http://www.ryan-mclaughlin.com/blog/farrago/more-than-1-out-of-5-canadians-are-idiots/#comment-10099 Ryan Sat, 24 Mar 2007 11:04:42 +0000 http://www.thehumanaught.com/blog/2007/03/24/almost-1-out-of-5-canadians-are-idiots/#comment-10099 I hate anonymous pissants (CLB, I hope you just happen to share similar geography). So... with me not knowing anything, let me make a couple of guesses to what you know. You know how to download, you know how to watch <em>The Great Global Warming Swindle</em> and you know how to create equal but opposite opinions for the sake of making yourself feel smart. You're right, comparatively, I know nothing. As I said above, I don't suppose anyone should visit just one source to come to a conclusion on global responsibility and human impact on the world. I also don't think people should believe the opposite of something that is popular just because it's popular. You're right, I'm no expert. Nor do I claim to be. The stupid part is, I don't need to be. This isn't alarmist crap, doom sayers and whatnot.... I'm not saying civilization will be wiped from the planet and the world will end... it's nothing so drastic. Though I cannot possibly comment to what people said 30 years ago (I was doing my best to say "goo"), perhaps we need to revisit the fact that the population of the world has nearly doubled in thirty years, and though slowing, is still going to bulk up before the plateau. A plateau that is a rather massive 9 billion people. There are currently 854 million people (give or take) starving in the world - despite major efforts by the UN (and NGOs) to halve it over the last two decades, as well as increased food yields and better crop technology, it's continuing to increase. As for the ice age... what the hell do I know. Personally, I don't give a fuck. I've become a bit nihilistic in my ever-increasing age. I'll leave this response with the fact that with Gore's solution (wrong or right) we get cleaner air and a better/safer environment... with yours, my tiny little home-town gets the air quality of most Chinese cities - though it's on a hill, so that's a plus. I hate anonymous pissants (CLB, I hope you just happen to share similar geography).

So… with me not knowing anything, let me make a couple of guesses to what you know. You know how to download, you know how to watch The Great Global Warming Swindle and you know how to create equal but opposite opinions for the sake of making yourself feel smart. You’re right, comparatively, I know nothing.

As I said above, I don’t suppose anyone should visit just one source to come to a conclusion on global responsibility and human impact on the world. I also don’t think people should believe the opposite of something that is popular just because it’s popular.

You’re right, I’m no expert. Nor do I claim to be. The stupid part is, I don’t need to be. This isn’t alarmist crap, doom sayers and whatnot…. I’m not saying civilization will be wiped from the planet and the world will end… it’s nothing so drastic.

Though I cannot possibly comment to what people said 30 years ago (I was doing my best to say “goo”), perhaps we need to revisit the fact that the population of the world has nearly doubled in thirty years, and though slowing, is still going to bulk up before the plateau. A plateau that is a rather massive 9 billion people.

There are currently 854 million people (give or take) starving in the world – despite major efforts by the UN (and NGOs) to halve it over the last two decades, as well as increased food yields and better crop technology, it’s continuing to increase.

As for the ice age… what the hell do I know.

Personally, I don’t give a fuck. I’ve become a bit nihilistic in my ever-increasing age. I’ll leave this response with the fact that with Gore’s solution (wrong or right) we get cleaner air and a better/safer environment… with yours, my tiny little home-town gets the air quality of most Chinese cities – though it’s on a hill, so that’s a plus.

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