| Re: What if: Romans see potential of Steam Power? |
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Group: alt.philosophy · Group Profile
Author: Robert J. KolkerRobert J. Kolker Date: Jun 20, 2008 07:47
Democracy Highlander wrote:
> In our times, it is a huge demand for energy and at least in the developed
> world, the population still have the ability to pay for cheaper and cleaner
> energy.
>
> And even if you believe that in US big oil corporations were successful to
> suppress some research, what about the rest of the world ? Why not pop up
> something in Sweden, France, UK, Japan, Germany or even India and China ?
>
> I actually agree that we invest too little in research, and I would strongly
> agree to increase taxes on oil companies and put all that money in
> non-fossil energy research. But I am not able to see any evidence of a
> world-wide super-force capable to keep the fusion in dark.
The shortfall of research is more due to short-sightedness than a
Sinister Plot to Suppress Technology. There is too much emphasis on the
quarterly P & L. The short run bottom line rules the game.
If the Chinese (say) ever develop controlled fusion, they will eat our
lunch and the U.S. will have to play catchup for ten years in a Crash
Program. It will be Sputnik all over again.
There will be agony, gnashing of teeth, rending of garments, ashes
poured on our heads and the Burning Question: How could Chinks ever
outinvent us Merkins?
Bob Kolker
Bob Kolker
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