It's by one of my favorite authors, speakers and Economists, Walter E. Williams. He's brilliant, funny and articulate and you should take the time and read this article because it explains in a much better way why I am against the government imposing climate-control standards on average citizens.
It is summed up by the closing line, "Their agenda is far more achievable using techniques dear to all tyrants: There's less resistance if liberty is taken away a little bit at a time."
7 comments:
Interesting, I'll have to look into this plan. I guess we'll be the first to know if CA becomes the next '1984' since we're living here.
Well, the uproar that followed the publication of the 2008 plan ended the state's plans to put programmable state-controlled thermostats in new homes. But I would not be surprised if it reared its head again within the next 5 years. They were just testing the waters...it'll come back.
This article seems like a bunch of propaganda bunk meant to get people riled up...a total strawman argument.
It's not propaganda, Chandy. http://www.energy.ca.gov/title24/2008standards/faq.html
Additionally, Dr. Sowell is a highly respected economist and writer. His bio can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Sowell
I'm not questioning the fact that PCTs were at one point explored as an option...I'm pointing out the fact that the absolutely ridiculous leap he is making to a "temperature czar" controlling one's oven or television viewing habits is a strawman, plain and simple. You don't think that the big bad government already has control over the electricity in a state of extreme emergency? Substations could simply be shut down if needed! The right to have air conditioning and TIVO isn't exactly protected in the Bill of Rights. And if, for example, there is an emergency event that requires adjusting thermostats to ensure that hospitals and emergency responders have the power they need, then that's not so wicked, IMHO.
But, on a lighter note, we'll just have to agree to disagree on some things. Hope you can still be friends with someone who has different opinions! :)
I think Dr. Sowell's the choice of labeling a temperature czar is little funny. At least I took it to be satirical.
I think you make a good point about ensuring that some organizations maintain power in case of emergency, and obviously that is a good idea. My concern is when we let the government be in charge of our homes in non-emergency situations.
And of course you are right about the Bill of Rights not protecting air conditioning. But the constitution does ensure the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. (Liberty is the one I believe threatened in this case.)
By the way, most of my friends believe differently about this subject than I do. Of course I still want to be friends with you, Chandy. You are awesome! Can't wait to see you this weekend. :)
Also, what is IMHO?
Well, I would definitely agree that government control in non-emergency situations is over-stepping, and hopefully was never the intent of the proposal of PCTs.
But keep up the though-provoking blog posts. I enjoy having someone to disagree with!
(IMHO=in my humble opinion)
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