Quote:Original post by LessBread
Quote:Original post by cyric74
LessBread was using the same approach that you are in pointing out specific cases of "ultra-rich versus the rest of us"--but when talking of something with such a massive scope as global warming, we're looking at species-wide and planet-wide changes. We need to suspend our divisions such as rich versus poor, Dem vs Republican etc. These dastardly rich people didn't design, build and drive every environment-harming car on the road. This was done by millions and millions of average Joes, some of who may have also made economic profit from the design, construction and operation of the vehicles, but will reap and sew the same damaged world as everyone else.
Average Joes didn't lobby Congress in order to kill mileage standards. Average Joes didn't lobby Congress to give businesses a tax break for purchasing Hummers. Average Joes didn't lobby Congress to give big oil unnecessary tax breaks either.
Average Joes elected members of Congress into their position of power, and continue to elect the same people. You can't pass off all responsibility by pointing a finger at some rich guy and scream, "His fault!" just because you don't like the fact that he's rich.
How many average people do you know own SUVs or pick-up trucks, but just use them for driving around the city? I can probably name fifty aquaintances who fit that bill. Rich white people exploiting the masses didn't force them to purchase that car--it was a personal choice, and one that harms the environment. The Average Joe doesn't give a shit, honestly, so you can just as easily direct your anger at them.
Quote:Original post by LessBread
Cooperation is as much at work in biological evolution as is competition. In fact, I would put forward that cooperation is much more important to human evolution than competition given the length of time it takes for us to reach adulthood.
I agree--populations of people who are somewhat trusting and cooperate with other populations around them are better off in the long run. Our modern concept of competition is very new--Americans 100 years ago didn't really have to worry about market prices in China, or oil prices in the middle east. Globalization has done remarkable things for our civilization, but it has also taken a toll on the environment and society.