Wednesday, May 19, 2010

The Green Economy: Pro and Con

This morning Tom Friedman proclaimed that he had drawn the only correct lesson from the Gulf oil spill: we need to green the economy, tax carbon emissions, and promote new green technologies. Link here.

Which means that Friedman thinks that the spill proves that we should do what he has always been saying that we should do. It's nice to be smart enough to be able to find evidence that proves you were always right.

In the great debate over greening the economy, Friedman represents the pro side.

For the con side, I recommend that you have a look at Christopher Horner's article on Pajama's Media. Horner has managed to acquire a confidential report, prepared by and for the Spanish government, that analyzes the results of Spain's green economy initiatives. He offers some commentary, a translation of the report, and a link to the original Spanish version. Link here.

Contrary to the gossamer visions of Tom Friedman, Spain's experience with a green economy has been very, very costly. These environmentally friendly policies have produced higher unemployment and have helped send the nation to the brink of bankruptcy.

Thus, Horner and the Spanish government adequately represent an opposing point of view.

In a better world, both points of view would be debated in Congress and in the news media. Alas, we do not live in a better world. But fortunately, we do have the blogosphere to provide us with what the mainstream media finds unworthy of attention.

3 comments:

Tricia said...

Hi, I think that Friedman trades on his "Foreign correspondent" image, to convince people here that he's been around the globe and is the only one who knows what is really going on out there. His view of globalization borders on the absurd...mmm.. IS absurd, and his statements on green-ness and globalization have less and less to do w/factual truth and reality, and more to do w/Friedman-land, a dystopia that he is conjuring up by spewing half-truth, half-facts and pure fiction...

Anonymous said...

Hi, I think that Friedman trades on his "Foreign correspondent" image, to convince people here that he's been around the globe and is the only one who knows what is really going on out there.

I think Trisha makes a good observation here about Friedman.

Yeah, what Friedman neglects to tell is that in any foreign nation, they wouldn't engage in 24/7 Oil Spill Updates. The citizens/citoyens/paisanos/subjects would never even hear about it.

Hell, other nations would brag about it: "We are so very rich with oil that we bathe in it if we like. Look at this beach, it comes up naturally! We are rich!"

--Gray

Stuart Schneiderman said...

I agree with Tricia, too. The amazing thing, and it is truly amazing, is not only that he gets away with it, but that he is so widely respected.

My favorite Friedman is named George. He's over at Stratfor.com. I hope everyone has a chance to read some of his analysis of foreign policy.

Comparing Tom with George is frightening indeed.