Expat Texan

Vacuous little prat. However, it’s even worse than I thought.  Our dear Dr. Suzuki believes that people who turned their lights off for Earth Hour displayed the same kind of courage as Rosa Parks.  It is a messianic complex, with adherents believing that they are engaged in some noble, sacred task rather than meaningless acts of self gratifying foolishness.

Who can ever forget Rosa Parks, who became an icon of civil rights by refusing to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in the segregated south?

Who can forget the lone Chinese protestor in 1989 who bravely showed the world his courage by refusing to move from oncoming tanks in Tiananmen Square?

And who can forget Terry Fox, who continues to inspire thousands around the world to take part in the non-competitive run that bears his name each year? All this, even though this brave young man didn’t live to complete his own cross-Canada journey.

As single acts, in and of themselves, these actions aren’t all that special. Certainly noteworthy, but not earth shaking. Yet, in a sense, these simple acts became larger symbols, succeeding in shaking up our thoughts about racism, authoritarian regimes, and cancer research.

So, in Suzuki’s mind, being a lone chinese protestor standing in front of a tank in Tiananmen Square is not that special.  Possibly giving up one’s life for an ideal, such as that protestor or Rosa Sparks, rates no special mention except they sparked broader protest movements.  But somehow, being brave enough to do without electricity for an hour equates with those history altering moments.  I should have added pompous and pedantic into the description somewhere.

Sustainable energy is a great idea - how about nuclear?  Doing reasonable things to curb greenhouse gas emissions - sure, why not?  Crippling global economies with nothing but feel good Green dogma to guide us - not so much in favor of that.  Having to listen to people congratulate themselves for being brave enough to go without lights for an hour - no thanks.  Those of us who didn’t participate in Earth Hour, running the risk of being screeched at by unhinged Greenies are the real heroes of the story.  Just like Rosa Parks.