Random

(3/19/2009) - Since I launched this website in November, 2008, I’ve become more conscious of how the world’s environmental problems – and their solutions – are inextricably linked to other economic and political issues, many of which have a strong history dating back to before I was born. 

For example, I’ve also noticed this trend in recent political rhetoric surrounding the 2009 stimulus package and the Obama administration’s budget proposal.  Many conservative politicians and pundits have taken to labeling Obama’s changes to the tax code and spending increases as “socialism.”  Now, when I hear the word “socialism,” I think of either one or two things.  First, I think of Marxist theory.  Since Obama is pretty obviously not a Marxist, I dismiss this option, though I know some people believe it. 

Second, I picture Scandinavian-style social democracy.  Now, that sounds pretty good to me, or at least not something to run from in terror.  In these “socialist” countries, they have things like really cheap higher education, universal healthcare, free childcare, high rates of suicide, and they give you free pillows and blankets on the overnight trains.  Not perfect, but not something that I think deserves to be treated as an insult.