Thought for the Day – Shooting Ourselves in the Foot
Comedy Break, Consumerism, Economics, Society — by Craig Mackintosh PRI Editor June 1, 2011
I think the irony to be found in the following quote will likely have been completely unnoticed by its author:
Australia’s economy is heavily reliant on exporting its natural resources. — BBC
It’s a statement nestled near the beginning of the article. The alarming thing is that we can be so fundamentally confused about our present economic trajectory that such a statement is considered perfectly normal and nothing at all to be worried about. Indeed, the only problem the article seems concerned about is that this exporting of natural resources has been slowed.
For those who are still dreamily content and feeling secure in the matrix of lies fed us by government promises and corporate and media distractions, I guess I should paraphrase the above quotation to ensure clarity:
The success of Australia’s economy is highly dependent on sending everything it has of value somewhere else.
Or:
The success of Australia’s economy is highly dependent on undermining its own viability.
We use the words ’sustainability’ so often that I think we often fail to appreciate what it really means. Ultimately, something that cannot be sustained is something that will expire.
The quote reminds me of a video clip I found a while back. Perhaps you’ve seen it too? Aren’t we just like this dog — we can’t see our own craziness?
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Recycling
Comedy Break, Society, peak oil — by Marc Roberts May 16, 2011
Editor’s Note: This cartoon reminds me of the cool vivoleum prank from the Yes Men
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Courtesy: Marc Roberts
Frank is Unwell
Comedy Break, Society — by Craig Mackintosh PRI Editor May 13, 2011
I hadn’t heard from Frank for a while, and due to evidence of some mental instability the last time I caught up with him, I though it high time to track him down and have a good ‘ol natter. It’s tough being a cartoon, particularly a cartoon who is quite aware of our present state of affairs. Why? Well, you can feel rather helpless. What can a cartoon character really do to make a difference in a world of harsh realities?
As it happened, when I finally tracked him down, Frank had boarded up his windows and was deep into a self-pitying hedonistic binge…. It wasn’t a pretty sight. In the hope of catching a glimpse of his former glory, and perhaps reawakening some of his former environmental passion, I asked him if he didn’t have a few words to share with our readers. This is what he had to say….
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Courtesy: Marc Roberts
I’ll check in on him again soon. Hopefully he’ll snap out of this…. Given his past, it’d be a crying shame if he spent his autumn years in despondency, even if rather justified. If you have any words of encouragement for Frank, feel free to send them by way of comment below. He probably won’t admit it, but I know that during commercial breaks he’s still catching up with our site and others like it.
Comments (2)Love Thy Neighbour
Comedy Break — by Marc Roberts March 4, 2011
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Courtesy: Marc Roberts
All Washed Up
Comedy Break, Consumerism, Food Shortages, Global Warming/Climate Change, Society, peak oil — by Marc Roberts February 21, 2011
Courtesy: Marc Roberts
We’re All in This Together?
Comedy Break, Economics, Global Warming/Climate Change, Society — by Marc Roberts February 18, 2011
Courtesy: Marc Roberts
Seller’s Market?
Comedy Break, Consumerism, Economics, Global Warming/Climate Change — by Marc Roberts February 17, 2011
Courtesy: Marc Roberts
Final Frontier?
Comedy Break, Consumerism, Global Warming/Climate Change — by Marc Roberts February 12, 2011
Courtesy: Marc Roberts
Well Remembered
Comedy Break, Consumerism, Global Warming/Climate Change, Society — by Marc Roberts February 10, 2011
Courtesy: Marc Roberts
Gatekeeping?
Comedy Break, Global Warming/Climate Change, Society — by Marc Roberts February 8, 2011
Courtesy: Marc Roberts
Islands in the Stream
Comedy Break, Consumerism, Deforestation, Global Warming/Climate Change — by Marc Roberts February 2, 2011
Courtesy: Marc Roberts
Guiding Philosophical Principles
Comedy Break, Consumerism, Global Warming/Climate Change, Society — by Marc Roberts January 28, 2011
Courtesy: Marc Roberts
Sustainable Transport
Comedy Break, Consumerism, Economics, Global Warming/Climate Change, Society — by Marc Roberts
Courtesy: Marc Roberts
Mismanaged Expectations
Comedy Break, Global Warming/Climate Change, Society — by Marc Roberts January 21, 2011
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Courtesy: Marc Roberts
I enjoyed this thoughtful piece from Andrew Revkin at DotEarth.
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