Apr 30 2008
The Myopia of Secularism
You have hear of the quote “Patience is a Virtue”. However, in todays society, it seems to have been turned into a vice. In society where “instant gratification” is expected, the short term seems to be the only thing that people care about. This has given way to a sort of myopic about the larger picture.
Take as an example, the bio-fuel controversy and food prices. Yes, bio-fuels are contributing to higher prices, but it is only a very small part of it. Over speculation in the commodity markets, government paying farmers NOT to plant, can the cost of oil making production and transportation costs rise all contribute more that the diverting of some crops to make bio-fuels.
What many do not see (or do not want to see in some cases) is that more and more sources of bio-fuels are being developed and they are starting to become available on the market. It may take a few years, but expect less and less bio-fuels being made from non foodstock materials. Secondly, farmers are starting to bring fallow land out of the government programs and are starting to utilize them again. There is over 3o million acres of unused farmland. In addition, land that is not considered to be farmable can be used to grow grasses that can be used to biomass for the bio-fuels industry. Lastly, there are many places around the world that can support crops that is not being used due to conflicts and government mismanagement and corruption. If these obstacles can be eliminated, this land can be used for producing food.
All of the above can increase supplies of food and this lower the cost not only by the supply, but costs of transportation since it will be closer to where it is needed. And, with the increase in bio-fuels from non foodstock, energy cost will come down too due to the alternatives to oil.
Yes, there will be pain in the short run and people do not like that because of their myopia. However, if the bigger picture of the long run is looked at, the future can and will be better for it.
Yes. patience is a virtue. I just wish other would see that.
