Hopelessnes And An Electric Car
I am not a activist or warrior by personality, but I am competitive… very competitive. Not that realized this about myself for years. I don’t act particularly competitive. Yet the truth is that in any situation I immediately (and often almost unconsciously) assess my ability to win or succeed, and in the past if triumph wasn’t almost guaranteed I simply didn’t even try.
I’m concerned about huge political, social, economic, and environment issues, but you won’t find me out on the picket line and I confess that I rarely write my congressional representatives. A huge part of this for me is hopelessness.
I’ve unconsciously looked at my chances to ‘win’ and then short-circuited my anger or concern because I suspected my voice wouldn’t matter. This little internal cycle kicked in again this past week when I watched a movie I’d ordered from Netflix. This particular flim strayed from my normal action/adventure or romance comedy choices; it was a documentary entitled Who Killed The Electric Car? Exactly the kind of film I'm SUPPOSED to appreciate as an thoughtful, over-educated faith leader type.
I confess it sat on the table much longer than most movies, and I almost returned it unwatched. Just the title suggested a Don-Quixote-charging-a-windmill moment.
I was right, but I was also stunned (especially given the current price of gas) at how impressive a battery-operated car could be. The movie chronicles the life, death, and apparently concerted effort to cover-up the potential a completely electric car, the GM EV1.
I was mad when I finished the movie and hopeless at what did appear to be huge economic interests that would put current profits over long-term good. Granted, this might well be only part of the story (watch the movie yourself and let me know what else I might need to consider), but my question is how do I… how do we… as individuals far from the centers of political and economic power engage in big issues without living in constant anger or hopelessness?
In the past I’ve simply avoided issues too big for me to tackle on my own (which is most of them). I’m no longer satisfied with this approach, but I know I need help discovering new ways to engage that are not dominated by anger or crippled by despair. Any ideas?
posted by Kevin Finch @ 11:24 AM
2 comments
2 Comments:
a few investigative minutes thru back issues of Popular Mechanics would better prepare us all for the latest "documentary" from the Hollywood scholars, who every Easter drag out their negating authorities in another attempt to turn the world away from the savior. From one who 25 years ago was given a grant from Bonneville Power to build and install solor panels on my residence, I'v become hesitent to buy without question the lastes comspiricy film from the elite. Needless to say I would that all who use fpc would be more conscientious about using less energy and generating less waste.. I have takes Deans example of always recycling my plastic baggies.
Your heart for the folks at fpc, and your love for our Lord is always and encouragement to me. Our last staff discussion on remembering a word of praise to us was particulaly refreshing.... "we have fellowship one with another, and..." Stephen
I watched this film a few months ago, and like you I was frustrated by GM's intentional suppression of a promising technology.
I've spent years designing things in my head and various versions of an electric and electric/hybrid cars have been one of the most energizing for me to think about.
If battery technology can be developed to provide a reasonable range, I believe that electric vehicles could provide a huge reduction in CO2.
But even with the present technology and limited range, I would like to see electric cars reintroduced and as a first phase be specifically marketed to families who own more than one car. The non-electric car could be used for longer trips and in this way the public could adjust to the technology.
It is possible, we just don't have the political will to do it, yet.
I am encouraged that Evangelical Christians are “joining the cause”, so to speak, and there is a much greater awareness of the need to care for this planet. I feel much less alone in this area than I have for years.
Thanks for bring this up!
-John
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