Democratic Underground - The “Jiminy Cricket Syndrome,

I believe Kunstler put is best in an interview when he stated:

http://www.energybulletin.net/10346.html

Kunstler’s main criticism was what he called the “Jiminy Cricket Syndrome,” that is, the idea that “If you wish upon a star,” the energy problem will be resolved.

One example of this is the idea that new technology will solve energy shortages, but Kunstler said there is little evidence to suggest that technology is at a point where it can make a huge contribution to the problem.

He was also critical of what he called the “Las Vegasization of America,” the idea that one can get something for nothing. He called it a “childish idea,” using the example of hydrogen as a renewable energy source. One of his slides had the title, “There will not be a hydrogen economy.”

Kunstler said that cities will have to get smaller and that communities will have to be more self-sufficient and rely less on big chain stores like Wal-Mart and Target. He said that suburban land will need to be used for agricultural uses, and that there will be a rise in the small, privately-owned shops.

The first step to improving and downscaling America is to improve the countries railroad system, he said. Kunstler said it was a goal that is reasonable and a great place to start. He said that a greater use of trains to transport goods would be an excellent way to start conserving.

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