There aren’t many things that governments are particularly good at. One thing that governments are fantastic at is screwing up.
You see, when an individual wants to help save the environment, he might change his light-bulbs to energy-saving ones, turn down the hot-water thermostat, and resolve to recycle. But when the government wants to help save the environment, they think up schemes that affect the entire population – schemes like changing Daylight Saving Time by three weeks, with the aim of saving 1% of US electricity usage. The change has “forced millions of drowsy American workers and school children into the dark, wintry weather three weeks early”. Ugh. And of course, the scheme hasn’t saved any electricity at all – as was predicted by this paper from Australia.
Well done, government. Well done.
Another news story which made me similarly cross relates to the iBot wheelchair, which you’ve probably heard of. The wheelchair costs US$26,000, which might sound like a lot, but as electric wheelchairs go, its actually a bargain, especially considering its functionality. Unfortunately, regulations classify the wheelchair as a medical device, so it requires a prescription. Instead of simply doing a bit of fundraising – in conjunction, perhaps, with your insurance company – you also have to prove that you’re disabled enough. Unbelievable! Many people who need an electric wheelchair find that they technically aren’t worthy of the iBot.
Well done, government. Instead of protecting people from the misuse of medical devices, you’ve prevented people getting hold of a technology which represents independence and freedom. But then, separating people from freedom and independence is what you’re good at, right?
I just discovered your blog, read your Wikipedia profile, and would like to ask you something about it if that is ok.
It says on there the following: “Speciesist: (intelligence is special, so humans are more important than animals)”
I would like to know why you think intelligence is “special” and also what you mean by that. And if, as you say, the fact that humans are more intelligent than other animals means that we are therefore more important, then surely it follows that humans who are more intelligent than other humans are more important than their less intelligent brethren?
If not, why not?
And, what exactly does my supposed superiority over my dog allow me to do to that dog, and what does a very intelligent person’s superiority allow them to do to a stupid person? Ie, what is the nature of the relationship?
Left by chris on April 9th, 2007