Not Only Morally and Intellectually Clear but Knows 'the Truth'

RECEIVED Mon., May 12, 2008

Dear Editor,
    For many, moral and intellectual clarity is difficult to discern. But it is crucial for an enlightened humanity. The reasons for this challenge range from ignorance of a subject, cowardice resulting from the fear of confronting populist fashion, or simple unwillingness to admit error.
    The tendency to incorrectly conflate perception with reality, recently explored by Louis Black, makes the point [“Page Two,” May 9]. Many people struggle with this while sorting through their subjective consciousness attempting to determine whether objective truthful reality is defining a certain perception or not. All serious issues are subject to this task.
    Our current and future energy needs exemplify this requirement. Right now we are facing a demand-driven $150-plus barrel of oil. This will certainly translate into shocking transportation and electricity costs. So what solves this problem rationally?
    The popular perception is that oil is running out and feasible energy alternatives are being suppressed. The reality is exactly the opposite. Indeed, there is an oil ocean that can be cleanly recovered and refined. Additionally, nuclear power technology is now the cleanest and safest source of energy. If developed, dependence on carbon fuels would fall dramatically.
    When ignorance is removed, the energy challenge becomes a matter of clear action. But that is where the real effort begins. It is fashionable to believe the falsehood of massive oil depletion and the conspiracy that alternative-fuel technology is being withheld. But confronting the myth-makers requires courageous honesty. And generally, people are not brave. So easy popular perception becomes reality, and the energy problem threatens the free world.
    Squaring perception with reality is difficult. But without application of truth, not incorrect chic perception, we are threatened with devastating energy-induced economic depression. Indeed, misery, tyranny, and genocide are in waiting. Thus perception and reality must align with truth – or else!
Vance McDonald
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