From a Pew Research poll published today: The No. 1 priority for 2009 (no surprise): The economy.
The No. 2 priority (also no surprise): Jobs.
What was a bit more surprising (maybe) was the item ranked dead last: Global warming.
2009 Public Policy Priorities
Fri, 2009-01-23 00:17
#1
Sven
2009 Public Policy Priorities
Fri, 2009-01-23 00:34
#2
Would you ever express the slightest interest in the problem of unemployment if it DIDN'T give you a chance to sneer at global warming activists?
Everyone who's concerned about global warming is also on the side of reducing unemployment. The two goals don't have to be at odds, Sven.
In fact, if we don't deal with the global warming issue, it won't matter how many jobs there are because no one will be alive to do them.
__________________________________________________________________ Our Demands Most Moderate are/ We Only Want The World! -James Connolly
Fri, 2009-01-23 00:44
#3
Sven
Everyone who's concerned about global warming is also on the side of reducing unemployment. The two goals don't have to be at odds, Sven.
Of course, that's probably true. But, with limited resources, policy objectives necessarily have to be prioritized. I just thought it was interesting that global warming was viewed (of the twenty big issues listed) as the least important concern.
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[b]Eleutherophobics of the World...Unite!!![/b]
Fri, 2009-01-23 01:12
#4
It's probably due to the succesful corporate propaganda campaign aimed at convincing people that global warming has to be ignored in the name of "creating jobs".
As if the wealthy, after the financial system collapse, can be said to have any expertise at or interest in "creating jobs" or in competently running an economy at all.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________ Our Demands Most Moderate are/ We Only Want The World! -James Connolly
Fri, 2009-01-23 02:05
#5
Sven
It's probably due to the succesful corporate propaganda campaign aimed at convincing people that global warming has to be ignored in the name of "creating jobs".
Yeah, you're probably right. It certainly couldn't be that 2.1 million people lost their jobs in the USA in 2008.
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[b]Eleutherophobics of the World...Unite!!![/b]
Fri, 2009-01-23 03:19
#6
That explains the importance given to reducing unemployment in the survey.
It does NOT explain the low importance given to resolving the global warming crisis. That belief(and the false implication that reducing carbon fooprints has to put jobs at risk)was manufactured through corporate-financed propaganda. It wasn't a conclusion people would automatically come to.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________ Our Demands Most Moderate are/ We Only Want The World! -James Connolly
Fri, 2009-01-23 03:25
#7
Sven
That belief(and the false implication that reducing carbon fooprints has to put jobs at risk)was manufactured through corporate-financed propaganda. It wasn't a conclusion people would automatically come to.
Reducing the carbon footprint (in any meaningful way) will lead to lost jobs, much higher costs, and a lower standard of living, at least in the near term. Doesn't mean it shouldn't occur...but I think policymakers need to be honest about the positive and negative consequences. If reducing the carbon footprint was a bed of roses, it would have been done long ago.
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[b]Eleutherophobics of the World...Unite!!![/b]
Fri, 2009-01-23 10:46
#8
Who the hell designed this survey???
Yeah I'm concerned about the economy, but no jobs please...
Whats the rationale between splitting concern for "the economy" off from concern for "jobs"... what is the economy if its not composed of people doing jobs? A capitalist's wet-dream I guess.