First Post

In the past, I have shied away from public writing because 1) there was already a glut of public, unedited information and 2) I didn't know enough to offer new or insighful commentary. The first hasn't changed, and for the most part, neither has the second. However, I am a bit bored at the moment. Anyway, after reading a story about eco-terrorism targeted at scientists in the magazine Nature, I felt compelled as both an environmentalist and future scientist to respond, but in a broader manner. Specifically, the article helped define and unite a series of on-going debates I have had with myself and friends. Essentially, are rationality, science, technology and market-based economics incommensurable with the goals of the environmental movement, which (in my observation) often appeals to emotion, primitivism and 'anti-capitalism'? In high school and early in college, I would have probably answered 'yes'. Having recently finished college, with a little more education under my belt, I am more skeptical and lean toward 'no'. With this blog, I hope to expound upon these ideas, and when time allots, bring forth empirical data to shine light on the murkier issues. Please feel free to respond with questions and criticism.