Geoff,

You proffer a rather fatalistic outlook, methinks, condemning humankind to dumb perseverance with a broken model, eyes half closed, brain in neutral, until too late to avoid the inevitable implosion. Many elsewhere on this forum have on occasion heaped scorn upon this ever-voracious capitalistic growth model, and with considerable justification. However, most disturbing in your proposition is the stark indifference to environment, to other species, and to those of humankind excluded from the luxury liner. Gen X or Y thinking, perhaps? Mind you, you are far from alone in your fully equipped lifeboat.

Dr Bayley,

Nice piece, compelling imagery, though a little heavy on the campaign-speak, and you set an almost impossibly high bar, worthy though it is. Unfortunately, as you have identified, those enjoying the magic ride are increasingly unwilling to put on the brakes, as the ride is just so hypnotic - as long as one does not take a wider view and so risk breaking the spell.

This article is pushing it rather heavily uphill, of course, butting heads with so many 'pet' confrontational topics on this forum - the AGW debate, sustainable energy (replete with base-load bugbear), population growth vs freedom of choice, unbridled capital 'C' Capitalism and Consumerism, CSG vs agriculture, fossil fuel depletion, environment and species protection vs jobs and living standards, and even compassion vs world over-population, and finally an appeal to the almighty for guidance. Tough row to hoe. Mind you, I'm on your side Sandra, if that's any solace, and my hopes are also for the fulfillment of your worthy objectives.

"a broken model, eyes half closed, brain in neutral, until too late to avoid the inevitable implosion".....David Bozzy....a great think-tank, who had closed all other minds just to suit the dogma with-in a broken mind its self.( A nice change of in-turnal gearing ).......\Yee of such major fault, thats not your doings:).....belief is just....."The best of times or the worst of times"....so help me GOD.

"and finally an appeal to the almighty for guidance"

One hope is better than NO hope at all.

I'll pay that one:)

CACTUS