Letters to the Editor
GeeJay
Published Letters: 118 Editor's Choice: 19
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Random thoughts
[Read the article: We are meant to be here]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I’d like to comment on a finite bubble universe as part of a multi-universe. Let’s assume that “time” is infinite. If we have a finite universe, that is created by a big bang within the realm of infinite time, the universe most likely would contract back onto itself into the form that preceded the big bang (due to our understanding of gravity). This expansion and contraction would go on infinitely. This means that we would be forced to live our existence over and over again unless we found a way out of the universe. (For within infinite time, the big bang would arrange all sequences of matter in a manner similar to a previous post big bang sequence eventually, and eventually repeatedly.)
I’d like to bring up a topic that would have added to the original article. The discussion of quantum physics could have been expanded. Quantum mechanics quantifies energy. If energy is quantized, then by basic definition, matter is quantized. If both of these are quantized, space must also be quantized (can not go into detail here). With space, matter, and energy quantized, there is an obvious explanation for the uniform speed of light, which is the movement/transference of an electromagnetic wave from one quantized piece of space to another. This opens up many different avenues of discussion related to this article.
(In my opinion, a major fallacy in Paul Davies argument is that life would not exist as it is today if certain criteria were not met. That is a tautology, which can not be argued. What is not mentioned is that life could exist in a different format, but still contain the same essence of consciousness and intelligence. Perhaps carbon-based life could be replaced with silicon-based life, or life could simply be a closed system of controlled transference of one form of energy into another. The intelligence may be the same as carbon based intelligence, but may be created by a differently endowed universe.)
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Internal Combustion
[Read the article: Hip, hip, CAFE!]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]What is missed in the article is the incestuous relationship between the automobile industry and the oil industry in this country. The American oil industry is the main force lobbying for lower mileage (for obvious reasons). A good book to read to get an understanding of this is: Internal Combustion by Edwin Black.
Consider that the Western EU and Japan have cars that meet or almost meet the CAFÉ standards. The biggest reason for this is they are not oil producing nations so they do not have a powerful, national oil lobby opposing high gas mileage.
The oil industry in this country will not allow the large production of such things as electric cars (see: Death of the Electric Car) or high mileage gas driven vehicles. That is not until the industry is in its death throes, which unfortunately may be our death throes as well. Greed was defined as a deadly sin because people are too ignorant and defensive to know such a thing themselves. It is defined that way because it destroys others, not just the perpetrator
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Good boy Matt!
[Read the article: The Iraq war is lost]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]That was an interesting letter from marine reservist Matt Sanchez. It is interesting that the self-acknowledged gay porn star and male prostitute is being received so well by the active military in Iraq. I wouldn't have thought so.
Perhaps this is a good sign, where now gays are openly embraced in the marines. At least some benefit has come from this fiasco. Three cheers for Matt Sanchez and his rainbow expeditions to find the truth!!!
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The Enforcer
[Read the article: Cooking the intelligence, again]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]A follow-up to Mr. Blumenthal’s article is the July 17, 2007 Presidential Executive Order: Blocking Property of Certain Persons Who Threaten Stabilization Efforts in Iraq.
Essentially the Executive Order freezes property of a person or entity that performs or assists an act of violence that has an intention of threatening the peace, the economic reconstruction, or the political reform of Iraq.
A person or entity so defined must be within the borders of United States or within the possession or control of United States persons.
Technically this can be applied to a vast array of persons or entities and used as a threat to keep such entities in lockstep with Bush administration policies.
As a far-fetched example, consider Apple Computer. Assume their new iPhone is used to remotely detonate an explosive device in Iraq. All Apple Computer assets can then be frozen.
This Executive Order is a fine piece of extortion that will be used in an attempt to silence those who will choose not to put up the good fight.
Of course, this can be used to freeze all Syrian, Iranian, and Palestinian assets in the United States, as per Mr. Bush’s pronouncements that these countries are aiding Iraq troublemakers. Not that the Bush administration wants to create a confrontation with Iran or Syria.
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Yoo who?
[Read the article: John Yoo -- then and now]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I found out many years ago not to read the reasoning put forth by Mr. Yoo. I am most happy that I am able to skim past all of his statements in a written article.
Two reasons for this. I know what his reply is to any question before I hear or read the reply. This is very, very, very, boring.
Secondly, he has the demeanor of a coward, which fits him well, but is very distasteful.
My suggestion is that we not discuss nor care any more about, .... what's his name?