Big Think

Charles Kennedy commented on What is the world's greatest challenge in the coming decade? on April 1, 2009, 11:13 PM

If we are truly entering a warmer climate we face many tropical diseases becoming common in what have been the moderate climates of North America and Europe. We also face a shortage of water for consumption and use. This will cause huge economic dislocations in our country. As industry must shut down for lack of water our (U.S.) population will be forced to move to those locations with adequate water sources: maybe the Great Lakes region. Both California and Texas are facing huge shortages of water over the next 40 years. We have been seeing increased intensity in storms along the Gulf Coast. Population may be driven away from the coast due to economic destruction. Insurance companies may begin refusing to insure property within a certain distance of the coast. This would either cause new types of construction or movement to areas with less exposure to severe weather. Climate change is not one problem; it is multiple problems developing at once.

Charles Kennedy commented on Can the depression happen again? on December 12, 2008, 11:41 PM

Of course it can. We have had several depressions. Jackson created one by destroying the Federal Bank and then mismanaging the funds placed into the various private and State Banks.As long as we have people who can "create" funds by lending more than they have on hand we will have booms and busts. We benefit greatly by the use of banks, credit and other financial tools, but there is great risk also.

Charles Kennedy commented on If you had 1 year left to live.... on December 12, 2008, 11:07 PM

I enjoy the life I lead now. My life matters because I spend it caring about others. My life and work is nothing remarkable, but I get to hear every now and again how something I did helped someone.I would spend more time with my family, and I would gig my wife to finally go dancing with me.I have listened to God and to my heart in deciding on how to live my life. I know the values that matter to me and I live my life by those values as best I can.

Charles Kennedy commented on Re: Do we mistreat the elderly? on December 12, 2008, 10:46 PM

While I agree about the core statements our mistreatment is mainly due to our generally selfish nature. We also fail to properly plan for our own care.We do not fund medical care for children, the poor or the elderly anywhere near adequately. In addition, we allow commercial interests to control how we spend governmental funding. It is spent according to the most influential interests and not according to what is in the best of those needing care.Other nations spend funds on medical care far more effectively. We spend more per capita than any other country in the world, yet we have miserable care for anyone who does not have adequate insurance and private funds.Woe to the powerless, the ignorant and the timid.We have met the enemy, and they are us. Apologies to Pogo.