An Octogenarian's View of the Future

One of the dangers of getting old is to back off and wonder, 'Why should I care anymore?' Perhaps it's not a bad idea not to be bothered any longer. After all  if "the world is going to hell in a hand-basket', so what? I won't be around to see it happen! Or when I read that the new subway line planned for Toronto will take ten years to complete, why should I rejoice? On the other hand that's not a reason to get down in the mouth either. Perhaps it will be topic of conversation among friends and it is worth my while to know something about it!

Our Beautiful World

I hope to hell I am wrong but there seems to be a lot of evidence that we are not being good to our little planet earth. Remember the first shot of the earth from space in 1946? It looked so peaceful, cool and welcoming. Now I wonder if it is possible to get a good picture given the pollution we are dumping into the atmosphere. No doubt our earth is, like everything else, changing itself. Think of the recent damaging  earthquake in Nepal. Did you even know on May 2, 2015 a 3.3 earthquake was felt in Temiscaming, Ontario - not too far from home!

On the other hand take the example of our beloved automobile. I admit both Maureen and I operate a vehicle. Our only alternative from where we live in Toronto, is the local bus. For example, to get to the subway and from where we live takes a good chunk out of our day. Even though we are both retired, time and mobility are still important to us. Hence, the two cars.

So not only is nature constantly making changes to our pretty little planet, but mankind is doing its share to stir things up as well. At least most reasonable people know that to be true!  Cars contribute to half of our air pollution through their exhaust emissions, but they also deposit on our soil and water leaking motor oil, brake particulates, transmission fluids, window wiper fluids, burnt particles of rubber etc. (Not to mention the emotional outbursts when 'stuck' in traffic!) All of which find their way into our food supply. Automobiles, with all it's supporting infrastructures, are playing a huge role in polluting the very food and water we all must have to keep on living! Yet our beloved politicians tell us there is no deficit! What about our infrastructure needs, the huge debt they keep postponing!

We were heading to a funeral in Barrie on Monday and the line of cars, bumper to bumper, coming south on Hwy. 404  into the city, was almost at a standstill. From the air this parade of cars must look like slow, lumbering, stop-and-go trains!

In many of the large American cities there are fast commuter trains to bring workers into the city. 

Bombardier  - Google Images

I read recently that the Americans are working with  Siemens to provide all electric locomotives that can move up to 125 mph while at the same time reduce the huge environmental impact. Why are we not working with Canada's Bombardier for example, to do the same on our main corridors and commuter lines? Think of the jobs and efficiencies achieved.

So I have a love-hate relationship with my car. I know what contribution it makes to soiling our worldly nest. Yet if you pay any attention to the ads on TV the updates on cars stress magic cameras, WiFi connections, potential accident alerts, better tires and even some that drive themselves. In fact, the auto makers are stealing the computer experts from companies like Apple and Samsung to develop even more goodies! But oil is still our saviour and our nemesis, and the devil we know, we stay with. Not many ads about fuel economy or electric cars  that are dependent on renewal resources!

Obviously, I am not a political expert and I insist this is Dick's view, but is political corruption (the Senate!!) the norm as some writers suggest. Apparently not much is done for the common good (although they try to convince us otherwise!) and a lot is done to benefit one's political career or keep the political party in power. No wonder it is hard to get excited about the future when so many leaders are too busy studying their own navels.

Perhaps I do care after all!

And that's Dick's View of the World this Week

Did you know?

I bet you paid your taxes on time. But not all Canadians are that honest! It seems there are offshore bankers, lawyers and accountants quite willing to advice Canadians on how to hide money from our tax authorities. (CBCnews - Sept 30, 2013) No,  I don't have their telephone numbers.