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[voltaire]

Satellite observations show fracking as an abomination. The escaping gases are not only not measured but not even attempted to be controlled. It isn't even the CO2 escaping! It is the methane that is far worse. Health problems are rampant with rashes and coughs etc. Agh! but free market capitalism is more important. Just ask Morgan and Carnegie and VanderBilt and Rockefeller etc. For these, the end justified the means. Lets ignore any problems, lets make money.

[colion]

Satellite observations show fracking as an abomination.
The escaping gases are not only not measured but not even attempted to be controlled.
It isn't even the CO2 escaping!
It is the methane that is far worse.
Health problems are rampant with rashes and coughs etc.
Agh! but free market capitalism is more important.
Just ask Morgan and Carnegie and VanderBilt and Rockefeller etc.
For these, the end justified the means.
Lets ignore any problems, lets make money.

Moaning about capitalism with respect to fracking is a red herring. (What do you suggest as an alternative to capitalism?). Fracking is here to stay because people need and are willing to pay for energy in a true capitalistic spirit. For those who want to live off the land and thereby avoid the "capitalist trap" I say go for it but not many will follow.

As far as CH4 is concerned, there is a need for less hype, alarmism, handwaving, etc. and more facts. In this regard, MIT has shown that CH4 emissions from fracked wells is no worse than other natural gas wells. (Do you suggest shutting down all natural gas wells?). As with any energy source, there will always be an impact ranging from environmental to "not in my back yard" aesthetics (e.g., look up how many acres of windmills it takes to replace one nuclear plant).

It is not possible to exploit fossil or non-fossil resources without some type of impact from mining of raw materials for subsequent production of energy technologies (e.g., reactors, windmills, solar panels, etc.) and utilizaaton (e.g, coal, uranium, etc.). So, man will continue to extract from the earth until a reliable high density energy alternative is developed which is not likely in our lifetimes. So learn to luv reality and support the economy by buying a gas stove, oven, furnace, automobile, etc.

Edited by colion, 06 March 2013 - 12:17 AM.