NYT 'Out of Gas': They're Not Making More, February 8, 2004

[Guest guest]

'Out of Gas': They're Not Making More

February 8, 2004

By PAUL RAEBURN

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You failed to mention the most practical source of energy in modern history

-- animals! Though the article didn't mention the crush that would occur when

the energy shortage hits the agricultural industry, it would've been nice to

point out what would happen. Our neighbor Cuba recently crossed that bridge.

 

When the communist block collapsed and Eastern Europe stopped sending

subsidized fuels, they turned to animal power. Animal traction is utilized with

 

shining success in nations throughout Africa and Asia. You needn’t look to a

so-called underdeveloped country for an example; simply visit your nearest

Amish

community and you’ll see that animal power can be done for generations in an

environmentally and economically sustainable way. Have you ever heard of a

tractor

that can run on grass and reproduce? Horses and oxen can. Instead of feeding

to fatten, put them to work and eat the grains yourself.

 

Perhaps the answer is not in the future; perhaps it’s in the not so distant

past. Maybe we simply need to slow down a bit.

 

Gopal Dasa