We do disagree about a lot. However, though our world views are different I see a lot of value in YOUR message. The criticism is not for you trying to make changes you value but in the movement whose spokespeople are such poor examples of the message they throw around. And in your thinking that you aren’t doing enough. Ithink simplifying your life is not only noble but more importantly beneficial to you. Sharing your first hand experiences and ideas does quite a lot also.

Life is not static. We are dynamic beings. In the Christian world, it is said that if your faith is not growing, then it is shrinking. Likewise, in our approach to the world around us we are either improving it or we are diminishing it. It is for this reason that I appreciate your message.

I think that there are a lot of ways to make those improvements. Some environmental, others societal.

I do not believe in the status quo. I do think people can live without lavish luxuries. The changes being forced on our society are not all about that. We have overcome many great challenges through advancement and technology. I believe in the ability of our society to do that. Unfortunately the changes that are a foot in regulation and taxation are going to have a dampening effect on innovation. Perhaps even more than on consumption. That is scary to me.

I happen to agree with your view about commercialism and your concern about things like water supplies in rapidly growing urban areas. I drive regularly through Las Vegas. It is growing like a weed. You want to talk about a not to distant water shortage. They compete directly eith Los Angeles for water and LA is already having shortages. In both of these areas we can see a couple of important things. Corporations are really only about making money and that government does not do a very good job of avoiding or solving problems.

I am not for one instant suggesting that your message of getting people to think about cutting waste from their lives and lifestyles is a bad or useless one. I just think we can do it without changes in our society that will limit freedom more than they will help the Planet. (these are changes proposed by the environmental movement not on your site by the way)

According to my core beliefs a simple, effecient lifestyle is both prescribed for me and beneficial to me. My dreams are no different than anyone else, however. I would like lots of toys and luxury in my life. I would hope that I would refrain from excess, however. For those facing that choice, your message is most beneficial. I believe people will be happier if they chose the simpler path.

I guess I could have saved all that electronic paper and said we agree on more than you may think. My point for commenting on your posts, and I think you already get this, is that I disagree with some of the motivation, not the whole message. It is a flaw of mine that I like good debate and sometimes I dig too deep in the minutia to find a distinction.

The world is a better place for the message you deliver it. If I can give any food for thought, it would be in the areas of freedom and not allowing government to use issues like this to take it from us.

Thanks and have a great day.

Brutus