Books At Twelve-Ten for April

Seven people gathered for the Books at 12:10 discussion of Thomas L. Friedman's HOT, FLAT, AND CROWDED on Tuesday, April 12, 2010.

As we read, what strongly impressed each of us? One reader felt depressed because we wait for the government to take action on these truths about the ecology but we do not see it happen. There is a disconnect and no follow-up.

For this reader to use water and electricity with care was an emotional solution.

My own strong impression was that Thomas L. Friedman was not using logic as a writing method. His method of writing is clearly Standard English, but is not logically restricted. When logic is the method, there is a rule against calling an element of the writing by a term used in another context. In a logical method, the context is to remain restricted.

In Chapter Ten - The Energy Internet: When IT Becomes ET - the familiar term ET (Extra-Terrestrial) becomes Energy Technology instead. Friedman's language throughout borrows from different contexts (Climate Change becomes Global Wierding) as he signals an Eco-system experience as opposed to a Logical System experience.

HOT, FLAT, AND CROWDED reiterates and reiterates a constant impression Friedman has of the ecological situation.

The group discussed clean power solutions and the term, affluenza. There were many points made by Thomas Friedman. President Carter has placed solar panels on the White House which were removed during the Reagan administration. I did not know that until I read it in HOT, FLAT, AND CROWDED.

One reader felt hope in these truths. She believes there should be an Every Day Person's Handbook of the truths in HOT, FLAT, AND CROWDED.

As some of us answered the question of how we use renewable energy in our lives, I was able to relate that I have used three adult bicycles since 1990 and have never owned a car. I use public transportation, walk or ride a bicycle. Although I sometimes am in a car with a relative, I am not at all used to riding in a car.

The discussion ended in a review of upcoming Tacoma Reads Together events surrounding THE BOY WHO HARNESSED THE WIND – an afternoon at Wheelock Library about local wind energy and an event at University of Puget Sound about Food and Justice.