Thomas Sowell -- Column On Recycling Indicates Writer Has Little Knowledge Of Limits Of Earth's Resources

Editor, The Times:

OK, Thomas Sowell hooked me in again.

Over the years, I have learned to pass up his column. He writes with mean-spirited character and seems to be a journalistic Rush Limbaugh wanna-be.

But I read his July 10 column for the first time in more than a year. I found there exactly what I knew I would. He is even still using his favorite adjective "anointed." This time it is the "anointed busybodies" who recycle that are the subject of his scorn.

Recycling is a very broad opportunity for people on an individual basis to contribute to preserving the Earth's natural resources. Not all programs are as efficient as they should be. They include something as simple as reusing plastic milk containers at home or using old tires in the garden instead of carting everything off to the landfills that he indicates will still be plentiful 1,000 years from now. Even if that were true, landfill space is only part of the issue.

According to Mr. Sowell, we are not "running out" of anything. He compares the world's resources to stopping by the supermarket to "get some more chow." To paraphrase, when we run out of petroleum in about 15 years we can just go out and drill some more oil wells.

It is obvious that Mr. Sowell has no clue about global warming, what causes it, or the effect it will have on our future. The fact is, we need to find alternate energy rather than continue to support policies that keep our nation hooked on fossil fuels. If solar panels are so ridiculous, why have we recently experienced a blackout on the power grid that involved eight Northwestern states?

In truth, the only talent I see in this columnist is his ability to take scraps of information, tons of silly rhetoric and slather it generously with sarcasm and condescension. Why does The Times contribute to journalists who make a living doing nothing but pounding out ignorance and stupidity?

Jean Tallariti Auburn