Outside the Box: Conventional wisdom

Conventional wisdom is by definition logical, predictable, and normal — in other words, a snooze fest. This week the devil buys ice skates and pigs brush up on their aviation skills as OTB takes a closer look at conventional wisdom.

CW: The Bush Administration thinks global warming is a politically motivated myth generated by elitist intellectuals. President Bush’s stance was consistent enough for Will Ferrell to lampoon, and with his ties to the energy industry his policy seemed set in stone.

OTB: The Wall Street Journal claims President Bush is seriously considering emission caps to help combat global warming after intense lobbying from domestic business leaders and foreign allies. He must really be feeling the heat if he is considering changing policy after two terms of denial and stall tactics. Next, Charlton Heston will be advocating for gun control. After this reversal anything is possible. Well, almost: Surprise, surprise, Dick Cheney is strongly opposed to emission caps. Now that is conventional wisdom to take to the bank.

CW: Organic food might contain fewer pesticides, but it has a much lower yield.

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OTB: A three-year study authored by University of Michigan professors reveals organic farms may have yields equal or great to conventional pesticide laden methods. Organic farming is also more beneficial for the environment as run off from fertilizers can create dead zones. Excited by the possibilities of organics? View EWG’s work on the subject and pay close attention to the organics provision in the upcoming congressional Farm Bill.

CW: As this article so delicately puts it, “Talking about climate change at a Formula One race might at first glance seem like praising celibacy in a brothel.”formulaone.jpg

OTB: Formula One racing, an organization which governs the rules and sets standards for a series of races called the Grand Prix, is claiming it wants to be a leader in fighting global warming. While the current rules promote burning as much gas as possible to cross the finish line first, the governing body is considering a switch to smaller engines and even converting to bio-fuel. President Bush would surely approve.

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