monbiot on similar theme to reform vs revolution
maybe i was over optimistic to say that i thought the urgency of action on climate change had put an end to left wing dogmatism. I was in the audience when monbiot spoke at climate camp about taking all means to defeat RCC - whether that's state action, trading or nuclear power, and many were uncomfortable. Partly because this kind of pragmatism has a tendency to be misused by people whose ends are not the same as ours - such as the pre-existing nuclear lobby who are celebrating monbiot's grudging acceptance that their industry might have a role to play.
The answer is that it isn't an either or - either we're pragmatic or idealist - we MUST be both. We must work to ensure any carbon trading scheme actually works (something i think is very unlikely) or make sure that nukes only return if they meet a stringent criteria including not taking investment from renewables (again, not likely). and do this at the same time as planning and working for our ideal society (partly because this is also part of the pragmatic solution)
And remember, if pragmatism is uncomfortable for you, you've only got to do it for 100 months, just hold your nose and work with these people and systems for that time in an 'emergency coalition', after that.....
