<DrumBeat: April 15, 2008The Oil DrumMcCain wants a gas tax "holiday." It's a no-brainer, right?>

56 comments on Unconventional Oil: Tar Sands and Shale Oil - EROI on the Web, Part 3 of 6

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miner49ner on April 15, 2008 - 1:01pm Permalink | Subthread | Comments top

After contemplating synthesized crude oil ("syncrude") from kerogenous dolomitic limestone ("oil shale") since 1968, I believe the shortest and most appropriate conclusion I have reached is: "Halitosis is better than no breath at all."

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Nate Hagens on April 15, 2008 - 1:08pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

Except perhaps to the people and ecosystems around you that have had more naturally successful dental plans....

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Will Stewart on April 15, 2008 - 9:14pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

"Halitosis is better than no breath at all."

This is an example of the logical fallacy "False Dilemma"; no breath assumes death if the action isn't taken (which is false), and halitosis is a term that simply suggests harmless unpleasantness, downplaying the real harm from climate disruption, pollution, and resource depletion.

Perhaps a more appropriate, though much less succinct, metaphor may be;

"Using tar sands and oil shale as energy sources while ignoring climate disruption, air pollution, water pollution, resource depletion, and conservation measures is like pissing in the wind."

Or better yet:

"Clean teeth trump halitosis any day."

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