VIEW POINT 10
Sunday dumb. I also know I’m not blonde. — Dolly Parton
‘There’s too much pop environmentalism’
Dr Patrick Moore, one of the founding
members of Greenpeace, led the cam-
paign which stalled the development of
nuclear energy in the US in the 1970s.
He served for nine years as president of
Greenpeace Canada and seven years as
a director of Greenpeace Internation-
al. He left Greenpeace in 1986 and in
1991, founded Greenspirit, a consultan-
cy focused on environmental policy
and communications in natural re-
sources, biodiversity, energy and cli-
mate change. Since
then, he tells R Krish-
na, there has been a
turnaround in his
stand on nuclear energy. Further, he
says, green activism may end up harm-
ing the environment and our health.
What are your views on the phe-
nomenon of Green Noise?
Green Noise just makes a situation
confusing for people. Take the anti-
nuclear movement, which is quite
strong. My former colleague in
Greenpeace Jim Rickio was quoted as
saying, “To solve climate change with
nuclear energy is to replace one evil
SIDE SHOW
‘Copyright is
harmful for
creativity’
W hen it comes to the fight between
Hasbro-Mattel and Scrabulous
over the online version of Scrabble in-
vented by the Ag-
garwala brothers
of Kolkata, I
think the compa-
ny over reacted.
The Facebook ap-
plication was a
tribute to Scrab-
ble and no one de-
nied that Scrabu-
lous was based
on Scrabble. By
Lawrence Liang slapping a copy-
right suit, the company is not only
stopping its fans from enjoying the
game but also is negating creativity.
Copy right law has been based on the
core principle of promotion of creativi-
ty, which is an incremental action and
in the present era of digital communi-
cation when the society is moving from
‘read only’ to ‘read and write’ culture,
where participation plays an important
role, this kind of restriction doesn’t
make sense. Copy right law is trying to
slow down that sense of creativity that
is inherent to playing a game.
Another issue is the level of ridicu-
lousness of the copy right suits. The In-
dian copyright law protects the rights
of the inventor for 60 years after his or
her death. It is 70 years in the US. This
aspect of the law is being used by the
company to maximise the eternal re-
turns on a single commodity. This was
not the reason for creating these laws.
One more aspect of this legal wran-
gle is that Facebook is launching an-
other application as a replacement for
Scrabulous. It is easy for a company
like Facebook to introduce another
word application as it’s a big company.
An individual cannot face an expensive
law suit — in the US the average cost of
defending a copyright suit is $25000.
This kind of copyright is harmful
for creativity. Look at JK Rowling, one
of the richest women in the UK, who
sued a Durga puja pandal in Kolkata
because it was modeled like Hogwarts
castle. That is utterly ridiculous.
Scrabulous was being used as a so-
cial tool. People were rediscovering
the pleasure of playing the word game
that was cut short by Hasbro.
Lawrence Liang is founder of the Alter-
native Law Forum and a prominent
critic of ‘intellectual property’. He
spoke to Bratatee Barman.
POLITICKLE
Vol.4 Issue No. 05 ■ Printer & Publisher: M Venkataraman ■ Managing Editor: R Jagannathan ■ Printed & Published by Diligent Media Corporation Ltd. Printed at EL-201, MIDC, TTC Industrial Area, Mahape, Navi Mumbai 400 705, Phone No: 3980-2200 and published at 1st Floor, Oasis Complex, Pandurang Budhkar Marg, Kamala Mills Compound, Lower Parel, Mumbai- 400 013, Phone No: 3988-8888, R.N.I. No. - MAHENG/2005/15154.
Simply I’m not offended by dumb blonde jokes because I know that I’m not
dna.sunday
Mumbai, August 3, 2008
with another.” I don’t think that was a per cent of the time. ence. All the others were political
very good comparison. If we build a Germany has poured billions — it’s activists or entrepreneurs.
nuclear plant instead of a coal-fired a good thing they are so rich — into Do you still consider yourself to be
plant, we have a large reduction in wind and solar, but they are increas- an environmentalist?
CO2 emissions instantly. ing their coal consumption. That is Yes, I am an environmentalist. And
Would you say the threat of cli- because wind and solar simply cannot I think I have developed a science-
mate change is as serious as it is replace base load power. The green based and logical environmental policy
made out to be? political movement is the strongest in platform. I think too much of what we
I do not think the threat of climate German-speaking nations, and they hear from the greens is what I call pop
change is as severe as people say. are among the strongest anti-nuclear environmentalism. It appeals to people
There is a risk and the best way to re- countries. So what should they make who want simple answers and base
duce the risk is by reducing fossil fuel their electricity from? Coal? much of their thinking on their emo-
consumption. And The greens point to Germany as a tional response — in particular their
INTERVIEW the reason I sup- shining example, whereas it is next fear and guilt, such as when they’re
DR PATRICK MOORE port reducing fos- door in France that they are doing told: You should be afraid of nuclear
sil fuel consump- things right with 80 per cent from reactors, you should feel guilty about
tion is not just climate change. Burn- nuclear and 10 per cent from hydro. driving a car. You should in fact call
ing fossil fuel for energy and trans- Why did you leave Greenpeace? them activists, not environmentalists.
portation causes more damage to pub- nuclear energy. We were caught up in very negative back then. It is one of One of the reasons I left Green- How will the endless arguments
lic health than anything else we do. the anti-nuclear war movement and the reasons I work so hard to change peace was because they abandoned on green issue be resolved?
Do you feel vindicated that the we made the mistake of thinking the perception because I think it was science and logic. You need science to I don’t think you can force a reso-
greens’ opposition to nuclear ener- everything nuclear was bad. We did- a serious error. get the facts, and then you need logic lution on such strongly-held opinions.
gy is proving to be harmful to the n’t make the distinction. Vinod Why not replace coal with wind to put those facts up for informed pol- As Michael Crichton says in his fa-
environment? Khosla, co-founder of Sun Microsys- and solar energy instead of icy decisions. I think Greenpeace mous speech in San Francisco to the
I wouldn’t say vindicated as much tems, said if it was not for the envi- nuclear power? turned political and gave up on the Commonwealth Club, “The environ-
as unfortunate that all of us — in- ronmental movement, there would be Wind and solar by nature are inter- science. When I left Greenpeace in mental movement has become a reli-
cluding me in the ’70s — who were a lot fewer coal-fired plants in the mittent and unreliable. Solar for ex- 1986, I was the one of the five interna- gion, and is now based more on be-
leading the environmental movement world today and a lot more nuclear ample is good only 15 to 20 per cent of tional directors at the time and the liefs than on facts.” And so the only
made this mistake of being against plants. We actually did something the time. Wind too is available only 35 only one with a background in sci- answer I have for you is, time.
DEAR READER
Voices of sanity
MODERATE MUSLIMS NEED TO COME FORWARD TO COMBAT THE JIHADI TREND Stop the cycles
Firoz Bakht Ahmed
of death?
A hmedabad and Bangalore, like
many others, are global cities and
the terror that struck these on consec-
utive days too is a global phenome-
non. As a human being and an Indian rity
W
hat a bril- nal records if any, latest income tax
liant secu- returns, bank records, passport
move! and a guarantor. Unlike bicycle li-
Muslim, I literally wept over those
who died or were maimed.
In the last decade, a significant
Monitor bicy- censes in other countries, ours
cles to stop ter- must not come under traffic laws,
ror attacks. but under internal security.
number of moderate Hindus have Preferably ban And why stop at cycles? If the
started supporting anti-secular and cycles altogeth- cycle is the devil’s accessory then
anti-minority groups that want to er, since the so are pressure cookers, tiffin-car-
transform India into a theocratic Hin- lowly pedal- riers, briefcases, school bags, even
Antara Dev Sen
du nation. This bodes ill for the nation. pushers are letters. Each of these has been
The situation calls for introspec- now confirmed tools of terrorism. used by some terrorist right here
tion by Muslims, India’s largest mi- So many bombs were planted on cy- to hide a bomb. Each is a tool of
nority community. Owing to the cles in the recent blasts in Ahmed- terrorism. To ensure our safety,
ghastly deeds of the jihadis, the ma- abad, Bangalore and Jaipur! Don’t the government should instantly
jority of peace-loving Muslims who be misled by the simple charms of ban all of the above. If it fails (not
believe in unity and integrity of India the humble bike, dear reader. Be unlikely, given its inability to
becomes the target of much hatred. afraid, be very afraid. prohibit most things) then at least
Muslims should put themselves in Stay away from cycles. Don’t it should enforce the same strin-
the shoes of these newly converted ride them, don’t sell them, don’t gent laws to monitor the move-
Hindutva forces. They should put buy them, don’t be seen with them, ment of these items that the Delhi
themselves in their minds and souls. don’t associate with police wish to
From that vantage point, they should —AFP those who have them. enforce on cycles.
look at happenings in India and their In case your job de- Stay away from How else can we
community. They should understand abominable is that the extremists se- scription, family cycles. Don’t be safe? Wherever
why moderate Hindus have changed. It is important that the lect these (some 20) verses only to ex- pressure or genetic ride them, don’t you look, there is a
Terrorism in the heartland has left Muslim community press ‘righteousness’ to act ‘right- makeup compels you potential terrorist.
many Hindus insecure and angry. eously’. To a common Muslim, it is ab- to sell cycles then do sell them, don’t Take that dabbawal-
The Students Islamic Movement of develops a broad range of horrent to attach such acts to the so with military buy them, don’t be lah, a prime suspect,
India, Shahi Imam Bukhari, fanatics tactics, from traditional teachings of Prophet Mohammed, rigour. Demand to see seen with them, no doubt, given that
in Coimbatore and Maharashtra, the counter-terrorism who is known to be merciful not only the buyer’s identity he is exhibiting two
calls for jihad and the distribution of to Muslims but to the whole of hu- proof. Always, no ex-
don’t associate tools of terrorism —
inflammatory posters have enraged methods to more manity. The so-called jihadis have no ceptions. You never with those who a cycle and a tiffin
middle class Hindus. Further, issues sophisticated strategies, to right to misinterpret the verses to suit know who is buying have them carrier. Or that child
like a few Muslim leaders opposing destroy the jihadi trend their dastardly machinations. your cycle to blow up cycling to school with
the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ on na- Ahmedabadis and Bangaloreans a market place. his bag. Or the postman — god
tional occasions, only adds fuel to fire. with characteristic calm have got on Taking the lead in this clever knows how many of those letters
Even though the instances are less lah dislikes those who indulge in ar- with life despite the blasts. There was plan, the Delhi police have forbid- are actually bombs! Or that flower-
than one per cent of what happens in son, loot and killings. Sura Al-Kafirun no backlash. Now it becomes impera- den shops to sell cycles without seller in the corner, too many gar-
the Muslim community, Hindutva (Chapter: 30) mentions: Lakum tive for all Muslims to keep a strict vig- checking a valid ID. They have also lands, too many suspicious bou-
forces blow them out of proportion. dinokum waley yadeen (You follow il in their areas, and watch out for sus- asked people to be vigilant, and re- quets! Flowers should have been
The situation gets aggravated because your religion; let them follow theirs). picious characters. The police must be port curious behaviour. A firm banned right after Rajiv Gandhi’s
moderate and secular Muslims, who Jihadis take the terror path with- informed about them without delay. step. Designed to send shock waves assassination.
are in a majority, do not get involved out bothering about the impact it can It is also important that the Muslim through the souls of potential ter- And you, Auntyji, what’s in that
in their community’s civic affairs. have on a common Muslim by making community develop a broad range of rorists who would no longer be able big bag? Stop! Don’t take another
The jihadis have been slaughtering him the suspect. They don’t read those tactics, from traditional counter-ter- to plan bomb blasts. Unless of step towards the pressure cooker,
innocent lives at railway stations, bus verses that declare that taking the life rorism methods to more sophisticated course, they go for second hand cy- stay right where you are. What
stops, temples and markets. They are of even one innocent individual strategies, to destroy the jihadi trend. cles — but would any self-respect- were you whispering to the other
part of an intricate web of insurgent means killing the whole humanity. Muslim voices of sanity are not heard ing terrorist do that? Brand new aunty right now, eh? Yes, you were
groups that act autonomously and are There are verses in the Koran that loudly. Even the London Muslims bicycles bought fresh off the shelf — I saw your shifty eyes and the
difficult to track down. From 9/11 in are ‘contextual’, in the sense that they while condemning the July 7 killings with a VAT-paid receipt are so dodgy glances towards me. Wait, I
New York to 29/10 in Delhi, theirs is a are the verses used during a war. Take added a ‘but’ (root cause) to it, as if much better to blow up. see that you also have a small dab-
bloody tale of hate and kill. the verse, ‘Slay the pagans wherever they were justifying the murders. We You know what? I think the cops ba… to pack your husband’s lunch,
Many of the terrorists acting in the you find them, seize them, beleaguer have to agree in principle that killing are being far too lenient. They you say? Huh — you expect me to
name of Islam cite Palestine, Chech- them, lie in wait for them with every of innocents cannot be justified irre- should insist on a short-term, believe that? I’m no fool! I’m a vigi-
nya, Iraq and Afghanistan to justify stratagem’ (Chapter: 9, Verse: 5). spective of race, religion or ethnicity. renewable bicycle licence, like a lant Indian citizen. You can’t get
the killing of innocents. They have lost No doubt these verses call upon the The role of civil society and reli- gun licence. This would be provid- your evil plans past me. Wait,
their moral compass. Anyone who believers to fight with determination gious communities in the fight against ed only when the home ministry is what’s that — an exercise bike?
does not agree with their point of view against perpetrators and all odds, and terror should not be underestimated convinced that the prospective cy- Well, Auntyji, you don’t look like
is an infidel and should be eliminated. these are not necessarily against non- as it would be foolhardy to think that clist does need a cycle, that it is not you do much exercise. No, no, don’t
They are able to misinterpret verses Muslims. If taken out of context, they the police machinery would be able to automatic and will not be used to move, you can explain all that at
from the Koran to justify their heinous might appear to advocate violence; mis- reach out to the entire country to cre- harm others. The potential cyclist the police station…
designs. Those who kill innocents have guided Muslims are doing exactly that. ate a safe and secure environment. needs to furnish details about his The writer is Editor, The Little Mag-
nothing to do with Islam. Sura Al-Baqr According to the US-based Islamic The writer is a commentator on social or her political affiliations, crimi- azine. Email: sen@littlemag.com
(Verse: 114) in the Koran states that Al- scholar Mirza Faisal Beg, what is and political issues
manjul@dnaindia.net
Sex education begins at home or female, I reached for my people start. Many get acquaint-
BOTTOM’S UP course book. This time I thought
I had a great opportunity to start
ed with each other (my cheeks
were burning) and there’s a
Debjani Banerjee my own (very new-age, I told my- chance that one such meeting
self) sex-education module. might cause the cell to get in.”
I spent a week this summer tak-
ing a course that would help me
deal with the questions children
Then I heard her first ques-
tion. “How do babies happen?” I
looked at the wall, out of the win-
I kicked myself for taking this
on. But there was no respite now.
She looked at me, quizzically: “But
ask about sex. I did this in ad- dow, but got no help. I still don’t understand… how…”
vance because I wanted all the Desperate to help my project, I “You can’t understand the pro-
answers for my infant when he said: “They grow in Mom’s tum- cedure (I can’t explain), ok? For
attains the age of 10. my.” that, you can look up the last
Little did I realise that my 11- “Yeah. But how does it go chapter of any standard IX biolo-
year-old niece would make me sit there?” gy textbook, next year perhaps.”
the first test. “A cell gets into the tummy, it Having thrown her off, I gleeful-
She had been told that when grows.” ly boasted of my doing to my sis-
Moms and Dads want children, “Oh. The cell explained in the ter. “Couldn’t you wait for another
Mom heads for the operating biology book?” year?” she sighed. “That’s noth-
table, doc cuts her tummy open, “Yes.” ing,” I said. “On my next trip, I’ll
and bingo! angel is born. My “How does the cell go there?” tell her about the precautions.”
nephew, 6, on the other hand, had My new-age module was in tatters. At night, when I was rocking
been told that he was bought from I asked her if she’s watched my baby to sleep, my sister-in-law
a shop in New Market. So, when I any Hindi film with a suhaag raat came rushing in. “Rohan (curi-
met them , I wasn’t surprised that in it (hard to miss). She wrinkled ous nephew) asks what’s a con-
they didn’t believe a word. her nose in distaste: “Yes I did. Is dom. Tell me something quick.”
When my niece asked who de- that how babies happen?” “Say it’s used by grown-ups to
cides whether a pup is born male “No, that’s how many married protect against injury.”