Today, I read an article that I found disturbing, not because the topic itself (the ban on incandescent 100 watt light bulbs) is critical to life, but because it is a symptom of an attitude that does seriously affect our lives.  The article is “Let There Be Light” by Jacob Sullum in townhall.com on March 16, 2011.  The author discusses Sen. Rand Paul’s attempt to get repealed, a bill passed to help decrease our use of energy.  The reason for this move, Paul doesn’t like compact fluorescent bulbs and shouldn’t have to use them if he doesn’t like them.  He isn’t comfortable with them.

Using the newer bulbs might not save huge amounts of energy and will lower electric bills only a bit, but it is a realistic start in the direction of being more responsible in our energy use. Getting people used to CFLs may take some time, but it will happen as long as this becomes one of the main bulbs for sale.  

The author implies that the government should not force people to go against their preferences, but there are plenty of people in  government who want to force people to go against their preferences all the time, and usually related to more critical issues like same gender marriage and abortion rights.  In the latter instances, those who want the government to ban the actions despite public opinion say it is “to protect marriage” or “to save lives.”  In short, folks like Sen. Paul and the author of this article want the government to endorse what they believe and are comfortable with no matter what works for other people or what a majority of citizens want. Is it possible that we can’t see the hypocracy in such thinking?

Maybe, we should err on the side of what will ultimately be best for the most people.  Clearly, using less electricity is better and there is an increasing variety of CFLs, efficient incandescent, and LED bulbs.  There is still plenty of choice, and yes, CFLs do last longer, a lot longer than traditional incandescents.   The goal/benefit of the more efficient bulbs is to cut use of electricity.  What is the benefit of banning same gender marriage?  What is the benefit of restricting legal abortions?    In the case of light bulbs, we are told that choice is important and should not be restricted.  Why won’t the same folks who cry for choice in bulbs allow us the same choice in the important issues? 

Peace,
Ruth