Ecotopia

First off I would like to say that the book was a good read. In fact, I would like to think that a majority of the things that Callenbach wrote about are possible. The whole idea of an electro-magnetic train system that traverses the entire country is quite possible. Also the facts are true about Japan and other European countries using this type of transportation. If the US did convert to this kind of travel it would reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and oil. It’s like a new form of public transportation. The thing that got me was that some of the emotions and interactions between the Ecotopians seemed unlikely. The way the Ecotopians live is plausible, but the fact that they live in a society where there is no competition is not possible. Granted I believe that sure there maybe a peaceful environment, but still it’s human nature to compete amongst each other, even if it’s a kind of minute competition. I found it kind of weird though that though there is no criminal violence and no physically violent sports that there are war-games that involve spears and what not. I guess that’s the barbaric competitive side of humans I was looking for. The atmosphere seems like one that would most enjoyable. I feel that they kind of lack in some areas but they make up for it in other areas. The medical aspect of Ecotopia was impressive in that their hospitals don’t seem to be as overcrowded and expenssive like those that we have. Still it just seems a little to on the extreme side. The school system was a pleasant atmosphere that promoted learning freely, but the fact that a majority of the education was (for lack of a better words) being in the Scouts. Everything was so lax and care-free that it just wasn’t possible. Another thought I had was since they are nature based, why didn’t they invest in silk. It’s a natural material that comes from a silk worm so why didn’t they use that. I also want to know what happend to the big businesses that based themselves out of that part of the country? Surely they wouldn’t just give up that easily or even allow such an enviorment to exist in the first place. There deffinately was some conglomerate out there that would not just lay down and let some people take control of their profits and products. As we can clearly see now in todays government that big business fights harder than anybody or anything to survive and prosper.