November 16, 2003

Ghost ships ahoy

Yesterday, the BBC reported on the continuing controversy over the disused American cargo ships from the James River Fleet which are bound for the British port of Hartlepool.
Friends of the Earth says the decision to allow more ships due to be scrapped to dock in the UK is creating an environmental threat. Two US vessels have already arrived, and now permission has been given for two more to stay in the UK.
Peter Mandelson, MP for Hartlepool where the ships are destined to be broken up, says the fears are based on "misinformation". Campaigners believe toxic chemicals and asbestos on the US ships pose a risk.
Environmental campaigners seem capable of believing pretty much anything, as long as it doesn't come from a government source.

Philip Stott provided a rational view of the issue in a Thursday post at Envirospin Watch.
The truth is that some environmentalists (remember there are many shades of green) are not living in the real world and they are starting to be a serious threat to the UK economy. I wonder how much of the protest about these particular ships is because they are (Heaven forbid!) American and were once used to service the American navy? Our rationality about America has now gone out to march with the barmy brigade.
And, while you’re over at Philip’s place, you might also want to check out his Greenspeak-English dictionary. It’s a hoot!