Thank you for the expert testimony and for the invitation.
My ancestry is Dutch, a country once festooned with windmills (working as water pumps, mostly). My name is derived from this technology. They transformed the country and helped generate its place in the world. Here in Australia we have wind power spinning on some ridge tops. To me, they are beautiful, as they signify how clever we are to make electricity out of wind. They're not perfect but are better than burning coal.
I'm familiar with arguments against investing in new technologies. I worked my career in Defence, spending billions on things we hoped never to use (and usually didn't) and which were only good for killing people. Our F-111s were ready for war one day and buried in concrete the next. We constantly talked about how many hospitals or schools this project or that could buy. This kept us energised and focussed on doing the best we could with the money. We felt the responsibility deeply. We were good public servants. We knew that some in the community hated what we were doing. This also made us feel the responsibility deeply. I expect that the scientists and engineers who build wind power in the US experience the same emotions.
Re your gracious invitation, please allow me to take a raincheck. I'm sure I would enjoy your company and your surrounds greatly at some point in the future, but for the moment I need to keep my distance from Americans. It could lead to you learning some new swear words. I don't think I'm alone in this. It would be hard for me to describe how deeply I am troubled about what your administration is doing to the world. Despite all the signs and alarm bells, obvious for decades, the American electorate has allowed itself to be scammed into choosing a man who is without question one of the most flawed human beings ever to seek high office; a man who is utterly unfit to be President of the United States and leader of the free world. With only a shadow of a doubt, I believe Americans will come to regret their choice, soon and significantly. Notwithstanding, I wish each of you good health and happiness, in the difficult times ahead.
