Authoritarianism " for the Greater Good"

Via Coyote Blog, here is yet another example why people don't trust environmentalists.....

Having argued that democracy has failed humanity, the authors go even further and demonstrate that this failure can easily lead to authoritarianism without our even noticing. Even more provocatively, they assert that there is merit in preparing for this eventuality if we want to survive climate change. They are not suggesting that existing authoritarian regimes are more successful in mitigating greenhouse emissions, for to be successful economically they have adopted the market system with alacrity. Nevertheless, the authors conclude that an authoritarian form of government is necessary, but this will be governance by experts and not by those who seek power.

So basically, because we haven't done what is necessary (according to them), they need to establish an authoritarian government in order to compel and coerce us to do what is necessary (according to them) and because they're in it "for the greater good", we shouldn't worry about it? Hmmmmm....Where have we heard this before?

Dear Environmentalists,

This is just a humble suggestion from a lowly engineer. Perhaps, the reason why so few people take you seriously is because when you fail to convince, you complain like a bunch of 5-yr old girls. Not to mention the whole advocating fascism thing. It's not a strategy to make friends and influence people. FYI...

Thank you for your time,
Jessica

There's also this gem: "Society is verging on a philosophical choice between 'liberty' or 'life.'" Look, people I don't believe it when the President says we have to make this choice for terrorism and I don't beleive it coming from a bunch of scientists either. Although, it does remind me of a Terry Pratchett quote:

"There was a thoughtful pause in the conversation as the assembled Brethren mentally divided the universe into the deserving and the undeserving, and put themselves on the appropriate side."