Posted by
Ender on Friday, October 23, 2009 9:30:29 PM
I do not know whether or not Sweden has any major tasks to undertake under whatever the current 'Kick America in the Rear' environmental treaties are floating around. I do believe, though, that if they do, then they've recently stumbled onto the perfect way of ensuring that they meet these goals, with what should be a nearly-limitless, green source of energy.
Why do I think this?
One of the most influential kings of Sweden was Gustav II Adolf, aka 'Gustavus Adolphus'. According to Wikipedia, he is the only Swedish king to have been titled 'the Great', by a decision of the Swedish Estates of the Realm, a title granted the year after he died in battle. In addition to being a king of renown, Gustav II Adolf was a military leader of some strength; Wikipedia verifies what I learned from another source; King Gustav II Adolf of Sweden is known (to some at least) as the father of modern warfare.
King Gustav was also, from what sources I've seen, a very pious man. I can state that, thanks to the internet, I have personally read two hymns attributed to him, although in fairness, there are other claimants for the attribution to both. At least one source I have read also claims that the man lead his army in prayer before the Battle of Lützen - the battle where this mighty man finally fell.
What does all of this have to do with clean energy?
I didn't pay enough attention last spring; I only discovered recently that the Swedish government legalized homosexual marriage then. However, yesterday, I did stumble, almost by accident, across the news that the Swedish Lutheran church has chosen to do the same - according to
this BBC Article, by a majority vote of about 70%. This extends straight to the top: The article quotes the Archbishop of Sweden as saying '"
For my part, the right decision was taken, but I can empathise with the many who believe this has gone too fast."' (Emphasis mine) The news was verified in a brief web search; apparently several liberal weblogs were cheering the news.
Hence, we come to the new, limitless source of Swedish energy. If the Swedish people need one, all they have to do is take a large dynamo to the Riddarholmen Church, where King Gustav II Adolf is buried. They should run a shaft between the heart of the dynamo and the body of the king. That way, they'll have a nearly unlimited source of energy easily available, as King Gustav turns over in his grave at what his people have done to themselves before the world, and before the God whom he served.