Americans constitute 5% of the worlds population, yet we consume 24% of its energy.
Please stop using this bogus comparison to imply that Americans use more than "their share" of the world's energy. The correct comparison is between inputs and outputs. The USA produces nearly 20% of the world's GDP. If your 24% is correct, we have room for improvements in energy efficiency, but we're not nearly the energy gluttons that you're suggesting. The low ratio of population to energy use is largely due to our high productivity.
Shesh, nope. First, what tax subsidies are you talking about? There is no way Coal is subsidized, nor is oil and gas.
Do a little research. Here's a starting point.
It's going to be cheaper to make electricity by natural gas for a LONG time, especially over solar.
That depends on how bad the fracking earthquakes get.
I'd rather be a marauder. What's an good apocalypse without them?
I am reminded of the words of the notorious pirate Bartholomew Roberts: "...a merry life and a short one shall be my motto."
I have long held the belief that software can be life critical at times and software engineers should be held to the same professionalism as any other form of engineering.
It is a matter of fact, not belief, that software can be life critical. For the majority of software, though, cost and time-to-market considerations far outweigh coding to the highest professional standard. "Good enough" wins.
In most places "Software Engineers" meet no accreditation requirements, have no requirement to belong to any society which regulates ethics, experience or training.
I've worked with real engineers, ethics was more important than their education.
There is no requirement to belong, but at least there is a society that promulgates ethics.
Trying to stuff everyone into a particular mold is like something straight out of Anthem or 1984, and it just doesnt work.
Right. Best to take a page out of "Brave New World", so everyone from alphas to epsilons can be happy.
If all else fails, lower your standards.