Scotty, you have the knack of rendering all of life’s complex problems in simple, meaningful terms. I used to rely on Facebook to give me the true ‘behind-the-news’ analysis but I have had difficulty in keeping up with the plethora of views, and the arguments being advanced. Now I’m putting my faith in you and Angus. Legends!
There were misgivings I had when, clasping that lump of coal, you told us ‘it was nothing to be afraid of’. But now I understand how astute you were. For coal (and gas) will help us transition to the golden age of low-emissions energy. With Angus’s brilliant mind cutting through on issues of carbon capture and storage (CCS), and Josh’s ability to run huge deficits and splash cash around to fund corporate research, we will soon be able to use our enormous coal (and gas) reserves to transition to the new age of low-emissions hydrogen.
CCS may be expensive in the short term. But hell, the country is used to deficits now… that’s why we had the pandemic! Great vision Scott! Short-term emissions pain for long-term gain! What’s more, we’ll now be able to use all that cheap coal and gas that other countries will impose tariffs on if exported.
The ducks are lining up Scott. Being dirty, emissions-wise, they will also be on the nose with trading partners, so they will be cheap to use here – and their use will help create the market for hydrogen. Later we can move to using the wind and sun power to electrolyse clean water. Never mind the naysayers who talk about scarce water resources in the driest continent. Just look at NSW now.
So Scotty, beam me up; there’s no intelligent life down here!
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
