Kites cause wind

Imagination is the highest kite one can fly -- Lauren Bacall

I was mowing the yard yesterday (something us Michiganders only get to do 6 months a year) when the wind kicked up a little and sent my straw hat flying a few feet away. As I retrieved the errant chapeau, I pondered the state of nature, and what causes wind. I also observed that it was the annual kite festival in my town starting about then.

Later, while having lunch with my family, I recounted my observations, and told them that I can only conclude that kites cause wind. There was, after all, a kite festival going on, which required wind to be successful. It was logical to conclude as I did that the kites brought the weather necessary to sustain themselves.

Of course, they looked at me like I just told them that humans cause planetary climate change. (They know of course, that I'm not one to blame humans for things they don't do). Then it hit me. These are exactly the same argument. Saying humans cause climate change is like saying kites cause wind. The reverse of each statement is actually the truth. Wind brings out the kites, and climate change causes human migration.

Later that day, we enjoyed the kite festival. We were all thankful that the kites were able to bring enough wind with them. It would've been good for a laugh if there weren't so many people who believe it.