You would think I would be ecstatic on anything that can stop global warming. Why? Because we are having record-setting days here in Texas: 104 yesterday, probably 106 today. Geez, I hope we get this global warming under control so the summers here in Texas can be cooler.
Of course, I can't be serious. And I'm not. And yet, many believe here in Texas the reason for this heat is man-made: that is, factories, cars, hot air (which wafts down here from Washington), and other intangibles (all man-made) are to blame. Forget the fact that Texas is supposed to be blistering and hot in the summer, it has to be the global warming.
Which is fine, I guess, to think. I mean, who knows, right? I sure don't, and you probably don't either. We take the information given us, make our decision as to whether we believe it or not, and then move on to our own interests and lives.
The past few months we have heard about health care for all from Washington. Universal health care for every American (and, in some versions, some non-Americans). I will not talk about that, since I really don't have a problem with it as long as it doesn't cost an arm and a leg and doesn't give preference to one group over another. And since that will never happen, I guess I can not offer an opinion.
The point is this: we have been hearing about health care, health care, health care for all of this time, and last night the House passed a bill called Cap and Trade which the sponsors say will wean us off dependence on foreign oil and help the environment by curbing our emissions. Sounds plausible, except for two things: it might do these things, but that is not the bulk of the bill. And there is no 'Trade' in the bill at all.
The bulk of the bill is how everyone, that's right, EVERYONE, will have to pay for his RIGHT NOW. How? By increased energy prices (gas, oil, electricity). That's right, every energy producer has to cap their emissions and trade (sell) any excess availablility on their permits. To put it simply, lets's think of it this way:
I have an energy company. I am 'allowed' 1000 units for emissions. I use only 300, which means I can trade (sell) the excess to someone who uses more than they are allotted. No, I cannot save my excess (which would be logical), I must trade (sell) them. If not, I will be fined.
This is not mentioned by the media (not yet, anyway), and you can barely hear anything at all about this bill. That will change, I think, but for now we are all concerned with arguing about health care. I understand that, I truly do. Yet even Universal Health Care will not impact us so much so soon as this Cap and Tax. That's right, Washington passed this on a Friday afternoon without everyone reading the bill (and after adding 300 pages to it in the middle of the night - something that should have made everyone wake up to the fact the bait and switch was on). This is armed robbery in daylight, something even Washington never had the audacity to do before. Are they that arrogant? Apparently so since we the people are not stopping them. Yet.
Hopefully it will die in the Senate. Many Democrats voted against this bill (because they have no stock options in eco-companies, perhaps), Greenpeace is absolutely against this bill, as are many environmental groups. Why? Because it is a tax that might, might, help the environment. The most important word there is tax.
I agree we need some kind of energy plan, and I agree it makes objective sense to reduce emissions which can hurt the environment. Yet let's have something that won't cost everyone an arm and a leg and something that no special interest group will get rich from.
» left by sue thom from nj (141 days 15 hours ago.)
hi michael,
you have some interesting thoughts.
it is sad that we vote for those who spent more on their education than we will in our lifetime, and yet, can't figure out how to fix the problems we have.
my kids are college age now, and although they may not go to an ivy league college, maybe just online classes!, i hope their generation will come up with some of the answers.
maybe the politicians are getting a little too old to see the big picture, and figure since they won't even be around, why waste their energy? (no pun intended)
Thanks. I doubt the politicians see the big picture since they all seem to come down with some strange affliction once they arrive in Washington. Either they lie, cheat on their spouse (lying again), go back on their word (lying), or just give up and decide idealism hasn't a chance. Too bad it is, and as I've written before: Just once I would love to hear a politician say exactly what is on his mind. No spin, no 'buts', just the plain truth. Sad state of affairs you called it, and you called it correctly.
The arrogance of these men and women is astounding. I hope it gets better, yet until we as a voting people get together and realize enough is enough, I can only see apathy winning over reason. Reason is something that is slowly being replaced by empathy, apathy and ignorance. Too bad it is, and there is a way out should we decide to take it: at the ballot box, hold those in power accountable.
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