Political Cartoon is by Nate Beeler in The Washington Examiner.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Energy Bill Goes To The Senate
It was a lot closer than I expected, but the energy bill has finally passed the House of Representatives. It was passed on Friday by a vote of 219 to 212. Republicans were solidly opposed to the bill, but since there are only 178 Republicans in the House, that means quite a few Democrats voted against the bill also.
According to CNN News, "The bill would reduce nationwide greenhouse gas emissions 17 percent by 2020 and 83 percent by 2050 through a so-called 'cap-and-trade' program under which companies would buy and sell emissions credits. Among other things, the bill would also require utilities to generate an increasing amount of power from renewable sources."
The reason the vote was so close was that the energy industry lobbyists pulled out all the stops. The energy industry does not want this bill to become law. If it does, it's going to cost them some money to control their release to the environment of pollutants like carbon dioxide. They will also have to move much quicker than they want to cleaner and renewable sources of energy.
They have tried to attack the bill on two fronts. They say it will cause the price of energy to rise, and that it will also be a job-killer. It's hard to argue the first point. The price of energy will rise, but it will probably also spur the invention of more efficient ways to use that energy. The second is more debatable. Many believe that new green jobs will simply replace any jobs lost, and that is probably true.
But we really don't have a lot of choice. Whether Republicans and power company magnates want to admit it or not, global climactic change is already becoming a serious problem. We must take drastic action to stop it before we reach the point of no return. History tells us we cannot trust the power companies and energy suppliers to do the right thing. If they have their way, they'll go right on burning fossil fuels until it's too late.
Now the future of the bill rests with the Senate. The lobbyists are not going to let up, and it would take just a few "blue dog" Democrats to wimp out to kill the bill, or disastrously alter it. The bill needs to pass as close as possible to its present form, but so far, the Democrats haven't exactly shown a lot of political courage.
I wish I had more faith in the majority leader, but I really expect Reid to blow this great opportunity to install a sane energy policy and protect the environment.
Time For Sanford To Resign
It looks like it is time for Governor Mark Sanford to resign. After his disappearance for several days to Argentina for a tete-a-tete with his mistress "Maria", the calls for his resignation are starting to grow louder. It looks like even his wife thinks his tenuous position is not worth defending.Mrs. Sanford told reporters, "His career is not a concern of mine. He's going to have to worry about that. I'm worried about my family and the character of my children." I really can't blame her for feeling that way. He not only publically embarrassed her and their children, but he broke the solemn oath he made to her on their wedding day.
Almost as bad, were the hypocritical lies Sanford seemed comfortable telling the American people. He was in the forefront of the "family values" clique of right-wing Republicans and a big wheel in the Promise Keepers organization. As a representative of both, he was quick to tell Americans how they should live -- and all the while he was violating his own words for at least the last year. He is the very definition of a hypocrite.
But the most important reason he should resign is his violation of his oath of office to the people of the state of South Carolina. He disappeared for nearly a week without telling anyone where he was going, not even his own staff (and to cover their ignorance, they cooked up a story about him hiking the Appalachian Trail). South Carolina citizens had a right to expect their governor to always be where he can be reached in case of an emergency.
Sanford has violated the trust of too many people. It is time for him to resign his governorship.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Am I The Only One ?
On Thursday afternoon, Michael Jackson died. Since then, the world seems to have gone crazy. I watched Good Morning America yesterday morning, and the only thing they talked about was his death. Usually when they cover a major story, they take a small break to tell about the other news happening in the world. But they didn't even do that. The only story they covered was Jackson's death.In fact, listening to major media would make one think that Jackson was universally loved and respected. I seem to be the only person who disagrees. Although I own scores of CDs and like all kinds of music, I have never owned a Michael Jackson record or CD nor have I ever had a desire to own one.
I guess he had a certain amount of talent, but I can think of hundreds of singers and songwriters that I think were more talented. Just a couple of weeks ago the great blues singer, Koko Taylor (pictured), died and the news media ignored it. Was Jackson so much more deserving?
I also think Jackson was a child molester, who was able to use his enormous wealth to avoid being convicted of it. All in all, I just didn't consider him hero material.
Am I the only one thinking like this? What do you think?
China Doesn't Want The Hummer !
As most Americans know, General Motors (GM) has been having a bit of trouble. In fact, if it wasn't for a government bailout, they would have already gone belly-up. One of the things GM is doing to save the company is to sell off or discontinue some of their car lines. Pontiac has been discontinued, and Saturn has been sold.
GM thought they had another of their product divisions sold -- Hummer. A Chinese company, Sichuan Tengzhong, had bid on the Hummer franchise and it seemed as though the deal would go through. But everyone may have assumed too much too soon. While the Chinese company wants to buy Hummer, it looks like the Chinese government doesn't like the deal.
Chinese state radio is broadcasting that the Chinese government will not allow the deal to go through (and they have the final say in the matter). State radio is saying there are two reasons why the deal will not be approved.
First, Sichuan Tengzhong is a construction equipment maker, and has no expertise in automobile manufacturing. The second reason is the environmental impact. A Hummer gets 15 miles to a gallon or less. This is not in line with the desire of the Chinese government to cut pollution from all manufacturers.
The company responded to the radio broadcast by saying, "The fact that it is from an article from a state media organisation does not mean it is government policy." I think they know they are wrong about that. Government radio is not known for its speculating. The company probably hopes they can change some minds before the government makes an official ruling.
Looks like GM better start looking for another buyer for Hummer, although that may be easier said than done. Gas hogs like the Hummer have no place in the future of transportation.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Texas Supports Gay/Lesbian Unions
State government has been run by right-wing Republicans for years here in Texas. The general consensus among most people is that Texas is a bastion of conservative thought and values. But is that really true? A new poll by Texas Lyceum shows Texas may be more liberal than normally thought to be -- especially on the topic of homosexual unions or marriages.
I have to admit that this poll surprises me. I thought a majority of Texans probably opposed gay and/or lesbian civil unions or marriages. I'm happy to be wrong though. According to the Texas Lyceum poll conducted this month, about 57% of Texans support either civil unions or marriage for homosexuals (32% support civil unions and 25% support marriage). Only 36% of Texans are opposed to both.
Even more surprising is the fact that this support crosses party lines. While 65% of Democrats and 56% of Independents supported either civil unions or marriage, a majority of Republicans (51%) also supported one or the other. Here are the numbers when broken down by party:
DEMOCRATS
Civil Unions...............29%
Marriage...............36%
Neither...............29%
REPUBLICANS
Civil Unions...............37%
Marriage...............14%
Neither...............43%
INDEPENDENTS
Civil Unions...............31%
Marriage...............25%
Neither...............35%
Could Texas actually be ready to enter the 21st century with everyone else?
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