A month ago, I wrote an article about the energy problem in the U.S. that, in my opinion, has been caused by our government’s lack of action to produce any kind of energy plan during the past 35 years. I quickly learned that a lot of other people have similar concerns, and many of you were kind enough to send me your thoughts. Below is a potpourri of the emails that I received. Please add your views to the discussion here!
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“Your comments on government inaction and energy tend to make me angry as well. Where has Congress been since the wake-up call of 1973? Brazil is the only nation to respond and they are doing well for it. So what has happened here? The apparent answer is not pretty.
“Do you have any idea how much tax revenue comes through the oil and gas industry? Why on Earth would anyone in government vote to make big cuts in that revenue stream? How are they going to replace it with wind? When they can figure that out, you’ll see wind on the fast track. Consider ethanol. It costs $140 to make $100 worth of ethanol. Taxpayers subsidize the rest. That’s no answer. But when money goes thru government, government profits. Typically 50% ‘administrative’ cost. That’s good business for government.
“Yes, solar and wind have made some gains, but the dent they make in the overall energy pie amounts to crumbs. You’re right. Pressure from citizens is the only thing that will get our elected Senators and Representatives moving (they don’t even seem to care that their approval rating is only about 10%). Unfortunately, citizens are too busy fighting and arguing … liberal vs. conservative, Democrat vs. Republican, haves vs. have nots (IRS says 50% of population pays 3% of personal income taxes … they want all they can get when someone else is paying for it), culture vs. culture within the US who won’t even speak a common language, etc.
“I really hope the citizenry gets informed and active for the right reasons, realizing we have to work together to solve the problems and ‘there ain’t no free lunch’ because there IS a limit to the money supply. Government debt hurts the people just like household debt hurts the family.
“Sorry if I sound cynical. I love this country and get angry at the people who don’t seem to care about all the good people who make it great. I really appreciate the exceptional team of people at Cabot. You are all ‘Olympians’ in my book.”
W.W., Vancouver, Washington
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“I enjoyed reading your email of information and perspective.
“The greatest source of Wind is in Congress!
“On a serious note, I am convinced that the management of the nation’s business is beyond the ability of those in Congress. The very best and brightest among us are not interested in politics for a host of reasons, i.e. partisan toxicity, personal attack and abuse, duplicity, deception, etc. There are exceptions of course, but politics attracts very cunning and manipulative individuals, with a questionable value system.
“It has been said, and attributed to different Founding Fathers, that we would have the government we deserved. That is exactly what we are experiencing. The acumen and interest of the average citizen pertaining to government is dismal at best and the political establishment is exploiting that condition for their own interests. The list of abuses and corruption by those in Congress is endless. The politicians have hijacked the country. It is paramount for partisan politics to dominate votes. With them, it is all about control and power. They operate and perpetuate a political bureaucracy totally separated from the people. There is a total disconnect.
“I am finishing reading a book about what transpired in Philadelphia when our Constitution was formed by the Founding Fathers. There were many issues and considerations proposed and debated by the participants but one theme was constant. They were very apprehensive about the people being able to govern themselves and hold together the States. Many also believed that the Republic that was established, would not last longer than 10 years.
“I continue to believe that the USA is the greatest country in the world with all of the unique attributes it affords one to live their life. No other country can match the USA on the whole, but our political system is dysfunctional and corrupt. The American voters need to demand better government. That begins, by not electing and re-electing the same incompetents.”
V.C., No. Scituate, Rhode Island
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“The first 2 paragraphs of your letter blew me away. It’s a powerful message. When is someone going to step up and face these problems? I’ve got 10 grandkids and want to see them live the kind of life we have been lucky to live. Also, 8 of the 10 are boys and I would hate to see them get involved in an unnecessary war.”
G.D.
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“If we do not get rid of the current destructive partisanship in Congress, a la Pelosi, Reid and co., you can kiss our country good bye. The far right is almost as bad as the far left. We must get statesmen to run, and be elected to office. The incumbents are there forever and look after themselves first, last and always. They throw just enough “pork” (earmarks!) back to keep ‘em elected and they become wealthy.
“Very unhappy in Tallahassee FL with our Congress.”
C.M.
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“I believe that we need to drill for our own oil, and I doubt that it will take 5 years to get into production. It appears that there is a lot of oil in various places in our country. One very important factor is that it would reduce the amount of money going to our friends (?) in the Mideast. That would slow down the depreciation of our money overseas. Thanks for your thoughts.”
R.N.