we are all caught up in political smears lately. that, and watching the economy collapse. but let's take a minute to focus on science & technology. if we're going to get serious about america's global leadership role for the future, this is where to do it. Education, health, the environment, energy independence, and yes, national security are all hinged on support for scientific research. more emphasis & investment in new technology advancements here would reshape our economy to make us more competitive in the 21st century globalized economy.
joe has always said that everything boils down to one thing: energy. access to clean, unlimited, renewable energy would change everything. i know this isn't some novel concept, but i've just been so amazed that what we usually hear on this topic during the campaign is 'drill baby drill'. we have got to get away from oil. so long as politicians are in bed with the oil industry, the innovation won't come. the motivation isn't there. so this is where government needs to step in and push hard.
here's some things that may have been overshadowed by other distractions during the campaign (like, say, lipstick)
-an open letter from 62 nobel laureates in support of obama
-obama's answers to questions on science for the journal nature (mccain declined to answer)
-the science debate 2008, pitting obama & mccain's responses to 14 important, science-related questions side by side
and, lastly, obama giving a speech on energy in michigan:
22 October 2008
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3 comments:
This is why McCain was the wrong candidate for the GOP... among other reasons. He is getting blown out of the water on this. Energy independence and a reduction in our dependence on foreign oil are extremely important. More important though, and Obama states this eloquently, is that we need to reduce our oil consumption as a country, and planet, and pursue cleaner and more efficient sources of energy. McCain is a good-old boys candidate and people want to move forward technologically, including the right wing.
As a country we do need to commit to developing newer, cleaner, energy technologies. Now, I think Obama needs to be more honest about the sacrifices Americans will need to make, and the possible world reaction to an America without oil dependence, but hopefully that will come after(if?) he is elected. That is not exactly a positive thing to talk about while trying to get elected. People need to know that if the government is going to fund this that they will take a hit in their wallets as well. Current oil based energy production jobs will be lost, and those unwilling or uneducated enough to adapt will lose their way of life. This is not a small population. Also, higher taxes and lower wages will have to fund this. GM cannot give you a raise while funding a new, expensive, energy project while the government will be picking up the financial slack... and that money will be coming from income taxes.
Now, Obama does say that we will have to make sacrifices, and this is necessary. But, he should make it clear that these can and will hit the middle class hard and, if funded by the government, will raise your taxes. The American people should also know that this capitalist system is greased by oil, and the transition could be financially tumultuous for extended periods of times while we adapt.
McCain is wrong on energy and has offered no alternate solution. "Drill baby drill," could potential make it easier on our wallets, but does not ensure the safety and health of our planet for generations to come. We need to protect our planet, and this is one area that the left has got it right.
That being said, we need to maintain the integrity of capitalism in the process. Policies that loot oil company profits and put rebate checks in Americans pockets are not those of a country that is friendly to business development. We must keep capitalism and free markets going while we do this. Though this will be a socially funded technology project, we as a country need to maintain our free market roots. This is essential.
Anyways, long rant... but something we should all be talking about and learning more about. Thanks for starting the conversation! I will be keeping an eye out for other responses.
The future of clean energy:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/79/IT_(South_Park%3B_The_Entity).jpeg
Check out Australia!
In just a few years, Aussies will be driving to and fro in electric vehicles, plugging in to a grid powered entirely by renewable energy. At least, that's the goal of California-based startup Better Place, which is heading Down Under to put its ambitious vision for an electric-car future into action.
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