Now we're discussing the issues instead of arguing which side of the Global Warming discussion is hype vs reality, and who's opinion should be discounted if we don't agree.

Just as the reader linked to an external blog post the other day, it really doesn't matter because if the challenges we face separately are not addressed they will be the downfall of our societal infrastructure.

This is exactly the focus of why I explore the material - because if one believes the hype it appears we're all going to die tomorrow, or at least or children will in their time.

This hype as presented to the American Public is exactly the disservice I speak to, in that it not only distorts and misleads public opinion, but also "loosens up" hard working Americans to be exploited by false advertising and "rushed to market" unproven technology.

The reason the above "renewable" technologies haven't been brought forward at the wholesale level is because they were not cost effective. On a supplemental basis here and there some make sense, however the large generating capacity numbers needed to power our society are just not available by these renewable methods. We aren't socialist Europe, in a free market system if a product cant stand on its merits, it does not generally move forward and this includes power production.

I cant say why during the Clinton Presidency NOTHING was done to move forward new generating capacity with proven safe and environmentally friendly technology and modernizing the distribution grid. I also cant say why during the Clinton Presidency NOTHING was done to address gross deficiencies fuel refinery capacity and distribution systems. I can say it MIGHT be because the environmental lobby held more sway than rational thinking. I can also say its a JOKE that the same folks who stopped progress for 8 years, now point fingers at the current administration and blame BUSH II for in-action.

Perhaps going into Iraq is the best explanation why we haven't dealt with these domestic challenges. Mistake that that was for many separate reasons.

When it comes to power producing technology at the wholesale level, the cost of oil dictates the common sense. We have enough oil in US and Canadian shale deposits to last us for generations, the cost to extract being both the thing that held it back as well as the opportunity if OPEC continues to maintain high prices. The Saudis are smart, if we move forward with oil shale in an aggressive fashion, the price will miraculously come down and I wouldn't be surprise if any "suggested shortage" suddenly rectifies.

Of course OIL is evil. It's odd how some view our life blood as a bad thing.

The US will use less electric grid demand as manufacturing continues leaving the country in droves, but this just means Mexico and China and other foreign countries will increase electric production, perhaps by far less "environmentally friendly" means as we would.

It might also be worth looking at why we want to beat up domestic based oil companies (ExxonMobil) by way of tax structure penalties and propaganda, yet at what point are we making it easier for the foreign competitors such as UK's BP, the Netherlands Royal Dutch Shell, France's Total, Venezuela's Total, and Russia's Yukos?

As someone with over 20 years of actively watching this situation develop, I can't tell the difference between ExxonMobil's self serving tactics, and those of the environmental lobby (lawyers). This being the case, how can we expect Joe normal hard working American to separate the myth from he real facts? Both sides are guilty of doing we citizens a disservice and should be held accountable when laws or ethics are broken.

AT LEAST in the court of public opinion.

Why is it so easy to make life extraordinarily difficult for our own national assets, when we make it extra easy for those of foreign countries? This method is damaging to our national interests and it makes no sense whatsoever.

We have our work cut out for us, perhaps we can explore the challenges based on reason and objective analyses, instead of overdone hype and propaganda - our environmental lobby media is confusing and misleading the American public and unless we get busy talking about it we could easily go down the wrong path with no real benefit and HUGE opportunity cost.

How is the repayment of funds "borrowed" from the Social Security trust fund coming along lately anyway?

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