Congress needs to waive roadblocks

This is just beautiful! The greatest nation in the world with some of the purest air and cleanest water and we are being forced to go back to the 19th century.

That's right. We are being "forced" to stop driving our cars and cut back our energy use or pay ever increasing rates. In the meantime, backward nations are growing up and starting to enjoy the modern technologies we have had for years. You know, like air conditioning, television, refrigeration, reliable electricity, and, yes, automobiles.

In both China and India, hundreds of millions of people have attained middle-class status and are demanding more and more energy to run their automobiles, air conditioners, etc. and nothing the liberal progressive environmentalists say or do is going to affect those countries in the slightest way.

Wake up, America, before it is too late. We need more oil and nuclear power if we are going to stay up with other countries and maintain our wonderful lifestyle. And it IS NOT going to take 10 years to produce more energy. Congress recently waived all the environmental roadblocks to building the fence on our border and the Supreme Court has just agreed it had the authority to do it. So, all Congress has to do is waive the environmental roadblocks on drilling and building refineries and nuclear plants, and we'll be producing within a few years.

Call, e-mail or write all of your state and federal representatives today. I agree that we need to wean ourselves from oil but, only as fast as technology can replace oil energy while we keep our lifestyle.

Rich Shook
Lodi

Reader Feedback

Cogito wrote on Jun 27, 2008 6:40 PM:

" Jrs, I agree completely! The idea I was trying to convey is that there are really very few reasons for the world not to start introducing these technologies publicly. You would think that Europe, who spends way more for gas than we do, would be jumping on these alternatives to internal combustion. It's time to offer us the choice! "

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jrs wrote on Jun 27, 2008 11:43 AM:

" Cotigo:

I wasn't talking as much about inventing new technologies as I was about integrating them into our lifestyles. You are correct - the technologies definitely exist...they just need to be brought to market. With the need for them, entrepreneurs will find ways to make the equation happen. "

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wtf wrote on Jun 27, 2008 8:22 AM:

" There's also this pretty cool car called the Air Car.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmqpGZv0YT4&feature=related "

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Cogito wrote on Jun 26, 2008 8:57 PM:

" JRS, you stated "we are finally seeing market forces push us to the point of exploring energy alternatives". I watched a television show recently of the Tokyo auto show. It showed many, many automobiles that ran on alternative energy sources. the technology was advanced enough for public use starting now. From hybrids, to hydrogen fuel cells, to freeway speed electrics. None of the cutting edge technology was from the big 3 American automakers, all of it was Japanese or European. The show was taped at the 2003 auto show. It's ready! "

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voter wrote on Jun 26, 2008 12:14 PM:

" I love this phrase, "we are being forced to go back to the 19th century." Really, Mr. Shook? You're driving a horse and buggy? "

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jeff wrote on Jun 26, 2008 11:27 AM:

" 'forced'? "

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Leonard wrote on Jun 26, 2008 9:40 AM:

" These things have a way of working themselves out.

Maybe the radiation will mutate some bacteria so that it will eat all the oil the next time there's a major spill off the coast of Carmel. "

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papercut wrote on Jun 26, 2008 9:35 AM:

" sam, I'm with you! Wow, wouldn't that be impressive to have three hummers parked in your new FCB home in Gillespie Estates right here in little old Lodi? LMAO sam, when does ignorance end and stupidity begin? "

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papercut wrote on Jun 26, 2008 9:31 AM:

" Store the waste in DC, where it'll do us all some good and eradicate the rats. "

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jrs wrote on Jun 26, 2008 8:24 AM:

" Mr Shook's last line is telling, not only in its selfishness, but also in its short-sightedness. Doesn't he realize that there will be no impetus for creating new technologies if we are able to continue indulging in our "great national addiction?" Surely Mr Shook knows who the mother of invention is - that's right, necessity. We are finally seeing market forces push us to the point of exploring energy alternatives - what a shame it would be to reverse the momentum that has been created by the great invisible hand of capitalism. "

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Leonard wrote on Jun 26, 2008 7:38 AM:

" Brilliant!!! Lets waive the environmental regs on nuclear power. Who needs those 10 foot concrete containment walls? Radiation is good for cockroaches, maybe it is good for humans as well. As for the waste, lets store it on playgrounds. The glow will make them safer at night.

I am all for increasing the role of nuclear power in America but progress in this area MUST be accommodated by the STRICTEST environmental and safety regulation.

A single Chernobyl style accident in the US would wipe out any economic gain we might achieve through increased use of nuclear power. "

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sam wrote on Jun 26, 2008 6:53 AM:

" WOW, I AGREE. Let's put an oil rig in every yard and a nuclear power plant in every school yard (all that open space wasted on kids). Don't forget our coast. Who needs to enjoy a sunset over the ocean. What a waste. Let's just line our coast with oil rigs.

Let's do it. That way I can put 3 hummers in my garage and drive way over the speed limit just because I want to.

I want my gluttonous life style protected.

Where is Ivan Dixon? I am sure he would agree. "

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