I just post in opposition of the far left who wants us to stop using all fossil fuels immediately and go to solar and wind power which is not practical or possible at this time but they try to force the rest us us to do what they want. You follow Al Gore if you like and I'll follow common sense because all the experts in the field of energy are saying it will take the same length of time to develop alternative energy as it will to get oil flowing and nuclear power plants on line.
I am by no means far left. You know more about Gore than I. I can swear I have never listened to him more that 5 min at any given time - and not more that 2 hours total in the last 10 years-
Global warming may well be a scientific hoax at the center of a radical political agenda of environmental extreamists-
But unlike you I have no political agenda- so you - Coulter just seem too far out-
I only refer to myself as a liberal because of the way I dress- my musical taste and my hair-
I'm not that far right so Coulter wouldn't like me. I think that we can agree that there is global warming but I think the sun has more influence on it than carbon dioxide does. The truth be known we're going to have to use all types of energy production oil, nuclear, wind, solar, and fuel cell if we're ever going to break away from the control that the Opec has on this country. We need to be self sufficient or we'll be at the mercy of Russia, China, and other energy rich countries. Russia is going to drill for oil at the North Pole and China is going to drill for oil near Cuba and this country just sits here arguing with each other about what to do while the rest of the world passes us by.
I was watching a movie on the Family channel today where they had an ad about saving the polar bears from extinction due to global warming. They were asking for donations and referenced their website: http://www.worldwildlife.org/s.....yN35QCFQOIFQodt3z7SA
[quote=191] the same people who think its ok to to tell me to have the small car, want to let crazy foreigners from mexico run wild on the roads and get the licenses here no questions asked, even when they dont have the drivers training indeed that we have. quote]
SALVATORE- And since you have brought up Mexico- ( or Mexicans )
Mexico happens to have the third largest proven reserves of crude oil in the Western Hemisphere . The US imports virtually all the oil Mexico exports.
The US calculates our oil needs when considering steps to take against Mexico and the illegal immigrants-
So maybe you might want to take that narrow minded thinking and adjust it to fit reality-
Bicycle sales and ridership have risen noticeably this year, right along with gas prices. That’s good news, though not unalloyed: Some people taking to the streets for the first time in years have apparently forgotten the rules of the road, while first-timers aren’t bothering to learn them. With more and larger cars — and trucks — on the roads than in the past, and more pavement problems on many urban roads than there may once have been, it’s a recipe for trouble. The recent gas crunch has already been credited for a measurable drop in highway fatalities; one can only hope there’s not a concomitant rise in traffic deaths involving cyclists. Where it’s probably inevitable that, as more cyclists take to the road, there will be more accidents, cyclists can take precautions that lessen the likelihood and reduce the severity of injuries when accidents do occur. Basically, the rules for cycling are pretty much the same as for driving motorized vehicles: Ride with the flow of traffic — not against it or on sidewalks; stop at all stop signs and traffic signals; signal all turns; and yield to pedestrians. Most important, wear a helmet so that if you do get into an accident, your noggin is protected. The most serious injuries, fatal or otherwise, are those involving the head, and a helmet greatly reduces the severity of a head injury. But not a helmet that was your kid’s, that may have been sitting in the garage for 15 or 20 years, with Styrofoam so brittle it’s likely to disintegrate on contact; you need one five years old or less, and that fits — your head. Bicycles are a great alternative to cars for the short distances many urbanites have to get to work or to do light shopping. With gas costing upwards of $4 per gallon, it’s not surprising that many Americans are turning to them. That will not only help lessen demand for gasoline — eventually putting pressure on oil prices — it will improve air quality. It should also result in a net reduction in traffic deaths as long as riders observe the rules of the road. Two wheels doesn’t mean you can be half as careful as when driving a car; it means — unless you want to become a statistic — you need to be twice as careful.
The solution to our energy crisis requires a combination of suggestions made by those on both the left and the right. I am in favor of increased drilling off-shore and the construction of additional refineries to increase refining capacity. Technology advancements make such drilling more environmentally friendly than in years past. The lifting of the moratorium should be accompanies by mandated conditions/requirements including higher fuel economy in our vehicles and increased research in and production of energy from solar, wind, geo, and hydro sources.
I favor the construction of additional nuclear power plants. Countries like France generate the majority of their electricity from nuclear power.
Having said this, however, I oppose the government forcing companies and individuals to pursue these strategies. Recall the carrot and the stick scenario. Incenting the public and corporations to go green is, in my opinion, a better and more effective solution. As an example, the government should provide tax incentives for companies to manufacture green energy sources. Our domestic auto manufacturers (GM, Ford, Chrysler) are losing market share because they cannot design and market vehicles for which the fuel economy can rival that of foreign manufacturers. I don't believe that it is because Americans don't have the technological no-how. The salvation of the "Big Three" is, in my opinion, manufacturing more fuel efficient vehicles at an affordable price.
The government could incent the public to drive smaller and more efficient vehicles by creating special lanes on the highway system for "green" vehicles or allow drivers of these vehicles to use the HOV lanes.
Utility companies should be incented to develop refueling stations for hydrogen powered vehicles and electric cars. Limitations of electric vehicles include the limited travel range from a single charge and the low speed of travel. This should be done first in areas where these types of vehicles would comprise a significant share of the vehicle "makeup". The only electric and hydrogen cars in service, of which I am aware, are owned and operated by the government or by the utility companies. Why are these not mass manufactured and offered at an affordable price to the public? There are many "smart cars" being manufactured in Canada and overseas and now being marketed in the US.
Solving our energy crisis and resolving our dependency on foreign oil will require an approach from which we can transition from fossil fuels to cleaner forms of energy. It will also require compromise from our politicians. It will only be achieved through our capitalistic system of supply and demand. With the increase in fuel prices, we are beginning to see the interest in renewable energy. It is time that parties on both sides of the energy argument work together to find a permanent solution.
Hey-I agree withmost of what your saying- however- I am just not so much in favor of drilling- nt because o any environmental concerns- I just dont think we need to- sort of like that second or third piece of pie- Im saying -hey just wait a second-
Because ?
Ford Introduces 63.6 MPG ECOnetic Diesel Fiesta... Only in Europe by Michael Graham Richard, Gatineau, Canada on 07.24.08
Ford Fiesta ECOnetic Diesel At the British International Motor Show, Ford has introduced the ECOnetic version of its Ford Fiesta. The engine is a 1.6-liter Duratorq TDCi (diesel) that has been tweaked for efficiency. Fuel economy for the ECOnetic Fiesta is 3.7 L/100km (63.6 mpg US) combined, or 3.2 L/100km (73.5 mpg US) on the highway!
Because Americans are still having a love affair with trucks, suv's, and hummers. I agree, everyone should be able to drive what they want. I am tickled that there are many who can afford to drive these vehicles. I can not. I downsized from a F 150 to a Mazda Tribute last year. Not for environmental purposes or because I didn't love my truck. I just really couldn't afford it anymore and we don't need it to tow anymore. Just living within my means....and quite frankly I would rather put every extra dime into retirement.
Isn't America the best country in the world? If you can afford it you can have it, nothing wrong with that in my opinion.
July 24, 2008, 9:57AM Ford loses $8.67 billion, will retool truck, SUV plants
Associated Press DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford posted the worst quarterly performance in its history today, losing $8.67 billion in the second quarter.
The company also said it will retool two more North American truck and sport utility vehicle plants to build small, fuel-efficient vehicles, and it announced plans to bring six new small vehicles to North America from Europe by the end of 2012.
Those of us who need our trucks and suvs will just have to suck it up and pay to drive them. We all have to make choices that are best for us and with the high price of gas I'm not driving my truck as much as I normally would.
We can drill all we want----who is going to turn it into gas.....that is all we need.......we pay to have farmers leave fields fallow so we can buy foreign fruits and vegetables-------why?????
as for oil/drilling/cars/trucks etc......it really is all relative....we will all get to work or make our own crap to survive....the only problem is I cant afford to puchase my American neighbors goods----why??? we all want top dollar......that is who we are....we cant afford ourselves but, we let others leech off of us......
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
So our local gas prices are down.....they could have done this a long time ago.....does anyone know where the $$ comes from to fund our defense/homeland security/wars?????? large corporate tax......
they get a double whammy of 'politicizing' gas/oil/research/cars/heating etc, all on a podium the 'system' built for itself....and they get to collect $$ to fund the American defense warchest......do we really think the $$ asked for by 'the government' was enough to fund war and homeland security.....really---lets think about it......
Obama(democrats) and McCain(republicans) are the two sides of the coin we flip everytime we vote......they all come from the same think tanks......
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
July 24, 2008, 9:57AM Ford loses $8.67 billion, will retool truck, SUV plants
Associated Press DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford posted the worst quarterly performance in its history today, losing $8.67 billion in the second quarter.
The company also said it will retool two more North American truck and sport utility vehicle plants to build small, fuel-efficient vehicles, and it announced plans to bring six new small vehicles to North America from Europe by the end of 2012.
I know.........my husband has worked for Ford since 1981 or 82. I still see a ton of them on the road though. A friend of mine tried to trade in his Chevy pick up, they told him they didn't want it because they can't resell it. They are also retooling their plants, those that are left anyway.
It has taken 40 years to accomplish nothing. So don't expect anything great in the short term now. Just go on with life the best we can.
57 mpg? That's so 20 years ago Want to drive a cheap car that gets eye-popping mileage? In 1987 you could - and it wasn't even a hybrid.
1987 Honda Civic CRX HF
The CRX HF got an Environmental Protection Agency-estimated 57 mpg gallon in highway driving. Today, the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid Civic you can buy gets an EPA-estimated 34 mpg on the highway. Even today's Honda Civic Hybrid can't match it, achieving EPA-estimated highway mileage of just 45 mpg. The Toyota Prius, today's fuel mileage champ, gets 46 mpg on the highway.
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