Don't get me wrong, I'm sure Obama will get around to disappointing me really soon, but when you compare his first week with George Bush's last eight years, one starts to feel pretty happy.
Obama started out his week by calling up the EPA and telling them they could allow California to have stricter automobile efficiency standards than the rest of the country, if they so wished. Bush had previously made the EPA tell California it was illegal. Obama is letting the EPA make it's own decision, though it's pretty clear that they'll let California do whatever it wants.
Our new president also set a plan in motion to increase fleet-wide fuel economy to 35 MPG over the next ten years or so. This 40% increase would mean substantial decreases in greenhouse emissions, especially if coupled with second-gen biofuels. The auto industry, of course, is griping, but I think they knew it was going to happen. And, yes, I do believe that they can do it, especially since the government is planning on giving them $25 B to them make the shift.
The shift will begin in 2011, which is very soon, especially since auto companies might have been hoping for a different president to be elected. It takes a long time to re-design vehicles and it's clear that some vehicles might need to be completely eliminated before then to meet the first round of upgrades.
The stimulus package, of course, is full of good news for the clean tech industry. With proposals totaling over $150 B for renewable energy incentives to be spent over the next ten years. This includes a $10 B "venture capital fund." I don't know how I feel about the government getting in on the VC game, but at least they don't have to be too keen on exit strategies.
Of course, this is only a small part (!) of the economic stimulus plan and I have to ask...how exactly are we planning on paying for it. I believe that the renewable energy economy will more than make up for the money spent in future tax revenues. But, overall, the stimulus plan combined with already out-of-control spending is going to add up to about $2 trillion of new debt just this year. That scares me...a lot.
So while I'm excited to see Obama thinking green...I wouldn't mind if he thought about the other kind of green as well...particularly, where the heck it's going to all come from.
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written by Jakob, January 30, 2009
Increased fuel efficiency standards is only part of the solution. Fuel efficient cars only promote an in efficient system. How do we design to get people out of there cars and make higher density development more attractive and affordable?
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written by Anthony, January 30, 2009
If you push renewable energy and efficiency, from biofuels and PHEVs, do you save the money you would have had to spend in a war fighting over those types of resources sometime in the future? We'll never see those costs on the bottom line of any spreadsheet...
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written by mike, January 30, 2009
Hank, you amaze me. You are one of the very few who recognize the looming disaster we are facing with our out of control national debt. There are no good answers and what we see today is just more of the same old tax and spend policies that created this mess in the first place.
PS I enjoy your blog...
PS I enjoy your blog...
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written by Gerfen, January 30, 2009
You are right to be concerned about national debt. This is not a normal recession, it has all the hallmarks of a major depression in the offing. Depressions are prefixed by significant bubbles, recessions are not. Right now we have real estate, resources and energy, finance and food bubbles bursting simultaneously.
There is the very distinct possibility of some nations (including the US) being unable to service sovereign debt. Watch the continuing shrinkage of the Chinese economy which will expose the inherent weaknesses in the Chinese banking sector (dodgy loans, corruption). When the Chinese economy goes terminal, the poop will really hit the fan.
One of the biggest mistakes the US and other countries can make right now is to retreat into isolationist and protectionist economic policies. This will only serve to further shut down international commerce.
There is the very distinct possibility of some nations (including the US) being unable to service sovereign debt. Watch the continuing shrinkage of the Chinese economy which will expose the inherent weaknesses in the Chinese banking sector (dodgy loans, corruption). When the Chinese economy goes terminal, the poop will really hit the fan.
One of the biggest mistakes the US and other countries can make right now is to retreat into isolationist and protectionist economic policies. This will only serve to further shut down international commerce.
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written by Orfintain, January 30, 2009
There is money for corn ethanol but not directly for algae something is wrong there
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written by Jim, January 30, 2009
Not to sound like a pessimist (I'm normally happy and look to the future guy, just not when it comes to our government), just calling it the way it is. This guy is on track to spend more than Bush WOW!!!!!!!!! Considering Bush racked up more debt than all previous presidents combined! I'm not sure of the number, but 2 trillion is fair. Freaking amazing, that people hated Bush for that but no one is saying anything about this president. Well the silver lining to this will be a forced reduction in government size in the near future whether people like it or not. I can't wait for that personally. But higher taxes are sure to come, especially with medicare now taking in less money than spending and the impending social security debacle. Nice knowing ya America, it was good while it lasted. Maintain that status quo.
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written by jak, January 31, 2009
Perhaps, but: its money being spent on *us*, the U.S., not on largely disastrous foreign wars, or on other people's infrastructure destroyed in such conflicts. I call that an investment. 'cause I know where most of those dams and roads in California came from.
My problem isn't the cash being spent, because I think that it can more than made up for, especially when it comes to transferring over to a green economy, but if the money is spent unwisely, and if appropriate reform and re-regulation are not accomplished.
Problem is that a lot of the environmental challenges we face and will face are not easily scored on a balance sheet, and are not reflected in the costs of goods. Consider: decline in coral, which support fish and lobster, world-wide decline in fish stocks (there are no longer *any* sustainable fisheries at present level of consumption): these mean disaster for an entire industry, and I might add, a disaster for our diet and palate. But these aren't the only problems: nanoparticles from plastics can mimic sex hormones. There has been a dramatic decline in the viability of the male sex in all kinds of vertebrates: decline in number of males born, decline in sperm counts, deformities. Serious stuff, that. Global warming, of course. Warming temperatures let tree eating insects survive the winter, and are devastating forests. The tree that provides the favored wood for baseball bats may go extinct! And the timber industry will suffer too, meaning the price of paper products will go up. Not to mention losing a lot of O2 breathing green. Oh, and global sea rise are going to force a lot of people off their islands, including US citizens, and that's going to be paid for by us too. And it is very likely that a global warming refugee crisis could emerge, and large migration always brings significant instability and unrest, all of it costly. Declining unrenewable resources will spawn resource wars. Wars we cannot afford in a nuclear world. We could go on: respiratory problems caused by particulate air pollution, pharmaceuticals in our water, radioactive coal ash... all of this stuff means health costs, clean up costs, declines in productivity.
That is what needs to be avoided.
My problem isn't the cash being spent, because I think that it can more than made up for, especially when it comes to transferring over to a green economy, but if the money is spent unwisely, and if appropriate reform and re-regulation are not accomplished.
Problem is that a lot of the environmental challenges we face and will face are not easily scored on a balance sheet, and are not reflected in the costs of goods. Consider: decline in coral, which support fish and lobster, world-wide decline in fish stocks (there are no longer *any* sustainable fisheries at present level of consumption): these mean disaster for an entire industry, and I might add, a disaster for our diet and palate. But these aren't the only problems: nanoparticles from plastics can mimic sex hormones. There has been a dramatic decline in the viability of the male sex in all kinds of vertebrates: decline in number of males born, decline in sperm counts, deformities. Serious stuff, that. Global warming, of course. Warming temperatures let tree eating insects survive the winter, and are devastating forests. The tree that provides the favored wood for baseball bats may go extinct! And the timber industry will suffer too, meaning the price of paper products will go up. Not to mention losing a lot of O2 breathing green. Oh, and global sea rise are going to force a lot of people off their islands, including US citizens, and that's going to be paid for by us too. And it is very likely that a global warming refugee crisis could emerge, and large migration always brings significant instability and unrest, all of it costly. Declining unrenewable resources will spawn resource wars. Wars we cannot afford in a nuclear world. We could go on: respiratory problems caused by particulate air pollution, pharmaceuticals in our water, radioactive coal ash... all of this stuff means health costs, clean up costs, declines in productivity.
That is what needs to be avoided.
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written by Franz Ferdinand, January 31, 2009
Eeeeeasy guys, are you "green" for posterity or green over Dem President ? This comment list sounds like something on a Republican site, not to mention something way more abhorrent.
Chew on this;
Iraq war 10 billion a month X 66 months = 660 billion
Afghan war 1.5 billion a month X 84 months = 126 billion
Grand total 786 billion
than add to that over 4000 lives lost... 4000 human beings !?!
I beg of all of you guys never to make such comparisons again, we are better than that. Showing up on sites like this and furthering this, the most righteous of causes tells me that we are better than that.
Chew on this;
Iraq war 10 billion a month X 66 months = 660 billion
Afghan war 1.5 billion a month X 84 months = 126 billion
Grand total 786 billion
than add to that over 4000 lives lost... 4000 human beings !?!
I beg of all of you guys never to make such comparisons again, we are better than that. Showing up on sites like this and furthering this, the most righteous of causes tells me that we are better than that.
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written by Franz Ferdinand, January 31, 2009
Not to make too large mistake I just double checked not to overstate (to my surprise I understated grosly):
as of Jan 21 - 800 billion in Iraq alone !
as of Jan 21 - 800 billion in Iraq alone !
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written by Not So Optimistic, January 31, 2009
Obama can't do much without the overhaul of the entire government, and doing away with federal reserves, and oil company's strangle hold on the world economy. Good luck trying to be green under the on going tyranny. GWBush just made things outrageously obvious. No big deal. If you want something real start with education, then infrastructure, and health. Those are the unarguable fundamentals(building blocks) of a successful, and healthy country. Without those, it's just another form of tyranny of any varying degree. Without overall wellness of citizens of a country being meet, how can anyone expect things to move forward/evolve/go green.... call it whatever you like. It's just a fantasy, that you'll have to wake up from sooner, or later.
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written by Enrique, January 31, 2009
Hi Hank:
During WWII, the top 1% of all income earners paid 70% of their income in taxes to finance the war. Barack wants to end W's cut taxes. The top rate will go up from 35% to 38% and he is a call a Socialist.
The big issues are going to be on reforming Social Security and Medicared. Those are on automatic pilot and they need to mean-test it.
Remember, the Great Republican party under the guidance of George Walker Bush added $6 trillions to the National Debt in 8 years.
Republicans are one Senator. from becoming an irrevelant minority. You need 60 votes to end debate in the Senate. Democrats have 59 senators.
During WWII, the top 1% of all income earners paid 70% of their income in taxes to finance the war. Barack wants to end W's cut taxes. The top rate will go up from 35% to 38% and he is a call a Socialist.
The big issues are going to be on reforming Social Security and Medicared. Those are on automatic pilot and they need to mean-test it.
Remember, the Great Republican party under the guidance of George Walker Bush added $6 trillions to the National Debt in 8 years.
Republicans are one Senator. from becoming an irrevelant minority. You need 60 votes to end debate in the Senate. Democrats have 59 senators.
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written by mercutiom, January 31, 2009
Remember the Great Depression? Remember how FDR got us out of it? He took us off the gold standard, spent money that didn't exist, and got people working again on bettering the country. I think Obama is taking a lot from FDR in his plans.
New energy sources, new regulations to enforce, more money going out to ensure that more money comes in in the future. And instead of getting into a war to push the U.S. over the final hurdle, he's trying to get us out of one. I'm all for it personally.
New energy sources, new regulations to enforce, more money going out to ensure that more money comes in in the future. And instead of getting into a war to push the U.S. over the final hurdle, he's trying to get us out of one. I'm all for it personally.
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written by EV, January 31, 2009
How do we design to get people out of there cars and make higher density development more attractive and affordable?
You can't. A lot of us HATE cities. No trees, not grass, noisy, polluted and everyone is pissed off.
than add to that over 4000 lives lost... 4000 human beings !?!
WWII 405,000, Vietnam 58,000, Korea 36,500.
Remember the Great Depression? Remember how FDR got us out of it? He took us off the gold standard, spent money that didn't exist, and got people working again on bettering the country.
No. Because we didn't get out of the Great Depression until WWII. Notice how we were still in it for 10 years with no before the recovery? Although, if you want people working, I'm trying to figure out how welfare is going to do that. Why not just bring back the CCC instead?
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written by beforewisdom, January 31, 2009
President Obama did for the public good in his first week than ex-president bush did in 8 years.
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written by sangjmoon, January 31, 2009
Obama should have waited until the economy improved. All these steps put negative pressure on the economy no matter how nice they may make most of you feel. After the stock market crash before the Great Depression, the government did just the same thing in putting negative pressure on the economy. You just have to look at California with its budget over $40 billion in the red to show what these kind of policies during a bad economy will do. isn't unlikely and over 50% is still significantly possible. Although not likely, inflation rate reaching and going over 100% is a non-zero probability. What this means is that all the money this stimulus plan is handing out will be sucked up by inflation and will continue to suck up our money after that. This isn't even taking into account the huge increase in money creation caused by the bulk of the baby boomers retiring and drastically increasing expenditure in Medicare/Medicaid and Social Security. It might be a good time to start stocking up on non-perishable food items and gold ETFs now.
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written by anon, January 31, 2009
If you are serious about the environment and know anything about economics --> CARBON TAX.
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written by Jen, January 31, 2009
@no hope um... he's spending money to stimulate the economy. He has to because of Bush's policies, foreign wars and tax cuts for the rich. Duh.
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written by Marshall Kirkpatrick, January 31, 2009
Cars policy is cool to change, but I'd like to see some progress on food, agriculture and wild lands policies. Only an idiot wouldn't do at least something about fuel emissions, but if ingestion of pesticides is still be promoted then I have a hard time picturing this as ecological awareness.
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written by KentuckyKid, January 31, 2009
These new cafe standards will produce cars no-one will buy. And will break the domestic market further. No one bought the cars mandated the last time congress forced the broken "3" to build. Why don't they buy 40billion worth since they MADE them build em; what idiots........... Right Now one million people in Ky have been without power for six days.(yes 1/4 of the state) it was below zero in some parts this morning. WHERE IN THE HELL IS OBAMA? His Katrina I guess{ except Bush did send 30,000 troops & FEMA folks 24hours before................ Carbon tax for a phantom problems. It is gettin colder now Mr Goracle fans.......... 4000 deaths in 5 plus years. One day of abortion......so what. At least the troops volunteered to die so you could have the freedom to talk out the side of your neck.................... Without economic prosperity, environmental protection does not matter much to almost everyone; period.
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written by KentuckyKid, January 31, 2009
You mean the one authorized by congress (87 voted & the house 407 votes) and funded by them with pork & personal projects thrown in because they held the troops hostage on the battlefield? By the way its 0.4% of the GNP per year (this Iraq war adventure) Obamas welfare uh stimulas is 70% if not higher. With 200 TO 300% FOR THE TOXIC asset(freedie & fannie namely) BUYOUT SOON TO BE NAMED LATER. The collapse of the dollar with hyperinflation will pull eco-friendly talk off the scene for decades. Hope this madness stops........but then, 56% of the people ask for it. Sad in Ky.
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written by Freezing in Kentucky, February 01, 2009
Oh well done, anointed one! I'll be very interested to see the cars Pres. Obama builds with his plan. It sounds like he has some challenging engineering work ahead of him.
It was so very brave and bold of Pres. Obama to force private companies into making wondercars with a stroke of his pen. I can't wait until he signs the law forcing citizens to buy them. That is, if we have any money left over from the trillions in taxes we'll be forced to pay shortly.
I shudder to think what kind of commute I'll have with the "green" deathtraps that'll be forced out of Detroit. Well, since he'll be pouring billions into welfare there's no point in me keeping my job to find out. I'll just live off the rest of yousuckers generous folk. If banks and car companies can go on welfare, why not me? Why not all of us?
The U.S. had been a prosperous nation for over a century. Obama brings "change."
It was so very brave and bold of Pres. Obama to force private companies into making wondercars with a stroke of his pen. I can't wait until he signs the law forcing citizens to buy them. That is, if we have any money left over from the trillions in taxes we'll be forced to pay shortly.
I shudder to think what kind of commute I'll have with the "green" deathtraps that'll be forced out of Detroit. Well, since he'll be pouring billions into welfare there's no point in me keeping my job to find out. I'll just live off the rest of you
The U.S. had been a prosperous nation for over a century. Obama brings "change."
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written by Eddy, February 01, 2009
What the hell is it with some of you guys? Can't you realize Bush has done nothing for this country? Yet you attack Obama for doing things in his FIRST week Bush didn't do in 8 YEARS? Kentucky is NOTHING compared to Katrina. Take off your blinders and wake up. This is the situation that was handed to Obama and if it takes two trillion to get the economy jump started, then so be it!
Just as long as he doesnt spend $1 trillion on two failed wars and putting us on the forefront of hate around the world.
Just as long as he doesnt spend $1 trillion on two failed wars and putting us on the forefront of hate around the world.
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written by John Jones, February 01, 2009
Hey, he reversed a bunch of Bush stuff, thats good enough for me!
RT
www.internet-privacy.us.tc
RT
www.internet-privacy.us.tc
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written by tony, February 01, 2009
Just cause he is not the one you voted for means you gonna spell doom and gloom in everything he does.
If you truly love this country and a true American maybe you can look at this objectively and give him a fair chance....ITS BARELY BEEN 10 DAYS.
Obama will be scrutinised more than other president, for one because he is a black man and two because we are in the worst financial fiasco in the nations history, accelerated by the incompetence of the previous 8 years.
You just cant please everybody, impossible.
If you truly love this country and a true American maybe you can look at this objectively and give him a fair chance....ITS BARELY BEEN 10 DAYS.
Obama will be scrutinised more than other president, for one because he is a black man and two because we are in the worst financial fiasco in the nations history, accelerated by the incompetence of the previous 8 years.
You just cant please everybody, impossible.
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written by smalltechgeek, February 01, 2009
Sure! If requesting an additional $600 million in the stimulus bill to buy additional vehicles for the government is environmentally friendly, than Rush is a moderate! Pres. Obama is just another Chicago politician; says one thing to get elected and does another once in office.
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written by smalltechgeek, February 01, 2009
Obama will be scrutinised more than other president, for one because he is a black man and two because we are in the worst financial fiasco in the nations history, accelerated by the incompetence of the previous 8 years.
You just cant please everybody, impossible.
This house problem was created by allowing credit standards to be changed by President Clinton in 1995 to allow more people to qualify for loans for a house. Bill passed in 1995. Sometimes it takes awhile for a change to make an impact. By the way the republicans wanted to make changes in 2006 to sub prime, Frannie, and Freddie; however, the dems were in control of Congress at that time and they elected to due nothing "stay the course". The dems created this mess and will not stand up to correct the issue.
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written by Joe, February 01, 2009
Somebody needs to explain to me why the Gov. has to push for better fuel economy. If I were in charge of one of the big three automakers, this would be top priority. If I (one of the big three)can build a midsize car; Fusion,Impala,ect. that gets 40,50,60 or more miles per gallon. The world will beat a path to my dealership. They need the Gov. to set standards for them?
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written by chad, February 01, 2009
The New deal didn't work. In fact it did the opposite of work. We don't have a WW2 to pull us out of this mess, we need a congress and a president who don't have their head up their asses.
http://skewedviewoftheworld.blogspot.com
http://skewedviewoftheworld.blogspot.com
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written by Franz Ferdinand, February 01, 2009
KentuckyKid, real strong there, great delivery. 3 quick points though if I may:
1.This problem you have right now was undoubtedly caused by climate change which could be very well avoidable for future generations. Now, how much did G.Bush and rest of his party do to help those future generations? Hence in essence you are layin blame on the new president for what happened to you, but selfishly you do not feel any compassion for future generations that will have similar problems you have now.
2.Natural disasters are terrible, but in my town we lost just under 3000 people in matter of couple hours and still managed to keep a cool head. So should you. (I hope all is well in the end with you guys, sincerely)
3. It is only skin, but underneath is a human. Seriously, put your "let's think glasses" on and you will see that much better.
ps I hope third point does not apply to you
1.This problem you have right now was undoubtedly caused by climate change which could be very well avoidable for future generations. Now, how much did G.Bush and rest of his party do to help those future generations? Hence in essence you are layin blame on the new president for what happened to you, but selfishly you do not feel any compassion for future generations that will have similar problems you have now.
2.Natural disasters are terrible, but in my town we lost just under 3000 people in matter of couple hours and still managed to keep a cool head. So should you. (I hope all is well in the end with you guys, sincerely)
3. It is only skin, but underneath is a human. Seriously, put your "let's think glasses" on and you will see that much better.
ps I hope third point does not apply to you
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written by Franz Ferdinand, February 01, 2009
EV, this is 21st century. No such comparisons apply.
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written by RichP, February 01, 2009
For a 'global' player that's remarkably insular thinking. American car companies have been selling vehicles to European markets for decades. They know how to limit emissions on cars, but for the American market they simply don't. Your problem is not one of technology, it's that oil companies have a strangle-hold over the American way of life, both in promoting large cars to sell more product, and untenable war to capture more supply.
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written by Guillaume, February 01, 2009
It is a good start, but as you mentioned the problem of the debt is a looming burden for the next generations of Americans.
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written by EV, February 01, 2009
written by Franz Ferdinand , February 01, 2009
EV, this is 21st century. No such comparisons apply.
Translation: F.F. wants to blow this all out of proportion compared to every other war the US has been in. F.F. also wants to claim that nothing from the past applies to the present.
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written by citconcerned, February 01, 2009
Seriously?
Why would you post ANYTHING positive, or negative about the new President?
1. NOTHING he has done so far is positive for a "greener" world. Yeah, reduce emissions from all cars...but let's buy a bunch more for the government! Who cares, make the government walk or get taxi's! Seems to me, if they are getting around with what they have now....they don't need more! Don't dress up a negative with a positive suit and expect us to think it is a great idea!
2. Repealed ban on funding for foreign abortions: I don't care if your pro/against abortion, what freakin' good does this do for the US economy? What good does it do AT ALL? We don't have $ to put people to work, but we can send US Dollars to some other country on a controversial subject that does NO ONE any good?
3. Talking about repealing "Don't ask, Don't tell" in the military: How much do you think it is going to cost the American tax payer to retool the military infrastructure to support openly homosexual soldiers? You can't force hetero people to sleep/shower with those that aren't! New housing, plumbing, even new bases! Guess they could use some of those that they have closed....which I guess would create jobs, maybe that is a good thing? Except that we are going to have to bring back the draft to even get anyone to join that kind of military! "Don't ask, Don't tell" does exactly the right thing...let's you be you...just keep it to yourself! That is fair whether you like it or not!
4. Have you seen the bill that he is trying to push through as "Stimulus"? Seriously, go to some non-partisan gov. website and read what is in it! NOTHING! I don't care what Rush says, or Hannity, or Pelosi, or Obama! IT ISN'T STIMULUS!
Finally, and most of all: Loose your blinders people, be an American, be critical of ALL in government, whether they wear Republican, or Democrate, or Independant! Think with the mind of an AMERICAN and INSIST on REAL benefits, and not pomp and circumstance!
Bush was not better, Clinton was a disaster, Obama cannot be judged at all yet...but he sure looks like a "Party" man to me so far! I am just saying that we should make these people listen, do, say, and build the America that Americans deserve...not what their disconnected political minds think!
God Bless us All!
Oh, and keep politics, and political opinions off of a blog about saving the planet! Cause it won't be Democrats, or Republicans that get that done! IT WILL BE YOU AND ME (meaning EVERYONE on this rock we call EARTH!)!
Why would you post ANYTHING positive, or negative about the new President?
1. NOTHING he has done so far is positive for a "greener" world. Yeah, reduce emissions from all cars...but let's buy a bunch more for the government! Who cares, make the government walk or get taxi's! Seems to me, if they are getting around with what they have now....they don't need more! Don't dress up a negative with a positive suit and expect us to think it is a great idea!
2. Repealed ban on funding for foreign abortions: I don't care if your pro/against abortion, what freakin' good does this do for the US economy? What good does it do AT ALL? We don't have $ to put people to work, but we can send US Dollars to some other country on a controversial subject that does NO ONE any good?
3. Talking about repealing "Don't ask, Don't tell" in the military: How much do you think it is going to cost the American tax payer to retool the military infrastructure to support openly homosexual soldiers? You can't force hetero people to sleep/shower with those that aren't! New housing, plumbing, even new bases! Guess they could use some of those that they have closed....which I guess would create jobs, maybe that is a good thing? Except that we are going to have to bring back the draft to even get anyone to join that kind of military! "Don't ask, Don't tell" does exactly the right thing...let's you be you...just keep it to yourself! That is fair whether you like it or not!
4. Have you seen the bill that he is trying to push through as "Stimulus"? Seriously, go to some non-partisan gov. website and read what is in it! NOTHING! I don't care what Rush says, or Hannity, or Pelosi, or Obama! IT ISN'T STIMULUS!
Finally, and most of all: Loose your blinders people, be an American, be critical of ALL in government, whether they wear Republican, or Democrate, or Independant! Think with the mind of an AMERICAN and INSIST on REAL benefits, and not pomp and circumstance!
Bush was not better, Clinton was a disaster, Obama cannot be judged at all yet...but he sure looks like a "Party" man to me so far! I am just saying that we should make these people listen, do, say, and build the America that Americans deserve...not what their disconnected political minds think!
God Bless us All!
Oh, and keep politics, and political opinions off of a blog about saving the planet! Cause it won't be Democrats, or Republicans that get that done! IT WILL BE YOU AND ME (meaning EVERYONE on this rock we call EARTH!)!
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written by Bishop, February 01, 2009
Keep people working. We should put people to work on public projects? Some of the greatest assets of our society have come from it. For every single person that we can remove from unemployment is one less person the rest of us have to carry (welfare, unemployment pay, etc)
The Stimulus package trying to pass the Senate now is not what Obama wanted. That's the bill the Democrats as a whole wanted to get through. There is lots of crap in there. Obama knows this bill is not going to get through the Senate but he has to pay back his election promises by supporting this...cornucopia.
The next round or two of reworking the Stimulus package will get through the Senate. Trim the wasteful spending and apply it to tax cuts, done!
The Stimulus package trying to pass the Senate now is not what Obama wanted. That's the bill the Democrats as a whole wanted to get through. There is lots of crap in there. Obama knows this bill is not going to get through the Senate but he has to pay back his election promises by supporting this...cornucopia.
The next round or two of reworking the Stimulus package will get through the Senate. Trim the wasteful spending and apply it to tax cuts, done!
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written by Michael, February 01, 2009
I would be more excited if he did not seem so eager to continue the military buildup in Afghanistan and Pakistan. I fear that it is a quagmire in the making. The Soviet Union was in there for decades with over 150k troops and they eventually gave up after spending hundreds of billions they could not afford, and now we are doing the same thing.
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written by Franz Ferdinand, February 01, 2009
EV, no such thing. Let me "translate" my opinion:
We (humans) have evolved enough to understand that no man should die from the hand of another, ever again. We, the U.S.A., are the pinnacle of this civilization and we must lead it into future righteously by the way of example, not by the way of gun, and especially not over the lives of our sons and daughters.
Clear enough?
We (humans) have evolved enough to understand that no man should die from the hand of another, ever again. We, the U.S.A., are the pinnacle of this civilization and we must lead it into future righteously by the way of example, not by the way of gun, and especially not over the lives of our sons and daughters.
Clear enough?
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written by JOE, February 02, 2009
Bush and Company has stolen more money than any other crook on the face of the earth. Check out the facts at zfacts.com and ask therationalradical.com for the truth about all you Rush Limbaugh suck butt wanta be's. The bush family are the anti-christians:
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written by Daniel, February 02, 2009
I agree with the higher density solution. Since when do we demand the right for copious amounts of space and land , when our world is suffering from such sprawl. Th key is to make it so with everyone not just the poor or middle class.
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written by donna, February 02, 2009
obama's gotta get to work to pay back all his big donors. that's the way this works. then he'll get to his pet projects (if he gets time in edgewise between the middle east and other foreign relations issues). as the public patiently stews....
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written by Marco, February 02, 2009
Ever wondered where all the borrowed trillions comes from?
Someone is getting very rich. Rich enough to influence world leaders and their decisions.
Someone is getting very rich. Rich enough to influence world leaders and their decisions.
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written by Musson, February 02, 2009
I guess OBAMA HATES WHITE PEOPLE. At least Bush sent helicopters to rescue people in New Orleans.
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written by eric ritter, February 02, 2009
i wish him well! Now we all have to join together to dig out of this mess
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written by Brii, February 03, 2009
seriously, the comments on here are sounding more like politically correct crap then on the real issue here. i mean, come on! i think that what Mr. President has done here is at least a step towards getting some of our freaking problems fixed.
p.s. Hank, i agree that, though it is absolutely wonderful that Pres. Obama is thinking about the environment, he should think about our budget, as well.
p.s. Hank, i agree that, though it is absolutely wonderful that Pres. Obama is thinking about the environment, he should think about our budget, as well.
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written by S Baker, February 04, 2009
oBAMA AND THE dUMBOCRATS ARE GREEN? pLEASE, MILLIONS FOR ABORTIONS OVERSEAS, 100S OF MILLIONS FOR std PREVENTION, 20 MILLION FOR acorn, ETC....I AM A CONSERVATIVE, just like Teddy ROOSEVELT (MY DUTCH BROTHER), I believe in environmental protection. However, since when is spending money on such nonsense ever got us anywhere?
The Dumbocrats are no better or worse than anyone else, they just pretend to be. Taxes are patriotic Biden? So then get your democratic buddies to pay theirs so I can save my money to buy wind power made in the USA and not China!
The Dumbocrats are no better or worse than anyone else, they just pretend to be. Taxes are patriotic Biden? So then get your democratic buddies to pay theirs so I can save my money to buy wind power made in the USA and not China!
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written by Franz Ferdinand, February 04, 2009
S Baker - not exactly the brightest, are you? Smarter when you don't speak.
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written by renee, February 07, 2009
Go for Obama that he is 1) interested in helping the environment, curtailing pollution (or wouldn't making millions of products that are "green" going to create pollution along the way?), 2) insisting that the auto companies make a fuel efficient, environmentally sound car, 3) has the guts to address issues head on (unlike Bush who hid behind Cheney masterminding many illegal activities, like the war in Iraq...).
Anyway, I am NO economist and do wonder, as the last paragraph of the article asked, where is all this money coming from? If there is so much money out there somewhere, why not give it to the American people, $1 million each. WE are the ones who wil stimulate the economy! Is the President relying on the auto industry to create more jobs? Don't the people in the auto industry have enough brains to design fuel efficient cars on their own? They need a huge financial boast from the government? What the hell have the auto designers/engineers been doing all these years in their jobs? Whining about Toyota selling so many cars? I do not feel sorry for the American auto industry at all. What have they been waiting for?
The amount of the stimulus plan is staggering and quite frightning frankly. Who really will pay for this? The American taxpayer? How, is we are losing so many jobs each month?
Again, I am no economist but the reality of the financial and environmental crisis and two wars waging endlessly, is really a downer. The only hope I see is if all countries come together to create/develop/encourage/support a very viable and just plan of getting ourselves out of this enormous hole we have dug.
And how about people in the "Thrid World?" Like they aren't suffering enough and we, in the U.S. seem to have forgotten them already (Darfur/Congo, Tibet)....
I don't know anything other than the world economy is crazy. I have reduced my own debt as much as possible ($10/month water bill, eliminated $7/month cell phone insurance, eat a grain based diet for pennies a meal, don't buy junk food anymore, hardly go to movies anymore - boo hoo, etc.).
Well, here's to Obama and all the "leaders" of world, people in the "Third World," and all of you: we must stay positive, reduce, reduce, reduce, and participate in any way daily to keep our spirits up....
Cheers all - still positive in the U.S.
Anyway, I am NO economist and do wonder, as the last paragraph of the article asked, where is all this money coming from? If there is so much money out there somewhere, why not give it to the American people, $1 million each. WE are the ones who wil stimulate the economy! Is the President relying on the auto industry to create more jobs? Don't the people in the auto industry have enough brains to design fuel efficient cars on their own? They need a huge financial boast from the government? What the hell have the auto designers/engineers been doing all these years in their jobs? Whining about Toyota selling so many cars? I do not feel sorry for the American auto industry at all. What have they been waiting for?
The amount of the stimulus plan is staggering and quite frightning frankly. Who really will pay for this? The American taxpayer? How, is we are losing so many jobs each month?
Again, I am no economist but the reality of the financial and environmental crisis and two wars waging endlessly, is really a downer. The only hope I see is if all countries come together to create/develop/encourage/support a very viable and just plan of getting ourselves out of this enormous hole we have dug.
And how about people in the "Thrid World?" Like they aren't suffering enough and we, in the U.S. seem to have forgotten them already (Darfur/Congo, Tibet)....
I don't know anything other than the world economy is crazy. I have reduced my own debt as much as possible ($10/month water bill, eliminated $7/month cell phone insurance, eat a grain based diet for pennies a meal, don't buy junk food anymore, hardly go to movies anymore - boo hoo, etc.).
Well, here's to Obama and all the "leaders" of world, people in the "Third World," and all of you: we must stay positive, reduce, reduce, reduce, and participate in any way daily to keep our spirits up....
Cheers all - still positive in the U.S.
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written by Rick, February 09, 2009
well, im no expert in this, but i think it's too early to tell whether or not Pres. Obama is doing a good job. n i agreed w/ someone's thought earlier. It isn't fair for Obama, all this mess was created by Bush in the last EIGHT YEARS. And 8 years are like what? 8x365 = 2920 days (approx.). Only IDIOTS, i am certain, only idiots would expect him to clean up that mess in his first days in office.
Musson, if base on what you think, then your beloved Pres.Bush, hates the race of Iraqi, or any other races in the Middle East that is related to Iraqi, he started the war there, and guess what? it is a failure, and it isn't a small contributor to this Economic depression that base on what you think, a white-hater like Obama, trying to solve.
if he was so kind like you said, he should have stopped soldiers from torturing and shooting Iraqi, it's not like all of them want to, some do, some don't. He could've stopped it, but guess what, he ignored the da*n thing, like it never happened.
Musson, if base on what you think, then your beloved Pres.Bush, hates the race of Iraqi, or any other races in the Middle East that is related to Iraqi, he started the war there, and guess what? it is a failure, and it isn't a small contributor to this Economic depression that base on what you think, a white-hater like Obama, trying to solve.
if he was so kind like you said, he should have stopped soldiers from torturing and shooting Iraqi, it's not like all of them want to, some do, some don't. He could've stopped it, but guess what, he ignored the da*n thing, like it never happened.
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written by bee, February 11, 2009
at the name of obama, all people's knee will bend, and the emo people will wipe off their eyeliner and say that life is great...
obama can't simply solve for every problem
no matter how much the press says he can
obama can't simply solve for every problem
no matter how much the press says he can
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written by Jackson, September 12, 2009
seriously, the comments on here are sounding more like politically correct crap then on the real issue here. i mean, come on! i think that what Mr. President has done here is at least a step towards getting some of our freaking problems fixed.
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