July 5: Energy Solutions
The American people are up in arms about the cost of fuel. Actually, it is fortunate, in a way that our personal short-term needs are beginning to coincide with our long-term duties as stewards of Earth. Candidates feed us clichés rather than hard truth and leadership. Cutting gas taxes for the summer will rob funds for highway and bridge maintenance and repair with no lasting relief. Drilling off shore and in the Alaskan wildlife preserve might lower gas prices by a few cents a gallon in 10 years but will provide no meaningful or timely remedy to this crisis.
Taking away the sweetheart tax deal from oil companies may be a good idea for other reasons but not for energy independence. All of this political rhetoric is nothing more than a distraction.
Intermediate relief can be provided by our new president by pulling out of a war crippling our ability to address concerns including energy costs. Additionally, our government can create real tax incentives and grants for private and academic research into alternate energy and energy conservation.
Short-term relief is in the citizens’ hands. It is time for a leader who will mimic the inspiration of Churchill promising “… blood, sweat and tears.” in World War II and Kennedy telling Americans to ask not what our country can do for us but what we can do for our country. Americans are willing to sacrifice if we know that it is necessary and fair. This is a classic opportunity for our politicians to actually lead with truth and inspiration. The cumulative effect can be staggering. It is within our ability to do such things as install energy light bulbs and insulation. We can turn off lights and electronics; raise the thermostat a few degrees; ride the train or bus; carpool; etc.
Our next car can be kinder on gas mileage and we can drive slower. Many of us push our 70 speed to near 80 on our highways, (Mia Copa). Each increase in miles per hour decreases miles per gallon with greater impact as speed continues to grow. Coincidentally, most serious injuries and death increase by multiples at the higher speeds. Stopping distance is 304 feet at 60 mph; 388 feet at 70 ; and 481 feet at 80. A car traveling at 60 mph covers 88 feet per second; 70 mph, 103 feet per second; and 80 mph, 117 feet per second.
Blake Bailey
Tyler
Blake Bailey
Tyler
FAQ
Search Forums
Log in
Register
