What the F*ck?

Kevin Hall wrote an article for McClatchy Newspapers about solutions to counteract soaring gasoline prices.

Hall writes that President Bush, on Monday, said we should “increase oil drilling in Alaska and offshore.” This so-called solution is short-term and painfully short-sighted. The author goes on to write that Senator McCain's answers “turn more toward increasing production of oil from offshore and from oil-shale deposits in the mountain West.” Again, short-term and painfully short-sighted.

I’m an independent who could never fathom voting along party lines. I do my research. I ask questions. I vote for the candidate I feel will consider the sum and each individual part. I crossed my fingers as I was reading what Senator Obama said, hoping he can see clearly through what has to be a gas-induced haze. Here’s what Hall wrote:

“Speaking in Raleigh, N.C., Obama on Monday repeated his call for a tax on high oil company profits to fund aid programs for the poorest Americans.

‘I'll make oil companies like Exxon pay a tax on their windfall profits, and we'll use the money to help families pay for their skyrocketing energy costs and other bills,’ he said.

Longer term though, Obama said, the only answers are to increase use of alternative energy—solar, wind, biodiesel, clean-coal technology—and to increase fuel-mileage standards for vehicles and develop hybrid-electric cars, which will take time.”

In all fairness, I wish Senator Obama had been in Washington today when the Senate GOP blocked windfall taxes on Big Oil. [And, shortly after, they blocked another proposal that would have extended the tax breaks that have either expired or are scheduled to end this year for alternative energy development (like solar and wind), and for the promotion of energy efficiency and conservation. Those Republicans must be so proud of what they’re leaving—or, rather, not leaving—future generations.]

That being said, I’m glad Senator Obama sees it’s not the price of gas that's the big-picture problem, but our reliance on gas itself. I drive a hybrid. I honestly can’t tell you the last time I was at the gas station.

Poking holes in Alaska and the mountain West isn’t a solution. It’s the beginning of even more problems. How these men can sleep at night is beyond me. Perhaps they sniff a little gasoline?

Question of the blog: What can those of us who care about the environment do to be heard, and respected, in Washington?

Will Gore Turn That White House Green?

I don’t want to get political but—I’m feeling reckless—let’s get go there. As someone who runs a green business and writes a green blog, it’s probably fairly obvious that the environment is one of my top concerns . . . and during an election year, “top concerns” become more important than ever as the candidates we choose to lead us need to have clear visions on the ways they can tackle the issues behind our concerns.

I live in New Hampshire and was appalled at the amount of junk mail I received from the candidates over the weeks leading up to the primary. My father met Senator Obama several times and, once, asked him why his flyers weren’t printed on recycled paper. The Senator’s response, according to my Dad, was shock and he said he’d look into it. I wonder if he did. [After our primary, the junk mail stopped, so I have no way to know . . . although I’m not complaining.]

To be fair, none of the flyers I received from any candidates were printed on recycled paper. To me, it was another case of politicians failing to walk the talk. But Senator Obama might have just redeemed himself in my eyes today by making a “commitment” to offer Al Gore a major role within his administration to combat global warming. I would love to see that White House turn green!

Question of the blog: Does the environment influence the way you’ll vote in November?