Votes not there yet on energy

Spin till you drop — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:41:51 GMT

R.I.P. Michael Jackson.

I'm sure the GOP will say it's obama's fault.

Votes not there yet on energy

Dave in Omaha — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:43:54 GMT

Where's 'ol LBJ when ya need him? ;)

Votes not there yet on energy

Mike in Illinois — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:46:29 GMT

Not yet over the top, and hopefully never will be. This bill is a sham. Man made global warming is a hoax, and no amount of legislation can speed up or slow down, our planet's natural cycles.

If the bill does pass, watch for exemptions for members of Congress. I guarantee that any painful concessions that common citizens are required to make in the fight against global warming, will not apply to the ruling class. They will write exemptions for themselves into the legislation, as they usually do.

Votes not there yet on energy

Bill, Fairfax, VA — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:48:09 GMT

Some reasoned commentary on climate change legislation from today’s Wall Street Journal:

“Among the many reasons President Barack Obama and the Democratic majority are so intent on quickly jamming a cap-and-trade system through Congress is because the global warming tide is again shifting. It turns out Al Gore and the United Nations (with an assist from the media), did a little too vociferous a job smearing anyone who disagreed with them as "deniers." The backlash has brought the scientific debate roaring back to life in Australia, Europe, Japan and even, if less reported, the U.S.

In April, the Polish Academy of Sciences published a document challenging man-made global warming. In the Czech Republic, where President Vaclav Klaus remains a leading skeptic, today only 11% of the population believes humans play a role. In France, President Nicolas Sarkozy wants to tap Claude Allegre to lead the country's new ministry of industry and innovation. Twenty years ago Mr. Allegre was among the first to trill about man-made global warming, but the geochemist has since recanted. New Zealand last year elected a new government, which immediately suspended the country's weeks-old cap-and-trade program….

Credit for Australia's renewed enlightenment goes to Dr. Ian Plimer, a well-known Australian geologist. Earlier this year he published "Heaven and Earth," a damning critique of the "evidence" underpinning man-made global warming. The book is already in its fifth printing. So compelling is it that Paul Sheehan, a noted Australian columnist -- and ardent global warming believer -- in April humbly pronounced it "an evidence-based attack on conformity and orthodoxy, including my own, and a reminder to respect informed dissent and beware of ideology subverting evidence." Australian polls have shown a sharp uptick in public skepticism; the press is back to questioning scientific dogma; blogs are having a field day….”

I especially like the phrases about conformity, orthodoxy and ideology. Many around here have been ranting to no end about how Bush and his team were guilty of precisely that sort of thing. Well, the left wing extremist whackos who post their drivel on this blog are guilty of the exact same thing and cloaking their lunacy under the mantle of righteousness. What a pile of misguided, sanctimonious – and typically hypocritical -- crap. Maybe climate change legislation is the right thing to do, but we just don’t know that yet. And we certainly don’t have enough basis to write a 1200 page bill that may wreak who knows how much damage to the American economy.

FR reports: 'this thing is not yet over the top.' Good. Jamming this legislation through is a prescription for failure. What’s the rush? If the facts truly are on your side then what’s the harm in taking a more deliberative approach? What’s the harm in taking more time to give a thorough public vetting to every one of those 1200 pages, every line and every word? The potential consequences of this massive bill (intended and otherwise) demand nothing less.

Votes not there yet on energy

Jonathan Flint, MI — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:49:35 GMT

good. cap and trade is stupid legislation.

We're in a recession how about enviromental responsibility incentives instead of penalties that will only get passed on to the middle class? The rule in beurocracy is whatever you subsidize you get more of...so why not subsidize eviromental responsibility.

I mean we subsidized domestic rice growers and we consistently have 80% more than the country needs.

Votes not there yet on energy

HT Bloom, Chicago IL — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:50:02 GMT

The vote is a bad deal all the way around. Members of congress are being bribed or blackmailed into voting for this turkey of a bill. The energy bill is nothing but a job killer, and it's not like America has many more jobs to lose, but it looks like the Democrats have found another to do so.

Votes not there yet on energy

What_you_Selling — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:50:26 GMT

I know I called my congressman and let him know he would be voting yes at his own peril. He was officially uncommitted last night when I called.

Votes not there yet on energy

Nashville_fan — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:50:38 GMT

Hmmmm, so because the bill isn't as good as some would like, it is better to have no bill . . . interesting approach . . . I wonder why folks can't view things as a step in the right direction instead of always taking an "all or nothing approach".

I think alot of members of Congress just like the feeling of being the "deciding vote" . . . its more about THEM than about the people they are representing.

==============================================
From previous post:

Nashville,

Treating illiegal immigrants with tax payer funds isn't right. I guess if an illegal immigrant was sick and was taken into the hospital it would be up to the staff whether or not to treat him/her, but to simply take some moral high ground without taking into consideration the social consequences is akin to religious right groups screaming and yelling about abortion being murder without looking at the whole picture.

If it becomes known that illegals can't expect any benefits without providing legitimate proof of citizenship it might not make it so tempting to jump the border without doing the work to become a citizen.
Jonathan Flint, MI

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

To Jonathan, Flint MI:

We are human first, and citizens second.

I am sorry if treating other people as human, even if they are in the wrong place at the wrong time makes you feel uncomfortable.

But it is the right thing to do – no, it is the only thing to do.

If you want to increase measures to prevent illegal immigration, great.

But once someone is here and sick, they must be cared for.

That's not debatable.

P.S. Contrary to the premise of your post, I highly doubt that the primary reason that people are coming to this country illegally is to visit a doctor when they arrive, don't you?

Votes not there yet on energy

Pat, Boston, MA — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:53:06 GMT

There appears to be a little bit of disappointment here with regard to Maureen Orth and her stmts this morning. I too think she chose a few words which appeared at first callous, but she offered what I thought was a sincere apology. She’s a journalist and when a person dies, a journalists’ job is to paint as complete a picture as possible.

If I should outlive Bill O’Reilly, Rush Limbaugh, Michelle Malkin, Sean Hannity, Michael Savage and about 150 others, may everyone forgive me for what I may say at the time of their passing on. It won’t be nice. But it will be the truth.

4th of July is upon us. Time for vacations. Does this mean Keith will be gone now? Probably. Ugh. I love David Shuster, but I love Keith’s insights. He’s both serious and very very funny. The media is so full of dangerous right wing talking heads, so it’s nice to have Ed, Keith, Rachel, David S.’s perspective. It keeps me sane.

Vacations are good for us. For these guys, not so much. At least for me. Although they sure do deserve it. It's tough to have to night after night after night undo all the lies that were spread all day.
______________

I think Markos has it right. Michelle Bachman is on the air waves so much because she’s trying out for her own radio program, since her constituents are about to throw her out. Lol. She’s certainly qualified for an AM right wing first thing in the morning rant against Democrats show that we all have to put up with.

Cheers everyone.

Votes not there yet on energy

Bob Hendricks, Ft. Wayne IN — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:55:19 GMT

If you're a congreeeman or congresswoman in the mid-west, and you vote for this bill, the state you represent should immediately begin impeachment hearings of you. The so called "Energy" bill will do two things to the mid-west 1) kill any remaining manufacturing jobs and 2) increase the price of fuel you use in the winter to stay warm because global warming doesn't exist when it's 10 below zero.

Votes not there yet on energy

MSierra, SF — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:56:09 GMT

Pelosi, Obama and Rahm have GOT TO TWIST ARMS !!

Get this thing rolling !!

Nancy Pelosi, bringing San Francisco Values to Washington D.C. (and about time)
Roll 'em Over, Nancy

Pete Roleum, Detroit, MI USA:
‘…The Democrat Wilson sent Americans to die for ungrateful Europe in WWI.

The Democrat FDR sent Americans to die for ungrateful Europe(again)and Asia in WWII. ..’

Actually, we were ATTACKED at Pearl Harbor
Should he have TURNED THE OTHER CHEEK ?
There was National Consensus on War
We Fought for ‘OUR OWN INTERESTS’
All countries fight for their own perceived interests

‘…The Democrat Truman sent Americans to die for ungrateful Korea and we are still vexed by Korea today.
The Democrats JFK and LBJ sent Americans to die for ungrateful Southeast Asia. ..’

They fought for the American Empire
They fought to maintain or EXPAND the AMERICAN EMPIRE

‘…Tell me again what war mongers the Republicans are! …’

George Bush Lied about WMDs to get us into the Iraq War
Democrats didn’t LIE to get us into war
Just like his father LIED to get us into Iraq the first time
(see: April Glasby) to EXPAND THE AMERICAN EMPIRE
Reagan supported the TERRORIST Contras to EXPAND THE AMERICAN EMPIRE

Q: Why did the CHICKEN cross the Road ???

A: To join the Texas Air National Guard

Jim Wheaton, Florida: '...With Sharpton, everything is about race. Why a convicted felon (for a race based crime) gets to speak out about race and admonish white people on a daily basis is a mystery to most people...'

Uh, I think convicted felon G Gordon Liddy has a Hate Radio show
('when Federal agents come to your door, aim for the HEAD')

I think thief and convicted felon Olliver North has a Hate Radio Show

Wanna snivel about them ??

Votes not there yet on energy

Eric, Salinas, CA — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:57:58 GMT

Yes the Energy Bill isn't what us Liberals want but right now we need something passed regardless of if it's not perfect. The current energy bill is a good start and we need to have it passed today. Time for all Democrats to get behind this Energy Bill and give us a positive hands up vote today. It's time to stop whining about the higher costs and invest in our country's future for our future generations. Time for Nanacy Pelosi to crack the whip and get the job done today.

Energy Reform Now!

Votes not there yet on energy

Myron York, KY — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:58:00 GMT

FisrtRead: Even a committee chairman, Rep. Nick Rahall, from the coal-producing state of West Virginia, voted against the rule. That's not going to sit well with Dem leaders.

If you think Appalachia is poor now, wait until the Democrats get done with it. At least those people's health care will be free, cause they're going to need it.

Votes not there yet on energy

LB, Virginia — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:58:10 GMT

Look you pious politicians: get over your issues and vote for the bill. I say no one goes home unless the bill is passed! NO ONE!

The people are going to have to take a stand and show these dweebs that we voted for change and we intend to have it.

So here's what I say to these weaklings:
So what if you lose your seat? This is not about YOU, it's about saving this country, this planet. Get over yourself--and do the right thing. Get a decent bill passed now or else. We don't care if you are a leftie or a rightie, you will be challenged by the people at your next election if you let precious time slip by without doing OUR business!

You didn't mind spending our money for NOTHING FOR EIGHT FLIPPING YEARS -- and the only thing we have to show for it is a lot of dead soldiers and civilians across the globe. We are suffering higher energy and food prices, a more crowded and dirty planet, our schools are a mess and our universities unaffordable; our businesses can't compete and our cars aren't worth crap. Wall Street stole our pensions and were rewarded with millions. AND YOU DID NOTHING. Instead YOU VOTED US INTO DEBT with no end in sight. Don't start telling us that now we can't spend anymore!!! Get off your sorry butts and do the job you were sent to Washington to do, or I will personally organize groups across this country to get rid of you in your next election!

Votes not there yet on energy

Dave, Tn — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:59:54 GMT

Hotdog diplomacy failed again.... So sad for the doublespeak lawyers.

Votes not there yet on energy

Doug Laneet, Martingale, NC — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:01:43 GMT

The bill is up to 1500 pages and was plopped down on Reps desks two days ago. The people in congress don't even know what is in it, but they are being told by the whacko leaders like Pelosi and Hoyer to just shutup and vote for it.

The American people see this nonsense and realize why they don't put the Democrats in power very often. Nice to see we have another election in a little over a year so these bums can be thrown out.

Votes not there yet on energy

Jody, Iowa — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:02:31 GMT

It's never easy no matter which party is in the majority. Frustrating as it is, that is the beauty of our constitution, it makes it necessary to compromise on the tough and controversial issues. Waterdowned drives me crazy, but it was certainly helpful during the Bush administration because they had to waterdown stuff, too.

I May not get back today so everyone, including republicans, have a nice weekend!

Votes not there yet on energy

Beverly in Chicago — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:04:13 GMT

Not only will Several Blue Dog Democratic moderates vote against the bill, but they will be remembered for…
• Not allowing America to cut greenhouse gas emissions that cause diseases
• Not allowing Americans, jobs that pay well and can't be outsourced
• Newt the (Gringe who stole congress and American values by shutting down Congress because he was more interested in President Clinton’s sex life instead of the welfare of America is a hypocrite) keep denying, global warming it will come back to bite all the Blue Dog Democratic dixicecratics and Party of No Right Wing Ding Dongs.
• Family Values myA**
• Jobs and energy for the people is want is needed not the same chant of No from Blue Dog Democratic dixiecratics and Party of No Right Wing Ding Dongs.You nuts will also be be remembered in 2012…
**********************************************
Big Al in Chicago, Vote early and vote often! (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 11:41 AM)
Beverly, start by saying NO to Daley, Stroger, Burris and Quinn and break the Democrats near monopoly on the State of Corruption: a.k.a Illinois.
**********************************************
Hey Big Al

If the Dopes of Nope would (Republicans and you included) didn’t stagnate government you wouldn’t have that problem. Simple

By the way was Capone a grand father or uncle of yours?

Votes not there yet on energy

Happy Camper — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:04:33 GMT

{Doggett was on the grounds to attend the congressional picnic when he was pulled aside by staff and brought into the Oval. The president was there, waiting to twist his arm, and so were Michelle, Sasha, Malia, and Bo, all of whom had gathered in preparation to go outside and join the festivities.}

Has Doggett even read the bill? Has Obama? I guess when your lobbyist friends write the bill, and pay for your campaigns, then you just trust them, just like Doggett and Obama do.

Votes not there yet on energy

Math Guy — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:06:20 GMT

Bo better not be piddling on that carpet. And Barry better not be getting ashes on it either. Both of their times in that room are limited to 3.5 more years.

Votes not there yet on energy

Eric, Salinas, CA — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:06:25 GMT

"Eric, Salinas, CA. I don't get the History International channel, too bad, I love Star Trek movies!"
Tek Jansen, saving the universe

Hey Tek - Actually it was the History Channel and the Enterprise featured on the Battle 360 series was the WW2 Queen of Battle the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise. Yup I love Star Trek, though not the more current stuff as Berman is no Roddenberry. I also love the Tek Jansen series Stephen Colbert does but doesn't do enough of.

Beam Me Up Scotty!

Votes not there yet on energy

PDS - CA — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:07:55 GMT

If you need an illustration of derangment, just look at the picture of Pelosi attached to the article. That woman looks like she needs a lot of help.

Votes not there yet on energy

Eric, Salinas, CA — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:08:22 GMT

Hey Jonathan, MI - Being irresponsible is being stupid. Wise up and take responsibility for your party's mistakes, then you'll become wise grasshopper.

Conservatism is the Disease!
Liberalism is the Cure!

Votes not there yet on energy

Clara Kansas City, MO — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:08:23 GMT

Did I mention a lack of 'party' discipline earlier?

Case in point.

Votes not there yet on energy

Peter Percival Patterson — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:08:29 GMT

That's it Nancy .... go nuts because you're not getting it your way at the moment.

Put on a show like Howard Dean, the crazy man.

You look like a wild woman in that photo.

Votes not there yet on energy

Chris - IL — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:09:23 GMT

I've made it clear to my representation that I expect them to support it. I tend to agree with Doggett that it is watered down. But there is virtually no chance a tougher bill would ever pass.

This bill has actually received some pretty broad industry support (Deere & Co, Excelon, Duke Energy, Dupont, and 10,000 small businesses that petitioned the US Chamber of Commerce to back off its attacks) because it is moderate. It is a step in the right direction and I think the best we're going to do.

A watered down energy bill is better than no energy bill at all.

Votes not there yet on energy

Keri Tucker, Texas — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:11:28 GMT

Doggett is right. The bill is so watered down that it's turned into a meaningless symbolic vote for the Greens. Nothing happens until 2020, but by then some other congress will change what ever is in the bill from today.

Votes not there yet on energy

Eric, Salinas, CA — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:12:37 GMT

I thought MSNBC tv was a real news channel, not the E! Entertainment Channel. I was so glad that it took an Obama/Merkel joint news conference to get MSNBC tv to show us some real news this morning but now they've digressed again to doing much ado about nothing.

I sure hope that Ed Schultz gets to give us his real show this afternoon, it was a total bummer to not hear his awesome Op Ed or Psycho Talk segments.

In Ed Schultz We Trust!

Votes not there yet on energy

You Will Obey Me — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:13:00 GMT

"Not only will he vote against the bill, but this morning he went so far as to vote "nay" on a preliminary procedure vote ("the rule"), a move considered around here to be a heresy against party discipline."

Not that the Democrats walk in lock step or anything.

Votes not there yet on energy

Ben Dover — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:17:45 GMT

So Obama used his whole family to try and strong arm thid guy. Real classey. I'm glad the guy didn't buckle. To hell with this energy bill!

Votes not there yet on energy

Ed, FW, TX — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:26:06 GMT

Everyone who had a wavering Dem in their distict and who believes in the President's vision needs to get involved and contact their Rep.

Senate will also be hard to convince.

Energy is 2nd in importance only to healthcare!

Votes not there yet on energy

Nashville_fan — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:26:24 GMT

To Bill, Fairfax, VA:

I'm really tired of the "what's the rush?" BS.

Really tired.

The rush is this that is what we voted for and this is what we want to happen.

We have been talking about energy independence for 30 years . . . how much longer do you want to wait . . . until we pull the last drop of oil out of the earth? Until we have invaded every oil producing nation in the Middle East under false pretenses?

Just say you don't like it or you don't believe it will help . . . but don't pretend it's "the rush" that is the problem . . . unless you mean Loud Mouth Limbaugh.

Votes not there yet on energy

Good for those Dems! — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:27:21 GMT

Good for those democrats opposing this. It's a horrible bill and bad for America. It would have minimal effect on helping the environment but much negative impact on taxpayer's budgets. By the way, did anyone check if Al "Global warming" Gore rode again on his private plane (one of leading causes of high pollution)to Washington DC to twist the arms of congressmen before they vote?

Votes not there yet on energy

Beverly in Chicago — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:29:46 GMT

PDS - CA (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 2:07 PM)

If you need an illustration of derangment, just look at the picture of Pelosi attached to the article. That woman looks like she needs a lot of help.
<><><<>><><<><>><><><>><><><>
Hey PDS

The only help Nancy needs is for for Nuts like you to STFU and to stop perpetuating myths.

Votes not there yet on energy

Alan, NJ — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:30:30 GMT

Hey Nashville...I thought anybody who needs emergency treatment gets it at the ER illegal or not. What we are talking about is non-emergency treatment. There is not a country in the world that offers that sort of service to someone who is in the country illegally.

If this goes through and illegals are eligible for long-term care I predict a wave of new illegal immigrants. I guess that might be the plan!!

I still don't understand why someone who crosses the border and breaks the law should get preference over a law abiding candidate who waits in their home country until the process is complete.

Votes not there yet on energy

Beverly in Chicago — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:32:22 GMT

To hell with this energy bill!

Ben Dover (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 2:17 PM)
<><><><><><><<>>

That's what you'll find like you're in when the forces of unmanned nature and no jobs take over you.

Votes not there yet on energy

let it be — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:32:55 GMT

The global warming problem is two-fold because it also has to do with energy use. 1) There is ample evidence (the Wall Street Journal notwithstanding -- it's not a scientific journal) that human activity has increased the rate of global warming. 2) Whether or not we can at this point make enough of a change to slow or reverse this effect, our use of non-renewable resources is occuring at a rapid pace and is not sustainable. If we find ways of reducing energy use, of using renewable energy or clean energy, we work on slowing on our use of non-renewable resources and at the same time, work to potentially slow the rate of global warming.
People who oppose doing anything about the use of non-renewable energy sources and who deny global warming are robbing their grandchildren every bit as much as the people they decry for putting the nation further in debt. If one really cares about future generations, then debt is bad and so is not doing anything about our energy consumption.

Votes not there yet on energy

B, La. — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:34:00 GMT

Global warming is a hoax! Climates change, that's what the earth does and it will continue to do it long after we're gone! This legislation should die in the house!

Votes not there yet on energy

Jonathan Flint, MI — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:35:50 GMT

We are human first, and citizens second.

I am sorry if treating other people as human, even if they are in the wrong place at the wrong time makes you feel uncomfortable.

But it is the right thing to do – no, it is the only thing to do.

If you want to increase measures to prevent illegal immigration, great.

But once someone is here and sick, they must be cared for.

That's not debatable.

P.S. Contrary to the premise of your post, I highly doubt that the primary reason that people are coming to this country illegally is to visit a doctor when they arrive, don't you?

Nashville_fan (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 1:50 PM)
------------------------------------------------------
I never said it made me feel uncomfortable. Again you are putting the decision to treat someone here illegally on me when I posses neither the skills or training to do so. It would be up to the doctor. I would think the doctor in most case might try and help, but to make it a policy that we must treat those that are here illegally, with public funds, is wrong. Your right it's not debatable.

I think people come to America for opportunity, and a better way of life. And yes that includes better medical facilities.

I will say I don't think the federal government should necessarily enact a fine or anything to charge hospitals or doctors who do treat them. But that is their decision to make not ours. So if hospitals treat an illegal immigrant they should have to pay for it too or arrange payment from the treated person.

Votes not there yet on energy

Change You Can Believe In — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:39:39 GMT

Ear Marks, and others trying to justify this. You have short term memory loss. The republicans never put through a clean bill and that includes war funding. Go back and look, there's dollars for plenty of unmilitary pork in the GOP funding bills. Keep trying to justify garbage if it makes you feel better. - Jody Iowa

You're right Jody. The Democrats are just like the Republicans.

Votes not there yet on energy

Get an education republicans — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:41:03 GMT

Once again we see that those who want the status quo to remain quote such nonsense as the polishk academy of non sciense and call it equivalent to the thousands of other studies to the contrary...man are you republicans dumb but do you have to be deliberately ignorant too?

Votes not there yet on energy

Barbara - Fort Lauderdale, FL — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:50:20 GMT

The Energy Bill will probably have to get reworked. It comes under the old addage...."You can't win'em all".

Votes not there yet on energy

Tek Jansen, back to just saving the world, that universe is big! — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:51:41 GMT

Why did the Chicken cross the road?

Too good! Thanks MSierra, that'll have me chucklin' all weekend.

Eric, you are right about Star Trek, I like the old ones best too! And yes, I also would like to see more Tek Jansen on Colbert.

Votes not there yet on energy

JoJo — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:52:41 GMT

Amen to Bill ,Fairfax! Finally a little common sense.Something this site clearly lacks.This bill is the first of many that will ultimately end with complete control of the masses.

Votes not there yet on energy

J Young, Cary, NC — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:53:43 GMT

Blue dog/purple dog dems or whatever kinda dog you want to be: be right on this and healthcare or you be outa hear next go 'round!

Votes not there yet on energy

chris, alabama — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:54:11 GMT

Increase costs for people in a dragging economy. Unemployment is only 10% why not find another way for these people not to be able to feed their family.

All these new energy programs are 15 - 20 yrs away. We could have oil from the southeast coast lines in 6 - 10 yrs. Either way there is a 10 yr gap where the public does what suffer even more? Why not drill to decrease oil, heating oil, and natural gas prices? Then create programs that give rewards and incentives to inventions and industries that go green and produce renewable energies (like a big gov contract to the first company that makes truly efficient solar panels). Then when the green initiatives get up to speed you can start phasing out fossil fuel basics for renewable basics. That way there will be a transition instead of a economy crushing switch. It will cost the public much less. It will also create the same jobs because people will be trying to get the gov rewards and incentives.

Votes not there yet on energy

Mike Hunt — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:55:32 GMT

Ben Dover

I like your name!

Votes not there yet on energy

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:01:42 GMT

There appears to be a little bit of disappointment here with regard to Maureen Orth and her stmts this morning. I too think she chose a few words which appeared at first callous, but she offered what I thought was a sincere apology. She’s a journalist and when a person dies, a journalists’ job is to paint as complete a picture as possible.
Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 1:53 PM)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hi Pat!

I’m going to have to respectfully disagree in part of what you said. I don’t know if it was disappointment or shock at the viciousness! I never saw that coming! What I am disappointed with was her timing… we all know this is going to be dragged out for all it’s worth – so yeah… I think she could have waited until the body was at least cold! And the complete picture (whether you agree or not) was he was acquitted) which no doubt she didn’t agree with! So to me it was more sensationalism that any thing else! Kind of like to GEENOPEE always living in the past!

Yes she did apologize – was it sincere? Whether it was or not – it’s like one lawyer yelling ‘Objection’ and the other one yelling ‘Withdrawn’… the genie is already out of the bottle.

And on the journalist angle – I do think we agree that these days a great majority of them SUCK!

Anyway… just my two cents… still LOVE your work! Happy Weekend!

Votes not there yet on energy

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:02:20 GMT

Well everyone, it's been a very slow news day as everyone is dazed by Michaels sudden death. It has been kind of day for reflecting...as it should be. So I am biding each one of my "peeps" to have a nice safe weekend, get some rest and be ready to battle the foes om Monday!

Votes not there yet on energy

Chris - IL — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:04:27 GMT

Just say you don't like it or you don't believe it will help . . . but don't pretend it's "the rush" that is the problem . . . unless you mean Loud Mouth Limbaugh.

Nashville_fan (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 2:26 PM)
----------------------------------------------------
Right on! And I'm tired of the whining about the bills being 1200 pages. Our representatives get paid to read and understand these bills and they have large staffs that dissect and outline the bills for them.

They don't want to rush because the momentum is against them and they are hoping (and praying - since they are the chosen ones and moral ones) that they will regain control of the house and senate in 2010. Delay it long enough and maybe we can just do away with it.

Finally, I don't know why the right is worried about how long it takes to read it. They aren't interested in what is really in the bill or what the facts are. They already know it is going to raise out taxes by zillions of dollars and eliminate every job in America. And they have all put their advanced scientific degrees to use in making sure the understand why global warming is a hoax. What more do they need to know?

Votes not there yet on energy

Jason White — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:05:50 GMT

Why did the Chicken cross the road?

To smoke a Marlboro in the Oval Office.

Votes not there yet on energy

John Connley, Bentonville, AR — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:07:53 GMT

Raising energy unnecessarily during a recession is another example of federal govt. abuse. Our constitution states that the people have the right to dissolve the federal govt. if it becomes abusive or no longer represents the will of the people. It is time for the people to push the governors of all 50 states to agree to push a vote of no confidence on the federal govt. The governing power must be returned to the individual states in effort to rebuild a function type of federal govt.

Votes not there yet on energy

MSierra, SF — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:10:54 GMT

Obama can combine his Healthcare bill and his Energy Tax bill into one...

He already has it to where people over 65 wont get certain care because its a waste of money on the elderly. Instead we can use them for fuel! It wont be the first time!

We should use BO the dog for fuel - he burns cleaner than coal.

Votes not there yet on energy

All WHACKOS — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:16:05 GMT

Well, the left wing extremist whackos who post their drivel on this blog are guilty of the exact same thing and cloaking their lunacy under the mantle of righteousness. What a pile of misguided, sanctimonious – and typically hypocritical -- crap.
Bill, Fairfax, VA (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 1:48 PM)
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Well, the right wing extremist whackos who post their drivel on this blog are guilty of the exact same thing and cloaking their lunacy under the mantle of righteousness.

It works both ways Bill. Most of everyone on these blogs are whackos - whether left or right.

Votes not there yet on energy

Ming Soo — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:16:37 GMT

The Cap & Trade bill is not a job killer, but a job creator! A creator of jobs in China, India, Singapore, Taiwan, . . . . . .

Votes not there yet on energy

Bill, Fairfax, VA — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:18:28 GMT

Nashville_fan (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 2:26 PM)

"Just say you don't like it or you don't believe it will help . . . but don't pretend it's "the rush" that is the problem . . . unless you mean Loud Mouth Limbaugh."

The bill is over 1200 pages. It might take folks a week just to read the damn thing. But we want to do more than read it, we want to analyze it to fully understand the implications of this massive piece of legislation. And we want that analysis to occur in the light of day so all Americans can understand what their government is about to do to them. So yes, rushing to failure is part of my concern, but only a part. The other part is the credibility of the so-called science. So I say again, if the facts are on your side then what's the harm in taking a more deliberative approach? What are you afraid of?

And by the way, I did not invoke Limbaugh's name anywhere in my post. Unlike many of you lefties, I think for myself and don't need him or anyone else to do my thinking for me. Your comment about him was a typical lefty cheap shot.

Votes not there yet on energy

eagle1776 — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:21:31 GMT

Has anyone asked what those hold out Dems. want? Why do they object to the bill. If cap and trade is the problem drop it for now and get an otherwise good bill through, passed and signed. Then cap and trade can be brought up later. If done well enough the cap and trade may be moot as companies can be shamed into complying with environmental standards. Other laws can be made that will make them wish they had begged for cap and trade. I really don't see what the problem is in getting this done. A few spoons of honey and a fanagle or two and Pelosi should have a cake walk with this but she doesn't seem to be able to even get her own party on board for what should be a real slam dunk.

Votes not there yet on energy

Nashville_fan — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:22:40 GMT

To Alan, NJ:

Someone who is here illegally should not get preferential treatment, but they should get treatment as long as they are here.

What exactly is gained by "punishing" people for wanting a better life?

Maybe we should just strenghthen our immigration laws, treat people like people regardless of their citizenship, thank the Lord that we are blessed to live in a stable prosperous country, and stop all the whining.

That is the only humane thing to do, don't you think?

Votes not there yet on energy

Chris - IL — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:30:03 GMT

Jonathan Flint, MI (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 2:35 PM)
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I think you are missing some key points about immigrants.

First, I don't think immigrants come to the US for our health care. They come here because they feel they can make more money and better support themselves and their families.

If you want to do something about illegal immigration, let's put the burden on companies that hire them. There should be massive fines for any company that is found to be employing illegals. And if they are caught employing more than some level (say 10) undocumented workers, it should be a felony.

As far as health care costs, consider emergency care versus preventive care. The reason insurance companies encourage preventive care is they know it saves them money. So if those "illegals" had preventive care, the overall cost would be lower. And who is paying for the emergency care? Well, we are all paying for it. Because when the hospital doesn't get paid, it passes along the costs to everyone else. So essentially, we are already being "taxed" for health care for those that don't have insurance.

Second, all I hear all the time from republicans and libertarians is whining about taxes and how much they are going to hurt the "middle class." But I have a question for you. When we push all the undocumented workers out of the country how are we going to fund the police to do it? And how are we going to afford food and landscaping when suddenly there are no more illegals and those businesses have to pay considerably higher wages (and taxes on the wages since they will be documented workers with valid social security numbers)?

I don't buy into the paranoia about the illegal immigrants in the US. It is nothing but more fear and a form of racism.

Votes not there yet on energy

Ed Gray, Bella Vista, AR — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:33:09 GMT

This the largest "TAX" bill ever put forward in the house, I know they keep saying the cost of the bill is $$$$ per household in the US, but does anyone in the world believe that it cannot be raised, warped, reinvented or whatever these guys want.

CAP AND TAX is stupid, unless you are on the receiving end of the money.

These legislaters have decided that they are above the people, they are kings and queens, not to be questioned, not to answer to anyone, Please people, vote these dogs out next time, all of them please. A complete turnover would be fantastic.

This CAP and TAX garbage should not even be considered, don't accept the answer that they haven't read the bill as a reason for not having a definate answer on how they will vote. If the haven't had time to read the bill, they should always vote "NO" Like the hypricatic oath, "first do no harm"

Votes not there yet on energy

Chris - IL — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:47:39 GMT

chris, alabama (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 2:54 PM)
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That's what the right has been saying since the 1960s about anything on the environment. It is time to stop putting it off and do something about it.

By the way, one of the biggest oil reserves in the US is in western ND and eastern Montana (and southern Saskatchewan) and there are no real legal impediments preventing drilling. It is estimated at 3-4.3B barrels - which is the biggest oil reserve outside of Alaska. The reason the oil companies aren't sinking more wells? The price of oil is too low to make it economical to the oil companies.

Also, it should be noted that despite all the claims that we need to drill more to become less dependent on foreign oil, the US exports over 1M barrels of oil a day, while it imports over 13M. So we could reduce our imports by 8% if we stopped exporting!

Regardless of these facts, the key point is that oil reserves are very limited and with China and India using more and more oil, we are going to see the price of oil to continue to climb (it temporarily declined due to the world recession). The only way to avoid the pain of ever rising fuel prices is to do something about it now!

Votes not there yet on energy

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:59:55 GMT

There appears to be a little bit of disappointment here with regard to Maureen Orth and her stmts this morning. I too think she chose a few words which appeared at first callous, but she offered what I thought was a sincere apology. She’s a journalist and when a person dies, a journalists’ job is to paint as complete a picture as possible.
Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Friday, June 26, 2009 1:53 PM)
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Hi Pat!

I’m going to have to respectfully disagree in part of what you said. I don’t know if it was disappointment or shock at the viciousness! I never saw that coming! What I am disappointed with was her timing… we all know this is going to be dragged out for all it’s worth – so yeah… I think she could have waited until the body was at least cold! And the complete picture (whether you agree or not) was he was acquitted) which no doubt she didn’t agree with! So to me it was more sensationalism that any thing else! Kind of like to GEENOPEE always living in the past!

Yes she did apologize – was it sincere? Whether it was or not – it’s like one lawyer yelling ‘Objection’ and the other one yelling ‘Withdrawn’… the genie is already out of the bottle.

And on the journalist angle – I do think we agree that these days a great majority of them SUCK!

Anyway… just my two cents… still LOVE your work! Happy Weekend!

Votes not there yet on energy

Dan, WI — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 20:00:14 GMT

Should be interesting. If we don't get off oil, we'll continue paying Iranian and Venezuelan dictators to stay in power.

Resulting in the loss of more American soldiers fighting in the middle east against radicals paid for by our thirst for oil.

Without the wind and solar manufacturing jobs in America, we'll see more manufacturing jobs disappear from the US.

Votes not there yet on energy

Runnin' For Cover — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 20:04:45 GMT

Everything that goes wrong is Obama's fault. If you wanna throw Jackson's death in on that, so be it.

The logic?

When Bush was Prez everything that went wrong was his fault, according to the Dems, so let's level the playing field.

Votes not there yet on energy

Matthew, Houston, TX — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 20:14:57 GMT

What part of 'non-renewable energy sources' do you right wingers not understand? What part of 'environmental catastrophe' that oils spills and mine trailings cause do you not understand? This bill has been coming down the pike for a long time and the Republicans have had plenty of time to participate and debate it but noooooo, all they did was sit around crying about not being included (crocodile tears when you were invited but chose not to attend), claiming that climate change is a hoax and just generally saying, "NO!" to everything.

Votes not there yet on energy

Craig G, Las Vegas — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 20:16:34 GMT

Yes, global warming is real: 0.6 deg C per century, whether we emit CO2 or not. No, there is nothing we can do about it. Yes, the latest scientific scholarship shows conclusively that the climate models used by the IPCC are rubbish. No, even if they were accurate, this bill would only reduce warming by about half a deg by 2100 C if everybody -- including India and China -- did the same thing. Yes, this bill will double your electric bill and raise oil prices to the stratosphere. How lovely!

Votes not there yet on energy

Don Woodburn OR — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 20:18:43 GMT

I'm suggesting those voting for this bill hand out "Ostrich pins" to those Repubs and skittish Dems, for burying their head in the sand and not seeing the truth. For those ignoramus who deny that ice is disappearing in the Arctic, that great chunks of Antartica are breaking off, that glaciers are receding, that the warmest year on record have occured in the last decade; can you not read? Or have you been mesmerized by the whale of sleaze Mr Limburger?