Australian politicians, scientists and citizens once again doubt the science of human-caused global warming, so why not "No" in USA to 'Cap and Trade'

The Friday, June 26, 2009 edition of The Wall Street Journal features an article titled, The Climate Change Climate Change. For more on this issue, read Public Interest Institutes's Iowa Climate Change Advisory Council Recommendations: Warmed Over and Wrong Again.

This week Mr. (Steve) Fielding issued a statement: He would not be voting
for the bill. He would not risk job losses on "unconvincing green science." The
bill is set to founder as the Australian parliament breaks for the winter.
- The Wall Street Journal

As the U.S. House of Representatives passes a climate-change bill on June 26, 2009. The Wall Street Journal reports "the Australian Parliament is preparing to kill its own country's carbon-emissions scheme. Why? A growing number of Australian politicians, scientists and citizens once again doubt the science of human-caused global warming."

Martin Feldstein: Cap-and-trade = protectionism?‎ - Business Standard

The cap-and-trade system imposes a carbon tax without having to admit that it is really a tax, raising the possibility of serious risks to international ...

"There is a serious danger that the international adoption of cap-and-trade
legislation to limit carbon-dioxide emissions will trigger a new round of
protectionist measures. While aimed at reducing long-term environmental damage, cap-and-trade policies could produce significant harmful economic effects in the
near term that would continue into the future." - Martin Feldstein

Cap-and-trade does more harm than good‎ - Philadelphia Inquirer

Cap and trade will not save the earth - Examiner.com

The dangers are clearly moving forward with 'cap and trade.' As Alliant Energy spokesman reported on KGAN on June 26, 2009, the green portion is good, however, Alliant is concerned about the "trade" portion. The impact of a Carbon Tax will have a negativeimpact on the consumer with a regressive tax that could become very costly and have a negative impact on American jobs.

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Hey Washington? Why not take the lead of others and expand Nuclear Energy in the USA!

The Wednesday, June 24, 2009 edition of The Wall Street Journal features an article titled, The New Nuclear Revolution. For more on energy sources, read the Public Interest Institutes's How shall we power our World? Coal ? Terrestrial Energy? Wind? Solar? Corn? Or Turkey Droppings?

We need to expand nuclear energy as a clean form of energy for our nation.

Department of Energy grants NCSU $5.9M to improve nuclear power -Bizjournals.com
North Carolina State University is getting $5.9 million from the US Department of Energy to conduct research on improving nuclear energy production and ...

Sen. Bennett calls for more nuke plants -United Press International
Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., said that if President Obama supports Iran using nuclear energy he should support it in the United States. ...

Bennett calling for 100 new N-plants - Deseret News

"It's been my experience and my position ... that one of the driving forces
behind America's economic growth has been our access to cheap energy. If
we're going to survive in the kind of economy we want, we need to have access to
cheap energy." - Sen. Bob Bennett

Let's expand the Energy Policy discussions to include Nuclear Energy. We encourage you to write your representative on your views on the issues.

peace

Should the United States Auto Industry move towards E85 as the Energy Secretary suggests with food-crops?

The Tuesday, June 23, 2009 edition of The Des Moines Register features an article titled, Energy Secretary wants E85 capability in all cars. For more on ethanol, read Ethanol Utopianism and a look at the popularity of using food-crops for ethanol and the impact.

We have a vehicle that runs E85. We have never incorporated it, since availability of E85 is limited.

Here are some links that may be of interest in E85 Fuel Stations and E85 Vehicles.

E85 Fuel Stations
There are nearly 2200 Gas Stations in the United States where you can fill up on E85 ethanol fuel. To See All the Stations as well as Prices visit our ...e85vehicles.com/e85-stations.htm

E85 Vehicles
Information on vehicles designed to run on 85% ethanol fuel (E85). Also lists stations where ethanol fuel can be found. Chevrolet - Converting for E85 - Ford F150 - Dodge Caravan

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A look ahead: Newsweek talks Energy and a look at the future/past week in Iowa

Whether it be locally, statewide or nationally, the movement is towards expanding the size, role and cost of government is unfolding. For Americans who seek Limited Government, it can certainly lead to heartburn and headache. When will some of the madness stop?

We hear the fears of the United States moving towards socialism. We hear concerns towards one world government. Locally, what is the future for the traditional marriage: with "Husband and Wife" streaked out, with the terms "Partner and Spouse" inserted in future marriage licenses in the State of Iowa? Links to stories on 4/3/09 ruling by the Iowa Supreme Court.

Today's article comes from the latest issue of Newsweek magazine, dated
April 13, 2009. The magazine features an article titled, Our Tanks Are On Full: The energy
crisis is an artificial one, created by bad policies. For more on
this issue, read Iowa Economic Scorecard: Do
We Need A National Energy Policy? - Public Interest Institute

Further, the Iowa State Legislature is expected to reopen discussion on the Elimination of Federal Deductablility when it comes to figuring your Iowa Taxes. Ironically, Federal Individual Taxes Returns for 2008 are due on April 15Th. Look for discussion in Des Moines on the 14Th. The Iowans for Tax Relief is organizing a rally on Capitol Hill in Des Moines during debate.

The Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission is hosting an important Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday, April 14Th at 6 p.m. at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids. This event is open to the public.

Community Connections: Taking Ownership For Where We Live
Join a
community dialogue about current violence and police presence in specific
areas of Cedar Rapids. Let’s discuss how we can work together to solve
problems.
Click here for a flyer for this event. - Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission

From The Gazette: a story yesterday titled Flood helps Cedar Rapids woman discover other side of God.

Due the the current violence in Cedar Rapids, The Gazette reported yesterday the following story titled Police chief asks Cedar Rapids parents to 'step up'. The Gazette covered earlier story such as the attack on the Cedar Rapids Police Officer and the story on the attack on a nine-year old youth by another youth.

The Gazette reported recently in the story titled Kirkwood will increase tuition 3.7 percent due to demands in budgets at Kirkwood Community College based in Cedar Rapids.

As we mentioned earlier, on Friday, April 3, 2009, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled Iowa's traditional marriage law adopted in 1998 unconstitutional (link to ruling). The State Legislature is going to let nature take it's course, rather than step in and discuss the void left by the decision.

The Gazette reported in story titled Traditional marriage backers rally outside Iowa Statehouse this past week. By the way, it's no more "Husband and Wife", when it comes to Marriage Licenses in the State of Iowa. The terms will be taken out by administrative officials and replaced by the terms "Partner and Spouse" for all cases. Why not have two options in the State of Iowa? The Gazette reported in another related story titled Same-sex amendment vote ruled out of order.

By the way, The Gazette will be tested financially on the issue, as Rob Roy had one local subscriber call to say... it's the "Gayzette" now... Some story links from the editorials by The Gazette on the Supreme Court ruling.

Finally, taxes, costs and fees are going up for Citizens of the City of Cedar Rapids.

On Wednesday, the Cedar Rapids City Council finalized their next budget. The Gazette reported in story titled Cedar Rapids council diversifies revenue, sets budget. On the City of Cedar Rapids web site you will find the following:

• a link to new! FY09 Fees
• Thursday, April 9, 2009 All Residents Encouraged to Help Write Job Description for New Flood Recovery Manager
• Thursday, April 9, 2009 Mediacom to air April Edition of City Cable TV Show
• Thursday, April 9, 2009 RRCT Releases Nine Month Progress Report

Is it a surprise that there is no clear link to the new budget? Where's the link on the approval of the new City budget?

We changed the form of Government in 2005, but the web site format surprisingly enough appears to be using the same format before the change. Is Cedar Rapids incorporating enough "Best Practices" approaches, when it comes to City Government? Where's the transparency and accountability.

By the way, don't forget to write to the City of Cedar Rapids with your thoughts on the Job Description for the new Flood Recovery Manager.

peace

The Gazette endorses John McCain for November 4th

Why did The Gazette endorse John McCain for President?
‘It’s the economy, stupid” taking from the political phase from 1992 campaign of President Bill Clinton.

"The United States and the world are on the brink of a major economic
recession. Our nation also is troubled by unending war against terrorism,
immigration laws in desperate need of reform and spiraling health care
costs." - The Gazette

However, at the top of "the mountain" is the Economy.

"Comparing the two major presidential candidates, Sen. John McCain’s
approach is best aligned to spur economic recovery. This is the overriding
reason The Gazette Editorial Board endorses the Republican Arizona senator over
Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill." - The Gazette

Neither candidate is an expert on economics. However, The Gazette says the following on McCain...

"McCain, like Obama, is no expert in economics. But his proposals to retain
most of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts make sense for businesses that are struggling
to survive and Americans who need jobs. McCain also wants to cut the corporate
tax rate to help U.S. businesses compete in the increasingly global marketplace.
His estate tax revisions would help family businesses avoid being swallowed by
corporate giants."

"Growing business here means more jobs for more Americans. That is the
single-best way to get our economy back on track."

John McCain was right on S. 190 [109th]: Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2005 (GovTrack.us). As the following tracking blog mentions of McCain's call for more oversight of Freddie and Fannie. It is important to have checks and balances in our governement.But, the Democrats controlled by Congress were against more oversight.

"Certainly, business leaders who take irresponsible or illegal
actions
should be held accountable through fair, effective government
oversight
instead of expecting taxpayer-backed bailouts." - The
Gazette

The support for John McCain on the Economy is due to Tax Policy of the
two candidates. The Gazette wrote...

That said, higher taxes won’t fix our shameful national debt of $10
trillion. The marketplace must not be shackled. It must prosper responsibly,
which in the long run will increase tax revenue faster than slapping a higher
tax rate on all but the very smallest businesses, as Obama has proposed.
“Spread opportunity,” McCain has said. He’s right.

Support for John McCain by The Gazette goes beyond his economic policies...

"His 20 years of military service, including heroism as a prisoner of war and
a quarter-century serving in Congress provide perspective that Obama cannot
match."

The Gazette went on to discuss the following strengths for John McCain.

• Understanding of international issues and how to learn from mistakes and balance our interests with the world’s.
• McCain’s record demonstrates he will cross his own party, even the president...
• His energy plan is pragmatic and forward-looking...

The Gazette did reflect on "compelling reasons to consider Obama for president."

"His intellect, oratory and ability to inspire people from various walks of
life are extraordinary. He has re-engaged much of the younger generation into
politics. His message of healing our nation’s divisions resonates. He has our
respect."

Like with any endorsement, The Gazette does have a reservation on McCain. For John McCain, it is his selection of Sarah Palin. The Gazette talked about reservations of Barack Obama and Joe Biden, as well.

"But Obama has offered no clear plan to deal with our country’s staggering
debt. His tax plan could stifle the economic rebound we desperately need. His
lack of experience with international issues is troubling. And running mate Sen.
Joe Biden’s frequent gaffes don’t inspire confidence." The Gazette

On Saturday Night Live last night, John McCain suggested that Barack Obama certainly has a future ahead of him. Mr. Obama is 47 years old. Hopefully, the public will take a pause before Election Day, and really question the timing of a selection of Mr. Obama at this time. As the Gazette closed it's endorsement of John McCain...

"Critics of McCain say he’s “lost his way,” and he’s not the candidate he
was in 2000."

"We believe the real McCain is alive and well. The McCain who is a proven
defender of his country. The McCain who knows how to reach across the political
aisle and international borders to find common ground. The McCain whose
rock-solid commitment to this country can reinvigorate our economy, maintain our
security and revive the world’s respect for America and how we play our critical
leadership role."

While I was writing this blog post, I was watching the local program Ethical Prospectives on KCRG-TV, the ABC affiliate here in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The program is a community affairs program drawing from people within the community.

The program focused on Economics and the Role of Government during difficult times. One highlight from the program was the fact that government typically doesn't reduce its size in good economic times. Typically, once a government program is created... it isn't sunset or eliminated. This is quite alarming, due to the overall size of government today. Further, the impact of international investment in our debt.

Don't forget to vote on Election Day - November 4, 2008!

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Energy and National Security... our next President will have to prioritize

Yesterday, Governor Sarah Palin spoke in Toledo about Energy-Security Policy, which the WSJ highlighted in an article yesterday.

But, more importantly, a recent brief spoke to the question: How shall we power our World? I found it an interesting read.

peace

Alaska's Governor Sarah Palin for GOP's John McCain's Running Mate

Republican Presidential candidate John McCain selects Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate.

Welcome to the national stage Mrs. Palin.

We look forward to learning more about you and how a McCain-Palin ticket can help move the United States of America forward in public policy globally.

From one forty-four year old to another, it will be interesting to discuss various issues, including the following:

• Energy Policy


• Environmental Policy


• Government Reform


• States Rights


• The Economy

I always prefer a Governor for the office of the president, so when names were thrown out as candidates for both president and vice president this year. Mrs. Palin's got my attention as a candidate for vice president. We certainly have had Vice Presidents before in my lifetime with less of a resume.

A women, a reformer in her state, a mother of a son who serves her nation in our armed forces and a person with executive experience as a Governor; it will be interesting to learn more about John McCain's choice as his running mate.

peace