President-elect Obama hardly caused a ripple of concern when he announced that his plans for our future energy needs included bankrupting producers of coal-powered electricity. After all, his voters would enthusiastically back the economic suffering needed to move to alternative sources such as wind power.
Regardless, the real driver of reducing the use of fossil fuels appears to be a forced reduction in the standard of living as the economies move into a severe recession. Worldwide demand for oil has reduced the price from $147 per barrel this summer to near $60 now... nearly a 60% decrease. Those fortunate enough to live in a mild climate and wealthy enough to afford upscale urban housing are the first to self-righteously proclaim that as a bad thing. We need high prices and economic suffering to save the planet.
For the poorer folk who live in colder areas and are forced to live in older, poorly insulated houses and have to drive to work if they are still fortunate to have jobs, the reduction of gasoline prices is a good thing. Ironically, the new government's focus on cap and trading vapor and sharing the suffering resonates as good change with those most likely to suffer the most.... Or could it be that those folks just haven't been listening?
Winter is coming. Money is scarcer. Heating costs are still high and, for those using natural gas, going higher despite vast reserves the government keeps off limits. Fortunately, the economic downturn will hold increases in natural gas prices lower than expected... 6% to 10% increase as opposed to 20% projected earlier. That's good news for people who can't afford it anyway. I'm sure Obama feels their pain and will do something about it... as soon as he finishes bankrupting coal companies and saving the planet through vapor scams.
Oh, did I mention that CO2 is mostly irrelevant? It seems that the proof so many cap and scammers want us to rely on are computer models that bear no relationship to reality. Well, we should suffer anyway. Misery loves company, you know. I guess that means if we suffer together, we will love each other more. Change is sooooo good.
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