Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Joan Denoo on April 11, 2011 at 5:21pm

"With crude prices surging beyond $100 a barrel, and politicians preaching the need to reduce America's reliance on foreign supplies, companies are now looking for more local sources."
Even in the face of less access to oil, corporations/politicians continue to sing their old tunes and dance their old dances. How we have been betrayed! We don't need more oil ... we need more conservation, more solar, wind, geothermal, and wave energy, and no nuclear.

If we are going to have a quality of life to pass on to future generations we have to consider that sustainable resources, coupled with a financial system that values more than wealth, and a value system that takes into account the poorest of the poor when making decisions, as well as properly compensating wage laborers to create a healthy, balanced society.

Permalink Reply by Chris G on April 11, 2011 at 6:33pm

I read an AP article on that too.

We need more public transportation and redesigning of cities so people don't have to drive everywhere.

Suburban sprawl demands cars for everyday living. 

Permalink Reply by Tonya Wynn on April 13, 2011 at 2:19pm

I think we do need to be self-dependent, BUT I want us tohave a protectionist attitude on this and not export the oil (most republicans disagree with me).  I also think the groups like the Sierra Club could oversee the project and that a certain percentage of the profits or budget should go to maintaining and restoring the area.  Wildlife can return and it has been proven over and over again, when we are careful and diligent. 

Also, we Americans need to stop buying JUNK, especially from China.  China uses the most and HOARDS oil.  We buy their crappy produsts that pollute (plastics) and also last a very short time.  All of us are guilty of this, even democrats.  I think removing ALL taxes on re-usables, used products could help save the environment and the US economy and both parties would be pleased.  Imagine all of the tiny used/thrift stores that would pop up!  People would be self-employed and the money would stay here and less in landfills and less money to big-box stores!

Permalink Reply by Tonya Wynn on April 13, 2011 at 2:27pm

I'm ok with more organized cities and public transportation, but don't try to force me into an overpopulated living arrangement/city.  People move to the suburbs to escape city problems, even if that means long commutes and small town gossip/minds.  Those of you city dwellers who want us non-city dwellers to pay $8 a gallon on gas, should have your FOOD prices quadruple.  Most Americans are overweight anyway and Europeans pay a much higher percentage of their income on food.  So let's think this through before telling eachother how to live.  Perhaps the highest energy users should have to pay more: in New York City a person pays a lower rate for electricity until a certain point, after which, they pay a substantial amount more per kilowatt.  Every area could do this.  McMansions are ridiculous.  Maybe SUV and truck owners could be charged more after a certain gallon amount. Very few of SUV and truck owners need that huge vehicle.  Their consumption boosts costs for all of us.  I think of energy like air shared in an underground hole.