An open letter to FRONTLINE
This entry was posted on 4/23/2008 8:42 PM and is filed under Global Warming,Main Stream Media,nuclear,Communication.
What is the media’s role/responsibility in finding solutions to huge problems such as global warming and U.S. dependence on foreign oil? I’d say it’s to present information on differing views and generate debate.
Don’t see much on tax shifting in the main stream media - why not?
Let’s try FRONTLINE. A shorter version of the letter below was forwarded electronically.
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Dear FRONTLINE producers,
Your Hot Politics segment was invaluable -- fascinating, informative and sobering. Thanks.
What's next for you on the issue of global warming and energy issues? Please do a show on potential solutions to global warming and our dependence on foreign oil.
A phased-in, federal tax shift from income to non-renewable energy is the best way to have American ingenuity and the market solve these problems. This is not a new idea, but an idea whose time has come.
There is wide agreement that conservation and renewable energy are the keys, but these will not take hold without financial incentives. And, they shouldn’t – we live in a capitalistic society. Let’s stop pussy-footing around with CAFE standards (build cars people don’t want that will be driven more because of improved mileage), cap & trade (complex, difficult to price carbon and therefore risky for markets, and only get at large emitters), and suggestions that we need energy tax holidays (!!!).
Nuclear power? Sure, as soon as there is a way to store high-level nuclear waste for tens of thousands of years (that’s paid for without government subsidies). Reprocessing of nuclear waste? Sure, as soon as investors are willing to pay all the costs without government subsidies and there’s a place to store the remaining waste safely.
Who’s going to lead this information sharing and debate? How about Frontline?
We need to start to pay ALL the costs of our energy use at the time we use it via a phased-in, federal tax shift. How much of a tax shift? Check out www.solve4biggies.com.
Heavens, the U.S. could be a leader in greenhouse gas emission reductions while also leading in the development of renewable energy technologies for domestic use and export – creating products to help all countries raise their standard of living while creating a mighty economic engine and green JOBS. Heaven indeed.
Regards,
Paul Riehemann
Blog Host, Solve4Biggies.com
