The purpose of this blog
This entry was posted on 9/14/2008 10:49 PM and is filed under Tax Shifting,Energy Policy,OIL,Global Warming,Action,Elected representatives.
Our lack of an effective energy policy has created many big problems - the biggest are global warming and our dependence on foreign energy and fossil fuels. If anyone doesn't believe this look at:
- the high price of oil, the price volatility and the associated negative effects on our economy;
- studies that point to global warming being man-made and that it is causing catastrophic events such as more and stronger hurricanes, more flooding, and more and bigger forest fires.
The studies do not offer guarantees. Yet for many the evidence is enough to warrant action and, yes, even change.
The purpose of this blog is to:
- make the case that significant action is needed NOW to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and our use of fossil fuels;
- make the case that a phased-in, federal tax shift from income to non-renewable energy is the best was to achieve these goals by providing an incentive for conservation and a stimulus for our renewable energy industries;
- recognize that no elected representatives (that I am aware of) are making the argument for a federal tax shift so it needs to come from citizens like you and me. Economists support a federal tax shift, but not politicians. Why? Because it would be unpopular at first and they want to be reelected.
I heard a quote that was attributed to Franklin D. Roosevelt (I searched the web to no avail, so maybe neither he or anyone else said it; if you know who said this let me know.) Anyway, here it is:
"That's a great idea. Now make me do it."
The reality is that elected representatives most often do what their constituents want and rarely lead. So it's up to us to make the case that there are benefits to a federal tax shift and that the costs of inaction are astronomical in both human suffering and economic terms.
Many countries, including the U.S. - entry one and entry two, are reeling (or are predicted to) from global warming related problems. The sooner we address these escalating problems the less costly it will be. And, to maximize the benefits derived from this change (green jobs and renewable energy leadership) - we need to move now. To move, we need to change our mindset.
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What do you think our fellow citizens that have been affected terribly by Hurricane Ike are thinking now about our increasing greenhouse gas emissions? How about the flood victims in Iowa?
They are us.
