This blog entry discusses the difference between management and leadership of the Gulf oil spill crisis. It alludes to the fact that our leaders appear out-of-touch.
The basic premise is that we need transformation legislation aiming for a revolution in our economy to one based on clean, renewable, dependable, and affordable energy from non-carbon sources.
The federal government is squandering the Gulf oil spill crisis. Entrenched Democratic Party leaders such as Senator Leahy appear willing to settle for ‘management’ without firm ‘leadership’. Is the explanation conflict of interest, ‘old school’ out-of-touch thinking, or lack of vision? In any case, this is an area where we really cannot accept typical Democratic Party establishment incrementalism.
The acute needs are to stop gushing oil, capture spilled oil, clean and rehabilitate the Gulf, compensate appropriately, investigate, inspect other rigs, optimize regulations, and hold those responsible accountable.
The subacute needs are for the Administration and Congressional Majority to reverse its premature support for expansion of offshore drilling (and nuclear power). At the very least, an indefinite hold. Judge Brown’s injunction should be appealed.
The chronic more fundamental issues need leadership to rectify. Our ‘energy/environment system’ is not working for us. The majority of scientists agree that greenhouse gases, due to human carbon emitting activities and deforestation, are the cause of ‘global climate disruption’. For doubters, even a 1% chance that the story is true should cause alarm.
Security hawks should be alarmed by our foreign dependence and consequent energy insecurity and our funding of both sides of the war via oil revenue. Fiscal conservatives should be bothered by the hundreds of billions of dollars handed to unfriendly regimes; and by effects on our balance-of-trade, national debt, infrastructure, and employment. And for ‘quality-of-life’ junkies, traffic, noise, sprawl, pollution, and cost should cause alarm.
Our leaders should lead and squarely and comprehensively confront this existential, security, economic, and quality-of-life threat. Their top priority should be transformational legislation to convert our economy to one based on clean, renewable, reliable, and abundant non-carbon based energy...sprinting, not walking. It is us or them. As a patriot, I prefer we lead the world rather than follow or sit on the sideline watching. The world is waiting. And as a patriot desiring to optimally support the troops, I want to cripple the enemy’s economic base.
Republicans must be co-opted to the cause as transformational reform will not occur until they are on-board. They must be reminded about energy insecurity and that being environmental is ‘red, white, and blue’ (patriotic), not just ‘green’ (Thomas Friedman).
So, what needs to be done?
First, establish a legal limit for oil importation (e.g., 15 years). Second, establish a legal limit for fossil fuels use (e.g., 20 years). Third, cancel fossil fuel subsidies. Fourth, incentivize conversion with a fair carbon tax. Fifth, enact strict mandates, subsidies, and penalties for fuel efficiency and alternative energy for automobile and appliance manufacturers, oil companies, and utilities—partially funded via carbon tax revenue. Sixth, enact tax deductions and penalties to incentivize smart building development and design. Seventh, invest massively in mass transit and inter-city rail. Eighth, like the ‘Buy American’ campaign, implement a ‘Support the Troops, Cut Oil’ campaign.
Imagine such a rejuvenation of America...millions of new jobs in manufacturing, building, installation, plumbers, electricians, engineers, educators, and scientists... sense of purpose, leadership, and moral certitude...entrepreneurial, investment, and innovation opportunities...