Our world is driven by one single motivation, energy. We are threatening Nuclear war against Iran in our media for control of their reserves, the #2 in OPEC. Inside Iran, the much talked about President ran on a platform to put Iranian oil money on every table in their country. Iraq was an attempt to produce a better oil market, which it has.
WHAT ARE WE DOING TO OURSELVES?
WHY CAN I NOT REDUCE MY CARBON FOOTPRINT WITHOUT SPENDING A FORTUNE?
America has a great many domestic resources, not the least of which is the determination of the American people. American ingenuity has always come through. We put a man on the moon. We can become energy independent. Plug-in Hybrid vehicles allow us to use made-in-the-USA energy for most of our driving, breaking the yoke of our dependence on oil. It's time to set America free.
People say we need a big idea. A big fix. Well, there is a big idea, but the thing is it's already a reality. In this April 2006 article on Hybrid Vehicles:
http://www.scientificamerican.com/...
The authors discuss a car which is already in production in Germany for Vans, it's called a Plug In Hybrid. It's a simple concept. Normal hybrids are flawed because their equipment is expensive and the gas economy comes from requiring the driver to pay more attention. In a nation where George W Bush is elected twice, I'm not sure if anyone is paying attention. All the while, the continual thurst of the american car drives oil imports. This drives war. We can end this drive with this technology. Problem?? Well... Yes, not expected to readily be available until 2020.
Hmmm, There could be Win-Win-Win proposal in here. FIrst, a little more about Plug In Hybrid Drives
This site reviews the solution which these cars can provide.
Electricity instead of gasoline
Most of the energy used by plug-ins comes from electricity and not from gasoline. That electricity can be generated efficiently and cleanly from America's abundant domestic energy resources, thus greatly reducing our dependence on imported oil. Unlike in the 1970s, when much of our electricity was generated from oil, today only 2% of our electricity is generated from oil.
Performance
The plug-in hybrid drive system is compatible with all vehicle models and does not entail any sacrifice of vehicle performance or driver amenities. A mid size plug-in can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour at less than 9 seconds, sustain a top speed of 97 mph and maintain 120 mph for about two minutes even with a low battery.
Cost
Plug-ins estimated retail price is higher than that of corresponding conventional vehicles. The difference in price depends on the size of the battery. Every additional 10 miles of vehicle range in electric mode adds about $1,000 to the cost. Battery costs are the primary reason for this incremental cost, and battery prices are likely to fall with increased production. The price difference is partly offset by lower operating costs of plug-ins. Fuel costs for conventional vehicles stand on 6 cents per mile while for plug-ins the cost is only 3 cents per mile including the cost of electricity. The remaining difference can be covered by federal and state tax credits and rebates designed to reward consumers for social benefits such as low emissions and low consumption of petroleum-based fuels.
Tax Cuts to allow average consumers should be upped to $3000 in the first year with $1500 for each year after ownership of the car. Call it something bolder, Say
THE AMERICAN DRIVER FREEDOM TAX CUT
At the same time, increase funding in expanding our Bio-Diesel production. Guess what? You can make a Hybrid Plug in with a Flex-Fuel Engine running on 0 Oil PERIOD.
WHy isn't this being done? Maybe it's because our side is also trapped by the oil companies. But the oil companies have an unwholy aliance with Detroit. Now Detroit and Oil can be broken up FOR GOOD by this idea:
That Apollo Program? Make ALL US MAKES AND MODELS FLEX-FUEL PLUG IN HYBRID BY 2011!
Do Not Delay Any Longer. If we converted our entire fleet of automobiles within a decade, our oil consumption as a nation would reduce 60%. 60%. FUCK IRAN, No More Desert Invasions, No More Exxon, No More BP...
It can all end so easily. Just no one is bold enough to actually make it the centerpiece of a new wave of initiatives. Why Not Mandate what kind of car can be sold in the US? If the Gov't funds the DETROIT Companies to switch their lines to this new car, and mandate it for sale, then these old giants will save the day, come out of bankrupcy and into the black, and we, WE as a People, will sold our own problem...
Not with a Gun
But with a Plug
