At the risk of sounding like a pessimist, there is little significance in the policy platforms adopted by the presidential candidates. Aside from making suggestions for the policy agenda, the president has very little control over the regulations passed. Hence although we are given a packaged solution to the energy crisis, even from the most honest politicians, there is absolutely no way the entire solution will be passed by congress. Consider us lucky if we get a portion of it passed. The power lies with congress. The president is simply the spokesperson of the nation, not the man who sets the laws. After all, Clinton approved the Kyoto Protocol only to have congress reject it. Candidate positions only reaffirm their definition of morality and cement voter identification with each candidate.
Policies that are quantified look good because they portray a clear goal and imply a knowledgeable candidate who knows what he’s doing, but how realistic are these numbers and what are the effects, especially long-term?
The ANWR (Artic National Wildlife Refuge) is home to 8,000 people, an entire ecosystem, and a historically and culturally significant area with Native American carvings on the trees. Alaska is America’s Last Frontier, a truly unique place that attracts a large number of tourists. Governor Palin welcomes Big Oil to destroy the natural beauty that is an asset to her state’s economy. Exceptions are easy to rationalize and if we continue to allow this to happen now, it will continue until we have nothing left. And when we realize that mistake, it will be too late.
As for the promotion of hybrid cars and ethanol fuels, many consumers complain that ethanol damages their engines and gives them must less mileage, requiring more frequent fill-ups, simply an added inconvenience. And consumers are very vocal about this so develop all the hybrid cars you want but good luck getting consumers to buy them.
So here’s my take on the candidates:
Barr- needs to adjust to the now era- social responsibility matters
McCain/Palin- drill in pristine land? Is nothing sacred?
McKinney- Environmentalist winner, Consumer loser
Nader- no comment (was too tired to listen)
Obama/Biden- an ultimatum to use the land or lose it? Is it ok to turn socialist when we are in crises? What happened to the fundamental right to property?
One cannot help but wonder who has ties with oil companies and who has been getting the most funding from Big Oil. (Think the Cheney scandals.)
McCain has received over $1 million in contributions from oil companies, over 80% of which was received after he announced support for off-shore drilling in June. It really has you wondering about the game played in presidential elections because the candidates want money and are promising things they cannot guarantee. These lobbyists are better off sticking with congress. (http://prezoilmoney.oilchangeusa.org/)
Obama claims to not accept money from oil companies but he has received a lot of money from oil company executives. (http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/obamas_oil_spill.html
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