Fueling ourselves

It seems that every day brings another article about the rising prices of gas, and frankly, I'm really tired of the bitching and moaning. Does the average person know that we are still paying the lowest prices in the world to fill up at the pump? Does anyone realize that the real issue here isn't how we lower the price of gas, but rather how quickly we can produce viable, renewable alternatives?

In this morning's paper, I am reading about a proposed GOP idea that would have the government - which, by the way, is running up a huge deficit right now as it is - issue $100 rebate checks to taxpayers to alleviate the strain at the pump. And all they ask in return? To be allowed to drill in an Alaska wildlife refuge.

I can't imagine a more repulsive bill could pass in Congress these days (actually, I could, but I'd rather not go there).

While there are many things with which I disagree in our current administration, one of my biggest concerns is the catering to big business. This measure the Republican are proposing only serves to benefit big oil companies that have been salivating over this opportunity for years. The average American is feeling the crunch (I know I am) and is likely to be more lenient towards a bill, no matter how awful, if it provides them with some relief during a period of great vulnerability. I mean, really, look at what happened with The Patriot Act.

Instead, I would like to hear our politicians propose some of the following:
1. No more of this pay-to-play bullshit that results in our representatives being in the pocket of any business interests;
2. Heavy investment in public transportation, allowing the citizenry an affordable, efficient, and environmentally friendly option for getting to work, going out to play, or traveling;
3. An increase in federal grants to companies that are researching alternative (a.k.a. renewable, inexpensive) fuel methods;
4. Immediate federal restrictions on the size and stricter controls on the efficiency of our vehicles.

We don't need to drill in Alaska. That won't save us in the long-term - as you all know, crude oil is not a renewable energy source. It takes millions of years to produce, and we don't have the time (nor, do I think, do we have an environment that will produce the same amount of energy reserves as we have today - but Eric, feel free to correct me if I am wrong). I am tired of our government resorting to the proverbial bandaid. What we need today is those truly selfless politicians, who actually work for the good of the public and do not worry about reelection. We need representatives with a vision, not for themselves, but for the future of our nation. We need people who have long-term solutions in mind, not quick marketing ploys for their election-year campaigns.

But in the meantime, we need an electorate that is involved in our nation's politics. If you live outside of DC (because, as you well know, we have no federal representation here; and, if you are unaware, we have the most silly city council ever to be known to man), I urge you to write to your representatives, research what's going on and vote smart in the fall, or even run for office. A well-informed citizenry is the best weapon we have against the atrocities of a selfish government.