tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4872950921010281700.post573158862188684197..comments2023-05-18T03:58:24.724-04:00Comments on Mac na h'Eireann: The New Religion.Blighterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023963636323286741noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4872950921010281700.post-39542135897452757262010-01-22T13:02:52.277-05:002010-01-22T13:02:52.277-05:00Garnet, I cannot disagree that our dependence on f...Garnet, I cannot disagree that our dependence on fossil fuels has put us at considerable risk. The need for this country to become energy independent is greater now than ever before, especially considering the aggressive and unfriendly attitude of the supplying nations towards the United States.<br /> <br />But, to achieve independence from Foreign Oil, several actions must take place in concert.<br /><br />1.We will need to drill for and refine those oil reserves available to us here. This will allow us as a people to buy domestically thus allowing the billions of dollars that normally go overseas to stay within our borders. Which undoubtedly in turn will boost our economy?<br /><br />2.At the same time we are making use of said resource, we will also be fostering green technology development. As we begin to implement the technology we can slowly wean ourselves off fossil fuels. Probably not completely, but we can reduce the overall consumption by millions of barrels a year by using that technology to create power for electricity.<br /> <br />3.Lastly the use of Nuclear Power will have to come to the fore and become a mainstay of providing energy to the grid.<br /><br />Quite honestly, I see none of the above necessary steps coming to be individually let alone in conjunction for a variety of reasons. When someone proposes drilling others fight against the option as anti environment and scream about “Big Oil”. When we broach the Nuclear option we get to see the terrible images of Three Mile Island, the Love Canal, and of course Chernobyl. Flying in the face of all the advances and advantages of this power source and the evidence as to its safety the opposition is steadfast. They will not be swayed, especially if the proposed plant is to be built in their home town.<br /><br />Which leads me to Green technology; this last source which can be of great benefit is slow in coming and is in no way ascetic. Many people say they want wind energy but by all means let’s not have a wind farm close to home. Look at the 10 year battle over the offshore project in Massachusetts. Because it would be fifteen miles out but still within view of Nantucket the people and their representatives have fought it tooth and nail. Hydro electric is another fine option but did we not jus destroy all the dams and plants in Maine so we could see the return of the Atlantic salmon?<br /> <br />It seems we as a nation have decided that, our hatred of big companies, our unreasonable fear of disaster, and empathy for the animal kingdom takes precedence over our security and safety as a people. <br />I’m sorry rambling on a bit. Thank you for replying.<br />Cheers<br />ALBlighterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15023963636323286741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4872950921010281700.post-76358433970671338752010-01-22T10:28:04.038-05:002010-01-22T10:28:04.038-05:00The latest best-selling book entitled SuperFreaken...The latest best-selling book entitled <b>SuperFreakenomics</b> has an excellent chapter on global warming- in which the authors cut through all the emotional miasma that always surrounds the subject. It would be worth a look, if you can get your hands on it.<br /><br />As I see it, continuing to depend on fossil fuel (as we do) is unwise even if one discounts global warming. Fossil fuel is a finite resource (no one can deny that)and one which the US must depend upon the cooperation of other countries to feed its need, thus putting national security at risk.Garnethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02401188830560417180noreply@blogger.com