Obama's Economic Address

Listening to Obama's economic address last night was almost surreal. To have a president actually facing real problems instead of tilting windmills. To hear actual logic instead of double speak. It's a whole new country. Of course, the Obama administration will make more than their fair share of mistakes ahead, but at least they are attacking issues head on with full brain capacity.

Obama's budget will focus on four major areas: energy, healthcare, education, and reducing the debt. As he said, "[it] reflects the harsh reality of what we've inherited."

On energy, Obama would like government to take up a role that has been denied for the past 8 years, that of "catalyz[ing] opportunity" for businesses and individuals to be successful. As he said, the country that "harnesses the power of clean renewable energy will rule the future," and as crazy as it sounds, China is actually moving at a faster velocity than we are at the moment.

Obama proposes doubling the supply of renewable energy in the U.S. in the next three years, investing unprecedented funds into basic research, building thousands of miles of power lines for new energy sources, and stimulating energy efficiency. Moreover, he would like to stimlate the business side of energy by creating a market-based cap and trade system for carbon-based energy. Overall, he will invest $15 billion/ year in renewable programs and technologies. That said, he will not allow the collapse of the American auto industry.

The rest of the address was also extremely interesting, but I will keep this short since we are energy and environment focused here.


Obama's energy/environment proposals are all essential, except perhaps the bailout of the auto industry. We will have to keep close tabs on that development.

Stay tuned for deeper analysis into what his inspiring speech actually translates to on the ground.

Clinton in China

Hillary Clinton is in China this week, debuting as Secretary of State, and taking a new tone on foreign policy. While agreeing to mention traditional human rights concerns, Clinton was eager to embark upon a joint China-U.S. effort on Climate.

Human rights are important, however, without a drastic change in environmental practices, there will be far worse crises in store. I say this as a human rights advocate. In addition, diplomacy includes the art of finding areas of mutual interest rather than perpetually hammering away at issues where neither side is likely to submit.

Climate change is an excellent area to start. As China continues its incredible growth, it is vital that the country finds a newer, cleaner way to grow. Rather than adopting old technologies, the Chinese should leap-frog into a Green Era, providing a model to the rest of the world. Even a dictatorial country can see the beauty in this prospect. Meanwhile, in our dilapidated state, perhaps the U.S. can get green investment from China - reducing competition for natural resources!

Myth: Energy Independence is Good ?

Mother Jones recent article, The Seven Myths of Energy Independence, starts with the premise that energy independence is far too expensive and time consuming to actually be a good thing. What authors neglect to analyze is the long term geopolitical consequences of energy dependence.

Independence may be expensive and difficult, but our current policy is much more destructive long term. We are putting money directly into the hands of one of the most repressive, anti-democratic governments in the world - Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is funding the spread of ultra-conservative Wahhabi Islam across the globe. Despite its alliance with the United States, the KSA continues to export thousands of textbooks each year teaching young children to "Hate unbelievers," aka Christians, Jews, Shiias, and anyone else who is against their brand of Islam...basically the entire U.S. population. The propagation of religious, ethnic, and gender inequality by concerted effort is being funded by our own hands and will cost far more than energy independence in the long term. Saudi is just one example...oil money has also hampered democracy in Russia, Nigeria, and Venezuela. We will be posting more on those countries in the future.

More on Mother Jones' myths in posts to come...