Alternative Energy is the ONLY option for the world

Alternative energy will save the world and solve the supposed "terrorist" problem 
By investing in American alternative energy research, development and manufacturing, America can regain its leadership role in the world, save its own economy and eliminate middle east "terrorist" concerns. 
Posted: 07.15.2008 

Op/Ed

The “terrorist” problem (largely created, hyped, and used by the Bush-Cheney regime to scare Americans into docile compliance) can still be solved by investing heavily in America’s alternative energy sector, including research, development and manufacturing. It will re-establish America’s leadership role in the world, create licensing and manufacturing income for American businesses, and lead the world in the area of sustainability. We may even discover new, as-yet undiscovered energy sources.  Sure there are extremists in the US and abroad that are intent on destroying democracy and instituting their preferred flavor of a religiously based totalitarian regime, but they're few in number and fortunately far in between.

History confirms that new technology and innovation can be developed and implemented within decades, rather than the current administration’s century and beyond goals. Take for example electricity, telephones and automobiles, on the consumer front, and the tremendous strides in manufacturing in the early 1900’s. Or take a look at oil-tycoon T. Boone Pickens’ recent 10 year initative.  Though it's an inspired and still oil-based, it shows that there's possibility even for the entrenched oil-tycoons.

I have confidence in American resourcefulness and ingenuity to reach major goals, including a new sustainable energy platform. However, this will require a strong desire and unity am Americans, and a leadership dedicated to energy independence and sustainability, long before the G8’s pathetic 50 year “goal.”

Of equal importance is the realization that when alternative energy replaces oil, the middle east will become irrelevant. Foreign control, investment and occupation will dry up, leaving the monopolistic, anti-competitive OPEC and those in the middle east (Marvin "unofficial King of Dubai” Bush) to their own devices – as the extremist/fundamentalist element there has been advocating all along. Give them what they wish – maybe it will even bring some social and human rights reform to Saudi Arabia. Or better yet, depose the king and establish some real democracy?!

I do not agree with the currently overused and abused use of the “terrorist” label being thrown about by the government, and interjected zealously by local law enforcement, at any and every chance. It’s obvious that the government and law enforcement are trying to scare people into believing them – it’s greed motivating for self-perpetuation of a broken and abusive system.

The current administration’s and law enforcement’s motives are plainly obvious – use fear mongering to scare Americans into complacency and obedience – and present a fundamental conflict of interest. They are more concerned about their control, their funding, and getting lots of new and improved gear and “toys” (i.e., methods of killing, torturing and controlling people).

Although violence committed by those who seek to send a message is completely, 100% wrong and unacceptable, it is a sign of reaching a point of human desperation. A desperation from being pushed so far, that people feel they have no options, and resort to using their most primitive thought process: the caveman violence approach. Nonetheless, when foreign occupiers are removed, the “terrorist” problem will be solved.

Obviously, the current administration, and even the current Dem-o-publican presidential candidates are more concerned about pleasing Wall Street and the Pentagon, in order to maintain the status quo, than they are about making the hard and necessary decisions. They are beholden to corporate interests, and supporting the “buggy-whip manufacturers,” because they have been their biggest donors, and unable and unwilling to make a turn and change directions dramatically, before America stays the Bush-Cheney course over the edge.

We need new direction, and hard decisions have to be made. It will be difficult for many established businesses that are unable or unwilling to change directions. The Wall Street oil speculators will lose lots of money. Oh well, that’s what happened to the buggy whip manufacturers when cars came about.

But alternative energy and sustainability is the only viable future – for the world, for the middle east, and for America’s long-term survival. We need candidates and a representative government that will take the necessary steps, and dramatically change the status quo. I do not see such candidates among either the democrats or the republicans.