Fear Again

Time to gather the women and children, circle the wagons and batten down the hatches – we are in for a big one. You can bet that everything will hit the fan this time around. So -

Be afraid. Then, be more afraid because Jim Jordan and Bob Latta, Ohio 4th and 5th Congressional District Representatives, want you to be fearful that “cap-and-trade” in the Waxman-Markey Bill (The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009) will cost jobs, increase energy costs, constitute an energy tax and drive manufacturing plants overseas to counties with lower environmental regulations. In response, it appears that Jordan and Latta propose – nothing – nada – zilch – zippo - only that they have “beliefs” and “feelings” based on hack studies from think tanks and pseudo-scientific reports funded by oil and coal industries. Such leadership should create fear – a fear that these do nothing politicians will – do nothing.

The fact is every part of their beliefs and feelings depends on the continued illiteracy of their constituents or that most are just too lazy to read the legislative draft of The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. Heck, if that is too much, one may just read the U.S. House of Representatives “Discussion Draft Summary” of the Act.

The Waxman-Markey “Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009” is designed to create millions of new clean energy jobs, save consumers hundreds of billions of dollars in energy costs, enhance American energy independence and reduce global warming. The Act has four parts: (1) clean energy in fuels, vehicles and an efficient electrical grid; (2) the promotion of energy efficiency through all economic sectors like building, appliances; transportation and industry; (3) limits on the emission of heat-trapping pollutants that contribute to “global warming;” and (4) a transition provision that protects United States consumers and industries while promoting green energy jobs in the adjustment to a green – clean – energy economy.

Hum – reading the Act or U.S. House “Discussion Draft” one can only wonder what Jordan or Latta are using as an authoritative legislative reference for their beliefs and feelings. Their statements of Ohio jobs lost, relocated manufacturing plants, sky-rocketing energy costs and tables without food are unsubstantiated conclusive fear mongering about the choice of putting food on the table or paying energy bills. The very best thing each citizen can and should do is – READ THE LEGISLATIVE DRAFT.

The Jordan – Latta objection to the Waxman-Markey “Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009” that carbon taxes are better than cap and trade is just wrong. Paul Krugman, the 2008 Nobel Prize winner for Economics, states: “In principle, emission taxes and tradable emission permits are equally effective at limiting pollution. In practice, cap and trade has some major advantages, especially for achieving effective international cooperation.” Krugman: “The Perfect, the Good, the Planet” New York Times Op-Ed May 18, 2009. Waxman-Markey gives viable incentives for power industry polluters to reduce their emissions so they can sell excess permits issued by the government. The appeal for this is based on the fact that similar efforts have worked in the control of acid rain.

While Jordan and Latta believe that jobs will be lost. One must pause in quiet reflection to ponder what these legislative wizards have done to invite new clean energy jobs, or any jobs for that matter, into their districts. Nothing. The conclusion made that: “Any new jobs created will not even come close to compensating for jobs lost to this energy plan.” is mistaken. It is a conclusion made when doing nothing results in the same – nothing. It must be said that creating jobs requires action, strong and decisive action by entrepreneurs and business leaders who take action. There is no wallowing in the constraints of beliefs and feelings as those who see doing nothing as strong decisive action. Real business leaders share one great trait – they act.

If Jordan or Latta wish to be taken seriously perhaps they can seek to assist or simply foster establishing green energy jobs in the 4th and 5th Congressional Districts. There are profound and serious movements within major cities, on progressive college and university campuses and in schools to take steps toward greening their cities, campuses and schools. Perhaps the leaders of these movements have realized that doing nothing now will cost the citizens of Ohio and our country far more that working to build renewable energy sources and a smart electrical grid; build and renovate homes and businesses for greater energy efficiency; limit pollutants while protecting consumers and industry. Someone has to do this – sounds like – jobs.

The fact is that Jordan and Latta just do not get it. What they do know is that if you are afraid, you will need them to protect you. Who knows and they do not care from what – only that you react in fear. The protection we need is by demanding that we in the 4th and 5th Congressional Districts seek to lead in business, education, jobs and training necessary to build our economy, rebuild our businesses and refurbish our factories. At one time women did cut wood in Findlay, Ohio; then we discovered how to use our resources and abilities to compliment our communities, invite business and entrepreneurship. That time has come again in a new format. Fear can only guarantee our failure.
John F. Kostyo