Serious Proposals

Can we bridge the gulf between need, common sense and the special interest lobby? I want to offer some common sense proposals that may be the killing of two birds with one stone.

We need energy sources most desperately. The reality is the Left needs money for their social programs and the Right needs energy for continued commercial prosperity.

Now I know that each side of the issue will get a benefit if the other side gets their way. For example, social programs benefit the society as a whole, or at least that's what they say. Commerce benefits society by providing the needed funds to operate government and to perpetuate the economic cycle. So, if the Left gets what they want, Conservatives benefit as well. If the Right gets their way, Liberals also see a positive benefit.

So, let me run this by you folks.

First the "why." Why we must have energy is because without it our nation grinds to a dead stop. No denying this fact. No fuel means no food, no commerce, no nothing. This is a reality that must come first in any discussion of solutions. No energy, no discussion. We are dead - as a nation, a society. If there is no fuel there will be no way for government to lend assistance to anyone, regardless of the need. We would be forced to keep our meager fuel use to essential and military use only.

How might this happen? The Middle East is a powder keg. Anything could set off a series of events like terrorism, blockade of shipping in the region, blow up pipelines, etc. Our strategic oil reserve is good for what, 60 days? al-Qaeda knows commerce is our life's blood, the fuel for the engine that runs us and all who have thrown their lot in with ours. If they, or any other event or entity can shut off the fuel to us, they win.

So, to survive we must have fuel.

Now, my proposal is an off the top of my head concept whereby it's a win-win for commerce and social causes.

I propose we come to the table with no preconceptions. I think a little "I'll scratch your back; you scratch mine" is called for. I believe we need to tap ALL available oil fields we have access to. I believe we need to build infrastructure for coal liquefaction production.