Thursday, October 25, 2007

A Specific Plan for Energy Independence

I love Mr. Huckabee's goal of energy independence in 10 years. Typical "politicians" are afraid to set such difficult goals. Americans are ready to be inspired and led so that this generation can be respected as much as others. Energy independence and the creativity which will make it happen should be THE goal to inspire this generation. No one, including Mr. Huckabee, has a SPECIFIC plan, and therefore they do not press the issue as strongly as possible. Having many alternatives and options is akin to having no plan. There are many 20-30 year plans that experts are discussing, with big oil giving lip service to alternative fuels. The following plan is something that individuals are doing right now economically, and conveniently. A Republican pressing a Green issue will also garner many Democratic, independent and young voters. I champion this issue because of national security reasons. Al Gore could like it just as much.
In the spirit of the Manhattan Project, Marshall Plan and the Apollo Program I propose this:

1. Install Solar electricity systems on each possible house and business in the US. Check out www.b4solar.com this company provides solar electricity for the same rates as the existing utility thru a rental program. If you can afford the utility company's electricity, you can afford this. Green AND cheap is a vital step one. Solar electricity technology has been around for 30 years and is proven, but with expensive up front costs. What is unique about the solar rental program is that it is financially viable for everyone. Household electricity would be supplied by the sun, not coal, natural gas or nuclear.

2. Commit to "Plug-in" Hybrid and Electric cars. Hybrid cars that are on the road now can be converted to "Plug In" Hybrids. Toyota and GM are both planning on "Plug In" hybrids and full electric vehicles in the near future. Electric vehicles have been on the road for over 20 years, albeit with restricted range. A "Plug In" hybrid has no range restriction. A typical commuter it could operate on 100% solar sourced energy. Longer trips would utilize a fossil fuel, but the overall ecological effect would be dramatic. Some cities have already begun using "Plug-in" hybrids for commuter and student busing. Most of nations local transportation needs can be met via solar energy.

3. Bring back the Draft. Require 2 years of national service for youth in the military, peace corps or to energy independence related fields. Kids installing solar electric systems so that they don't have to fight a war with an enemy financed by oil money.

4. Commit the country to this BEHAG(Big Hairy Audacious Goal). JOINT SACRIFICE by all sectors of the country to one common tangible good goal.

5. Distribution: Randomly pick one town in each state to be first to have: full solar and plug in hybrid/electric car saturation.

6. International Relations: Commit to sharing this technology with free societies throughout the world.



The moment is now to push a SPECIFIC solution toward energy independence. Give the voters another clear and resounding reason to "LIKE MIKE"

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Solar Patriot?

Welcome to the solar-patriot.com post.

Here will be discussed ways in which the US can start moving toward energy independence today. Can you think of a more important subject?