[coyote]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'F')or a nation "addicted to oil," as President Bush put it, Senate Republicans have a proposal that can only be described as enabling: Put $100 back into the pocket of every taxpayer.

The proposal, unveiled Thursday, has been roundly criticized not only by Democrats but also by fiscal conservatives who warn it will widen the deficit while doing little to encourage energy conservation.

"It could be one of the dumbest ideas of the year," said Jerry Taylor, a senior fellow at the conservative Cato Institute. "I haven't looked at all of the ideas yet, but it's got to be right up there."

[MacG]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('coyote', '')$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'F')or a nation "addicted to oil," as President Bush put it, Senate Republicans have a proposal that can only be described as enabling: Put $100 back into the pocket of every taxpayer.

The proposal, unveiled Thursday, has been roundly criticized not only by Democrats but also by fiscal conservatives who warn it will widen the deficit while doing little to encourage energy conservation.

"It could be one of the dumbest ideas of the year," said Jerry Taylor, a senior fellow at the conservative Cato Institute. "I haven't looked at all of the ideas yet, but it's got to be right up there."

[Jack]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('coyote', '
')

Goddess, help me become an optimist again...

[Novus]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Jack', '
')
Seriously, though, this is the reason for my doomerosity. We won't do what needs to be done. Where I live, they've just finished ripping up rail to make room for more roads and a massive shopping center. Which puts my community in the running for the Peak Oil Idiocy award, I suppose.

We - individually and collectively - will spend our last farthing holding onto a doomed way of life. We won't change. Our children and grandchildren - those that survive - will. All of which assures that the crash will be deferred for a time, and be much more deadly when it comes.

[Lighthouse]

I would define myself as an optimistic doomer.

I know I can save myself and my family, I can help my friends, but the world as it is is definitely fucked.

The sad thing is most people don't know and don't even want to know until realty will catch up with them.

[pigleg]

I prefer 'Realist'. Or even, Scientist. Shazam, here are the facts staring you in the face.

[Lighthouse]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('pigleg', 'I') prefer 'Realist'. Or even, Scientist. Shazam, here are the facts staring you in the face.

[frankthetank]

Yup, ideas like this scare the hell out of me. What happens when the price really takes off? It wouldn't suprise me if they sell Yellowstone to the Chinese and auction Glacier National to the highest bidder.

[coyote]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Jack', '')$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('coyote', '
')

Goddess, help me become an optimist again...

[RonMN]

Don't laugh about snow in july...last year we had 16 counties in northern Minnesota file for relief because their crops froze solid...IN AUGUST! The HOTTEST friggin month of the year.

[Free]

I don't think it's a dumb idea. I think it's a brilliant idea. At least from the perspective of a politician.

Point is, it works. If you do things like this, promise stuff right before elections, hand out small candies, create the impression of being concerned and doing something, you will get reelected.

If you tell the people the truth, plan for the future and "hurt" people in the present, you won't get reelected.

And this is a universal law.
In fact it's fascinating for me to watch how similar the reactions and statements, concerning rising energy costs, of officials, political parties, media and public opinion both in the USA and here really are, maybe more similar than regarding any other political topic.

Every people has the government it deserves.

[Jack]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('RonMN', 'D')on't laugh about snow in july...last year we had 16 counties in northern Minnesota file for relief because their crops froze solid...IN AUGUST! The HOTTEST friggin month of the year.

[wildilocks]

Where I live, they've just finished ripping up rail to make room for more roads and a massive shopping center.

Well, where I live they brought back rail when I was in grade school, after the metropolitan train transit system being mostly offline for decades [only one line was running before that]. Then they electrified the system about a decade later, then started adding new lines. They are currently constructing a massive new rail line which is due to be completed some time next year, and allow commuting by rail for double/triple previous distances down a new corridor. A couple of years ago a complete cycle path system was completed which runs down all rail lines - I take this path to work and it's the *fastest* mode of transport to get into the city - and I used to ride a scooter, which I thought was fast then!

I dunno, maybe I'm in a good place?

Then again, my government is busy putting in place laws to oppress the population as firmly as possible [following the footsteps of the US], and seems to be gearing up for hard times, things don't look so great for the average joe...

[mrobert]

I mentioned this on another thread.
Politicians will usually solve any problem, by printing money.

Around here, they have been doing the "rebate thing" for years now ... specially during the elections.

There was even a huge advertising banner across the street, last year :


"Relax conveniently in your home! You don't need to do anything! The government will send you your check by mail"