Let’s welcome jobs
I attended the DCP presentation on Jan. 26 at Union Hall in Searsport and was astounded by the passion from people on both sides of this issue.
On one side was DCP, which organized the meeting to address the town’s concerns about the proposed storage tanks at Mack Point. Several of DCP’s officers showed up to answer any questions the audience had. They stayed for an hour and a half longer than they were scheduled and seemed passionate not only about their needs but also the needs of the residents of Searsport.
On the other side were those who oppose the storage tanks. During one point in the meeting an audience member claimed the size of the tanks was an optical illusion. Others asked whether the presence of DCP storage tanks would drive away local businesses and accused DCP of paying residents $100 dollars a day to approach neighbors and persuade them to oppose the upcoming moratorium vote.
In this political climate, we don’t need this type of fear-mongering. We need more companies like DCP that are willing to help communities and create quality jobs. If we really want Maine to be open for business, why are we trying to keep good companies like DCP away?
Chris Tucker
Winterport
Carbon challenge time
Cheers for Kathryn Olmstead’s Feb. 2 column reporting on Bill McKibben’s visit to Maine in January. Those of us who were at his lecture or saw him speak online in Maine libraries were humbled by the information he provided, by his passion for raising understanding of the real and immediate issues of carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, and by his sense of hope implicit in knowing it is not too late to achieve the carbon atmosphere goal of 350 parts per million or less.
Bill is the founder of 350.org, a website which focuses on the need to reduce our carbon footprint in the atmosphere from 392 ppm (current) to an Earth-sustaining 350 ppm to reverse global warming. Thousands of people around the world demonstrated their commitment to this goal on October 24, 2009, placing themselves among others to form the numbers “350” and photograph their statements for the world community. The Boston Globe said in 2010 that Bill was “probably the country’s most important environmentalist.”
This spring, Bill will return to Maine as the featured speaker at the HOPE Festival, a free festival sponsored by the Peace and Justice Center of Eastern Maine and dedicated to celebrating our connections to each other and the Earth. Mark your calendars and plan to attend the festival 11 a.m.-4 p.m. April 21, at the Student Recreation and Fitness Center, University of Maine.
350 ppm — because the earth demands it.
Katherine Carter
Hampden
Obamacare works
As a Democrat and liberal, I was disappointed in the Obama administration’s “overhaul” of health insurance. I had been envisioning universal health care for all and a reduction in the cost of both health care and medical insurance, and felt that the president and Congress simply weren’t listening to what the people want and need. However, I came to realize the value of the changes enacted recently, when my 18-year-old daughter moved to UMaine.
She has had a variety of medical issues that would not have been covered by health insurance just several years ago, because as an 18-year-old, she would have been looking for a health care policy when she was young and had “pre-existing conditions.” Thanks to the changes in health insurance that were enacted by the Obama administration, she is still covered by our health insurance and is able to receive the medical care she needs instead of trying to afford either coverage or treatment on the income of a college student.
Although I thought the enacted health care reform was inadequate, I realize now that it has some very valuable components. While falling short of the universal coverage and cost controls I feel are necessary, these changes undertaken by President Obama and the Democratic Party were a strong step in the right direction, and I will continue to support the president in his bid for re-election.
Lee Bickerstaff
Orono
Blessed are the poor
For years, I had wished to have the wealth and riches of the American elite, to never have to worry about making rent or the choice between food and heat, perhaps to even have everything I ever wanted at any time.
In the last few years however, while my “poor” family is healthy and happy, I’ve seen Hollywood and Washington leaders caught up in scandal through infidelity, drug abuse, corruption, lies and deceit. Their wealth has not made them better people or made their lives better.
We were even told that former Gov. Romney doesn’t worry about the poor. There has been uproar over this, but as one of those poor people, I must say that I don’t blame him. We’ve proven our resilience and our strength. Our daily trials and tribulations prove to us and to God that we are survivors.
Thus, I no longer envy the wealthy and powerful. I pity them. Their power has made them bitter, their money has made them weak. While the poor can maintain joy and happiness even as they face an unrelenting gale, the wealthy seem to collapse at even the weakest of breezes.
My bank account would tell you that I’m poor, but I’d like Romney, Gingrich, Buffet and Gates to know this: there is nothing you have that could make me a better, happier person, and for that, I am far richer and stronger than any of you.
Eric S. Taylor
Bucksport
Responsible for me
Dr. Schlaerth’s article about “report cards” for health care providers (Feb. 3 BDN OpEd, “Prescription with side effects”) clearly points out the lack of patient responsibility in our country. Patients need report cards too. Many of us expect to have our medical problems cured by surgery or mediation, and refuse to change our lifestyle habits or participate in the process of staying well.
The vast majority of conditions for which patients are treated are preventable if we would only take responsibility for our own behavior. As a professional health insurance consultant and certified employee benefit specialist I can attest to the fact that the high cost of health insurance is directly related to our lifestyle choices and our desire to have someone else fix our bodies rather than working harder to take care of ourselves.
As for myself, it’s my body and I’m responsible for keeping it in optimum working condition — even when that’s not easy, convenient or pleasurable.
Maureen Hedges
Winterport
Lee Bickerstaff–I am happy for you and your daughter that you have found adequate health insurance to meet your needs, but the fact remains that over 50 million Americans do not have health insurance.
The fact remains that 31 cents of every healthcare dollar is skimmed off the top by insurance companies–much of it to pay “adjusters” whose job is to deny claims, much of it to pay exorbitant salaries and bonuses for their executives to reward them for this totally counterproductive “service” that they preside over.
The fact remains that our healthcare system is barely rated in the top 20 in the world despite the fact that we pay twice as much per person as any other country.
For profit healthcare is an outmoded system that needs to be exchanged for a system that will meet our needs and save us money–universal single payer.
I am extremely unhappy with our president for caving in to the insurance company lobbies and eliminating a public option from his plan. Our outlook as a nation will continue to deteriorate until we rid the system of the insurance company leeches that are bleeding us to death.
This nation will continue to deteriorate as long as Obama is in the White House and the Progressives control Congress. And that’s a fact.
Yes it’s so annoying that they won’t allow hate groups like the Christian Patriots to run amok. Speaking of which, it may interest you to know that one of the “honored” speakers at CPAC this year is Peter Brimelow, a white nationalist who operates a hate group. Too bad you missed it EJ. You could have picked up some pointers. And way to go Neocons! Just keep alienating everyone and you’ll go the way of the dinosaur soon enough.
Gee,that sounds like the Repubilcan Governor and Legislature in Maine. And that’s a fact!
Nope, that’s an opinion.
It’s a misrepresentation of the truth actually, also known as a lie, at least according to many accepted definitions of the term “deterioration.” I suppose we would need to know EJ’s definition of the term, but I wouldn’t hold my breath for it.
Deterioration – 1) The eating away of freedoms and liberties. 2) The downward turn of a society. 3) Increased dependence on the government. 4) Lessening of morality and spirituality.
Need more?
You are spouting Fake News/Rush Limpmind baseless right wing propaganda talking points and absolutely nothing else. Utter nonsense. Bush was a pathetic disaster that drove this nation into the gutter. Obama and Democrats have been cleaning up the mess, no thanks to the sickening right wing that exists to worship the corporate rich and to heck with everyone and everything else. I suggest you turn off FakeNews and Rush Limpmind, get some real information, and try to think for yourself.
Actually, Bush did allow far too much government expansion, spending, and unnecessary regulations, especially in the last two years of his administration when the Democrats held both housed of Congress. Obama, by the way, as Senator, helped with the disaster that he was to inherit. But, as President, Obama has outspent and out expanded Bush by miles. If you can’t see that, then your eyes are shut tight. Open them and see the truth. Both parties are to blame, but Obama is doing nothing to reverse anything. He’s following the failed FDR game plan in conjunction with Saul Alinski’s Rules for Radicals.
I get my information from many sources. I have the real information. You have the left-wing mantra.
Beware anyone who has the whole story, the “real truth”.
Ever notice how your opinions always draw the leftwing socialist out of the wood work.Keep up the fight .
There is nothing Progressive about this Congress.
You don’t understand what a Progressive is.
Do you?
Progressives don’t control all of congress. And that’s a fact.
Granted, the Progressives have a stranglehold on the Senate, they have quite a lot of influence on the House, too. You see, Progressives aren’t just Democrats. There are a few establishment Republicans, like Snowe, Collins and McCain, that are clogging the system. And there are still a large chunk of the House Republicans that can’t figure which side of the aisle to stand on.
The Head Progressive, Sen. Reid, D-NV, has blocked nearly 30 bills from the House. He won’t allow them to proceed to committees or to the floor for discussion and vote. Many of these bills would help spur the economy and create much needed jobs. But, just like the Keystone Pipeline project, the left has no interest in helping this nation get back to work. Their goal is to turn this nation into a wealth-hating welfare state.
More polarized thinking (in his favor, of course) from the Florida sage.
speakin the truth to power .keep it up
And “progressives” control the US House? Interesting.
Re your last paragraph, give it time. There’s hope yet.
Lee, while you point is still valid, as an 18 year old college student she would have been covered by your insurance before.
Another expert? Actuary?
CHRIS,
Yes to jobs, and no to liberalism.
KATHERINE,
Peace and Justice center. Another group that I can only hope is helping Newt colonize the moon? How great it will be when you can start over with no carbon foot prints? So now y’all are talking to the earth?
LEE,
Give a liberal something their not entitled to and it becomes an instant vote. Doesn’t say much for our current state of politics.
ERIC,
Poor is nothing more than a state of mind. It really doesn’t exist in America.
MAUREEN,
Surely your not expecting most Americans to take any responsibility for themselves when their government does all the rest for them.
“Poor is nothing more than a state of mind. It really doesn’t exist in America.”
Hyperbolic overreach of the week. The month? Ever? Gets my vote (but don’t try to top it).
Lee you misunderstand “pre-existing conditions”. At least in Maine, if a person was covered by one plan and went directly to a new plan there was no waiting period and was automatically covered for all existing conditions. It happened to me. Obamacare has made absolutely no difference in that regard.
Wrong as usual. As soon as she was out of school his insurance company would drop her from his policy. She would have to apply for a new policy and would be considered a new policyholder, as such she would be subjected to a waiting period and exclusion for her pre-existing condition.
Do not get Bishop Cheesecake angry with you. He may issue a fatwa against you.
Now Now Bitterness is unbecoming a “Goldwater Girl”
Bishop Cheesecake, I am laughing all the way to President Obama’s re-election!
As your party ices the vote of women for President Obama with its birth control hysteria, continues the circular firing squad of its presidential primary process, and moans at the Dow’s increase by 60% under the President, I smile with contentment. I also smile every time I respond to your posts! Let’s work hard for Senator Santorum. We need to have a Republican draw less of the popular vote than Senator Goldwater did.
Don’t break a hip going to the polls.
Intrade now rates President Obama’s re-election at 60.2%. There is always 2016, Bishop.
I know what Intrade is. Ive been riding it up myself. Jeesh, You sound like you just discovered it.
Had you a better memory, you would recall our exchange on this point over a month ago. Intrade’s odds for re-election have gone up since then.
I know that. You sounded like it was new to you then and you haven’t improved your knowledge since. Use it, understand how it works, come back and we will talk.
You really enjoy feeding the monkeys, don’t you ? It is rather fun.
EJ, it must be frustrating for you that this “monkey” so outshines you. I feel like Clarence Darrow cross-examining William Jennings Bryan in the Scopes case each time I dissect yours and Cheesecake’s “logic.” Are you and Cheesecake trying to prove devolution?
Now, that’s funny.
You have a full tummy, no?
LOL!!!
A guy has to have a hobby otherwise it leads to trouble.
What can I do to help your memory? It clearly is slipping, as your penultimate post shows. Your last post covers your for failed memory about as well as a cloverleaf covers an elephant.
(Note the sexist put-downs now that he thinks you’re a girl. *wink*)
This might be funny if this cheesy person didn’t claim to be an atheist.
He is an atheist in cleric’s clothing. His defense of Troglodyte Bishops, more concerned about a woman’s choice of birth control than a priest’s pedophilia, is telling. He will sing whatever song critics of President Obama choose to play, no matter how off-key and out of tune.
Troglodyte Bishops would be a good band name.
But now the Troglodyte Bishops must retreat to their caves, as President Obama has outfoxed them again with this morning’s announcement.
I almost feel sorry for them. All that skulking, grunting and knuckle-dragging must be very exhausting.
The most exhausted knuckle-dragger has been Bishop Cheesecake. He was setting up the Church of Cheesecakism, and was prepared to loudly complain that his church was required to pay a sales tax on burqas he would be providing for his female parishioners.
Now the birth control controversy has ended. All he and his fellow Republicans have to show for their attempts to embarrass the President over a phony issue are some bloody and asphalt-scarred knuckles. It is so sad.
Wrong as usual. Lee was speaking of the time his daughter was in school.
I quote.
“She has had a variety of medical issues that would not have been covered
by health insurance just several years ago, because as an 18-year-old,
she would have been looking
for a health care policy when she was young
and had “pre-existing conditions.” Thanks to the changes in health
insurance that were enacted by the Obama administration, she is still
covered by our health insurance and is able to receive the medical care
she needs instead of trying to afford either coverage or treatment on
the income of a college student.”
I am addressing the pre-existing condition aspect of his statement. A person in Maine can transfer from one plan to another without regard to pre-existing conditions with out fail. Its been that way for decades. Under the pre-Obama rules if a person is uninsured for more than three months then the new policy would not cover her for up to a year otherwise a simple policy transfer. I know after a bout with cancer I changed companies and my cancer was not an issue.
Wrong again, as always. It isn’t a policy transfer. You might begin to understand as soon as you no longer have any children on your own policy and they have to find one on their own. Until then, bray on, l’il man, bray on.
Cheesecake makes up ‘facts’ to suit his position, much like LePage and other teabag idealogues.
I expect most facts conflict with your world view. The fact remains there is no appreciable difference from the prior existing Maine Law and Obamacare law regarding “pre-existing conditions”. Prove otherwise.
And what if a person is not going directly from one plan to another … what if they haven’t been enrolled in an insurance plan for a few years …. does it make a difference to them? Does the current Maine law apply to them as far as pre-existing conditions goes or will they continue to be unable to afford a comprehensive plan?
Sure but that wasn’t the point. Lee in his letter said that his daughter would not have been covered previous to Obamacare. That is inaccurate.
Oh, you mean Maine “laws” that the Rs are trying to dismantle?
I also believe that insurance policies pre-Obama covered children up to age nineteen, and some could keep children on if they were full time students. At least that was the way it was for me on my mother’s insurance back in the 80s….
Forcing insurance companies to cover children up to age 26 has been a nice perk for my adult son and daughter who are now able to work at the seasonal jobs they really love without worrying about health insurance. But just because the Obama health overhaul offered one favorable item does not make the entirety of the massive bill a good thing. The bill was designed to offer a teaspoon of sugar to the peasants in the hopes they wouldn’t notice the bitter medicine to come.
Not everyone is as fortunate as you two would make them out to be.
How about applying for the new policy before your eligibility on the parents’ policy expired? This would have maintained continuous coverage and thus no issue with preexisting conditions.
The insurance companies check on your health history before they write you a new policy. They will usually write you a policy but at much elevated rates that most people can’t afford.
Unfortunately many are not currently covered by an insurance company so their “pre-existing ” conditions will not be covered …. imagine that …. not everyone goes from one plan directly into another because they are unable to afford a plan to begin with. It will make a difference to them.
Very lucky and nowhere near typical.
Chris Tucker:
Look at the people who are trying to stop progress and jobs. Aren’t they all the Liberals and Democrats who are bent on making certain that poverty thrives and self sufficiency or jobs die off. Democrats and unions have been aligned and look how well the unions are doing.
Katherine:
Talk to the Chinese and Indians about greenhouse gases and not us as we will soon be B level players
Lee:
Democrats buy votes with other peoples money. You will vote for Obama because he took money from me to give to you. Guess which way I’ll vote.
Eric:
You have fallen into the trap that has been set by the Democrats and Liberals. In order to shelter themselves as the creators of poverty they are ironically blaming those that are successful. Class Warfare. Their idea of equality is not raising the lot of the poor but dragging down the producers who pay the bills.
Maureen,
Self sufficiency or self responsibility is not the mantra of the Democrats or Liberals. The last thing they want is for folks to take on personal responsibility. If people did have a level of self responsibility, the Democrats and Liberals would no longer be needed. The Democrats and Liberals will do everything in their power to make certain they create an uneducated dependent on entitlement population
1. Your answer to Chris- what in god’s name are you drinking, Fox News cool aid. Most people wants jobs, no matter what party they belong to and any idea other than that is crazy.
2.You really should be a little more positive in your thoughts.
3.Re: Lee– You read alot more into his statement he was just happy that his daughter could remain on his insurance, and she didn’t have to try to find her own insurance. My guess is he is paying for the insurance and not receiving any of your money. If she could not have remained and could not have purchased ins. it could very well have come out of your pocket if she could not pay.
4. Re: Lee– You really drink alot of that cool aid, why is it that the income tax is giving the rich most of the breaks? I call that class warfare.
5. Re: Maureen– the republicans answer is if you happen to be poor and get sick, you should die quickly we can’t spend any money on you.
Well said!
#4 Top 1% pay 40% of the Fed Taxes. Top 10% pay 67% of the Fed Taxes. Remaining 90% pay only 33%. Who has the tax breaks?
#5 We also want to kill orphans with pitchforks
I am more into watching old people freeze.
That’s cold, buddy…..
It’s people like you that make the old people move to Florida to retire. hahaha. We don’t freeze down here.
Except when you do. Happens quite frequently, especially in Northern Florida.
I live in Northern Florida. It is supposed to drop below freezing tonight and tomorrow night. I might have to change from AC to heat for a day or so.
Very crude attempt (note attempt) at “humor”. Maybe you do.
What would you expect from a flat_earther? This is what passed for humor in the Dark Ages. (See more examples below.)
The top earners earn a larger percentage of the wealth as well. I haven’t looked up the statistics, so I won’t make any up, but I’d bet the top 1% also have 40% of the wealth.
It shouldn’t make any difference how much a person makes or doesn’t make. The present tax system is messed up and needs to be replaced with either the Fair Tax or the Flat Tax. EVERYONE needs to pay taxes, no matter what their income level. And NO ONE should get back a tax refund if they didn’t pay any taxes.
No way, Jose.
Which part are you opposed to?
I’ll tell you who has the tax breaks: The 47% that don’t pay any income taxes at all. Many of these non-taxpayers get back “tax refunds” up to $10,000 because of the left-wing tax laws that allow these annual “gifts”. These “gifts”, by the way, are provided at the expense of the 53% that work for a living.
No one should get back more taxes than they pay in. If they pay nothing, then they should get back the same. But, the present tax code has been written to encourage people to become wards of the state. And, unfortunately, far too many have.
A discouraging event happens early each year. People that didn’t work at all the previous year show up at the banks and department stores with very large checks from the IRS. It’s their annual “gift” for being an American. Meanwhile, those of us that struggle from paycheck to paycheck might get back a few bucks, if we’re lucky. We have to witness these societal slugs enjoying their new-found annual wealth.
Granted, there are people that need the welfare. But, there are far more that ride the government train simply because it’s the way they were raised or they’re just plain lazy and they know that the taxpayers will take care of them.
I say no more EIC. No more welfare for those that are able to work. No more free ride. The government train is overloaded and about to derail. And all Obama and the Democrats want to do is scream, “ALL ABOARD!!!”
I know a woman with two kids who was employed part of a year and made $22k. She paid in $800 in income taxes. She gets a “refund close to $4.5k.
When someone making $20 million pays less than 14% and someone making $50 thousand pays 20 to 25% I would say the guy making $20 million has some great tax breaks. Also I don’t know many people who have their money in the Cayman Islands, what is that all about? Have you been able to give your kids $100 million tax free? Mitt did, would you call this a tax break?
Per the IRS in 2009, taxpayers who made $1 million or more paid on average 24.4 percent of their income in federal income taxes. Those making $100,000 to $125,000 paid on average 9.9 percent in federal income taxes. Those making $50,000 to $60,000 paid an average of 6.3 percent. A family of four making $50,000 did not pay any federal income tax in 2010, they received a check for $34. Someone making $50,000 does not pay 20 to 25%. Romney did not give $100 million to his kids. The trust fund they set up for them grew to $100 million. Was it a tax break? Yes. Should it be changed? I believe the method they appeared to use should be.
It’s the rates that count. See other repsonses.
EJP and flat lander: two (unfortunately) expected blindered, stereotyped, hyperboilic posts, but right in a row.
You sound jealous.
Katherine Carter
,
Just think of all the lying about CO2 by wind industry advocates. When it comes right down
to it the matter is moot. Scientists are saying that it takes decades to make that kind of determination and there is no evidence for or against. Some scientists are even saying more CO2 may be beneficial.
CO2 Is Not Causing Global Warming
by Dr. Tim Ball on February 8, 2011
in Atmosphere,Government,Politics
http://drtimball.com/2011/co2-is-not-causing-global-warming/
A belief is not merely an idea the mind
possesses: it is an idea that possesses the mind.
Robert Bolton
The Possessive Belief
“CO2 (carbon
dioxide) is not causing global warming or climate change.
I can’t say it more boldly, but it doesn’t seem to matter; the
belief persists that CO2 is the cause and therefore a problem. The
belief is enhanced by government
policies and plans, which spawn businesses to exploit the
opportunities they create. A majority of the mainstream media pushes
the belief because of political bias rather than understanding of the
science.”
Bad News for Global Warming True
Believers
Roxanne
Chapman
http://www.counterpunch.org/2012/02/09/big-winds-inconvenient-truth/
Former
“alarmist” scientist says Anthropogenic Global Warming (AGW)
based in false science
posted at 6:00 pm on May 15, 2011 by
Bruce McQuain
http://hotair.com/archives/2011/05/15/former-alarmist-scientist-says-anthropogenic-global-warming-agw-based-on-false-science/
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Posted by Bluegrass Pundit
Anthropogenic
Global Warming True Believers Propose Giant CO2 Sucking Towers or
Something
I’m
not confident that these “believers” would know what a
“giant CO2-sucking tower” is, if one fell on
them–
They’re called TREES!
It is amusing that you reference Dr. Tim Ball, a man with a doctorate in Geography who claims it is a degree in climatology. In fact it is a Doctor of Philosophy in geography, not a Doctor of Science. There is a big difference.
Look up’Dr. Tim Ball; The Lie That Just Won’t Die”.
Sinplistic, cherry-picked list.
Katherine Carter – 2012 makes it 16 years with no rise in the global temperature, no rise in sea levels, and no significant rise in CO2 levels. If fact, the CO2 levels rise and fall by the year, and there’s not one thing that we humans can do to change that. Of course, we can do our best to limit CO2 output, plant trees to balance the levels, recycle and conserve. But the earth is going to do what it does, regardless of what we mere humans do.
More and more scientists and climatologists are jumping off of the GW train, because they know it’s a man-made hoax. The hoaxers rely on the gullibility or people like you to support them and spread their message of panic and immediacy. Wake up and smell the fecal matter that they are spreading.
So when are you going to provide a reliable scientifically supported source for your claims? I cannot imagine where you get the claim that there has not been a rise in temperature for 16 years.
There are hundreds of sites with information on both sides of the issue. I tend to believe the hoax side because of my background with the weather information database. You can believe whatever you want.
The trouble lies in the attempt to fund global warming in order to change it. It’s just a money-grab, because no amount of money or human effort will prevent the earth from doing whatever it is going to do, and man’s portion of the problem is so minuscule that it’s pathetic to think we are to blame.
So, whether or not it’s a hoax is really irrelevant. We’re just along for the ride, because we can’t do anything about it except make a lot of people very rich while we get robbed.
By the way, since 1890, the global surface temperature has risen by 0.6 degrees F. If that scares you, then you need a life.
Yeah, those poor oil companies have been demonized just like the tobacco companies. They are really just performing a public service by bringing us oil and wouldn’t lie to us about fossil fuels contributing to global warming. They really aren’t making billion dollar profits annually. They are doing it out of the goodness in their great big corporate hearts.
I mean, look at what the tobacco companies were falsely accused of… selling an addictive and deadly product. I have been smoking for 40+ years and I am not addicted to cigarettes. And heck, I’m still alive.
You ask EJ for a “reliable scientifically supported source” and then vacuously blame oil companies by comparing them to tobacco companies. If brains were dynamite…
Too bad you missed the point of the sarcasm. Do you seriously believe the oil companies are going to sponsor independent research? Or that any of the right wing news media are going to publish research that contradicts their defense of the oil companies? The WSJ recently had an article citing 16 “scientists” who claimed global warming was a fraud. Unfortunately, none of those quoted were climate scientists, and 38 climate scientists wrote a letter pointing out that fact. It is remarkable that their letter was published at all since in 2010 the WSJ declined to publish an article submitted by 255 climate scientists. The only independent research sponsored by the oil industry big wigs was the Earth Surface Temperature Study sponsored by the Koch brothers, and it proved the claims of the majority of climate scientists. Of course it is never mentioned by the likes of the WSJ or other climate deniers.
I would trust research conducted by the oil companies before I’d believe any government study or investigation. Just take the home-loan investigation that is going on right now. Obama came out yesterday with an announcement that the banks were going to pay billions for their misconduct, and that the investigation would continue until all the details are out. Trouble is, the real blame for the mess goes to Congress, Fannie, and Freddie, all of which are exempt from the investigation. Typical.
Sorry about getting off subject, but I was just following your lead.
You’ve been smoking for 40+ years and you’re not addicted? At 5 bucks a pack, you must be rich. Either that or you’re supporting government programs. What a patriot you are.
By the way, the production, set up and operation of these wind monstrosities damages the environment more than they help. But, I suppose that since they’re “green” or “renewable” you’re all right with that.
I’ll respond to both comments in reverse order.
I do not have a firm opinion on windmills. I do believe it is too early to make a judgement. In view of the amount of money being given to the oil industries and the amount of time it takes to develop technologies, I am willing to wait. I generally stay out of the posts on windmills. I prefer to read the opposing opinions.
At 60 years old I figure I am going to die in the next 20 years anyway. I do not have children or others close so no big deal.
As far as the banks are concerned, it is too bad the tea party members and OWS can’t get together on a single policy statement. The teaparty opposed the bank bailouts. OWS objected to the way in which the banks used the money-to buy other banks and pay outrageous bonuses to their executives, and that homeowners got screwed in the process. My personal opinion is that a lot of the bankers should be in jail, but that probably will not happen. I think it is safe to assume you and I agree that Congress and the President, no matter which party, are not going to do what really needs to be done.
I earlier used the tobacco companies as an example of biased research. The same can be said about the drug companis and oil companies. I will believe scientists from the National Academy of Sciences before I will trust anyone paid by an industry.
The wind industry is subsidized much more than the oil industry. The oil industry only gets 13% of the subsidies while supplying more than half of our energy needs. I say cut all subsidies and let the private sector determine how to supply the energy we need. The government is only messing up the works. (take the Chevy Volt for one example)
As for the home-loan fiasco, all indicators point to Congress and Fannie and Freddie. The banks were forced by government regulators to make these high-risk loans or face government actions. Although there is some blame that belongs with some of the lending institutions, the major portion of the blame has been traced back to Dodd, Frank, Watters and a couple of committees in the Senate and House that started this mess and used Fannie and Freddie to get the ball rolling. Funny that Fanny, Freddie and Congress are exempt from the investigation. It’s like investigating the NCAA for recruiting violations, but only being allowed to question the players.
As I mentioned, my only real opinion on wind technology is that it is too early to kill development and research. On the other hand, I think cold fusion has been proven to be a dead end. Of course there are probably those who are dedicated to finding a method to use it.
Again on the bank fiasco, the tea party blames the government while OWS blames the banks themselves. I think there ought to be a point where they could work together. Just get rid of the big money influence in both movements first, then there would be a real grassroots movement. Neither one is totally wrong or right, and both started out as stemming from the average person’s frustration with lack of power to change anything.
I also think radicals in both groups are doing more harm than good.
Working together is a great idea. Problem is, the administration is protecting the guiltiest. Until the administration gets out of the way, the real problem will not be resolved.
There’s lots of blame on the lending instsutions and the fradulent applications by up to 25% of those secururing mortages.
The lending institutions, for the most part, were following the mandates and threats of the government. This has been proven, and that’s why the exemptions have been granted to protect the guilty.
don’t buy their product .
Removed cause I am having issues with BDN today
Actually the global surface temperature has risen 0.6 degrees F since 1950.
http://data.giss.nasa.gov/gistemp/graphs_v3/
2010 was the hottest year on record since 1880. The nine hottest years have all been since 2000 with 2008 being the 12th hottest year.
http://www.economist.com/blogs/dailychart/2010/12/climate_change
2011 was either the 9th or 10th hottest year since 1880.
http://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/features/2011-temps.html
2011: World’s 10th warmest year, warmest year with La Niña event, lowest Arctic
sea ice volume
http://www.skepticalscience.com/2011-Global-Climate-Status_WMO.html
You’ll notice I did not use ‘liberal’ websites for my citations.
Sounds like “your” data is dated, incomplete, or incorrect.
It’s you denialists that are claiming panic as well as the total falsehood of hoax.
Lee Bickerstaff – You are definitely in the minority. And it’s good that Obamacare worked for your daughter. Unfortunately, it does not work for the vast majority of Americans. Just ask any pharmacist, doctor, nurse, or dentist that has to deal with this monstrosity. It needs to be repealed.
Considering that most of its provisions have yet to kick in, that’s an interesting statement.
One of my daughters works at a pharmacy. She complains about the changes every day. More has kicked in than you might think. And it’s only gonna’ get worse.
I’m currently trying to pay for private insurance at a cost of $400+/month while living on $20K from two different part-time jobs. I suspect once the changes kick in, I’ll be doing better, like so many others. Oh, by the way, I’m almost 60, so I don’t see my employment situation changing anytime soon.
If the government lifted state-to-state restrictions, reduced unnecessary lawsuits, and promoted catastrophic insurance, your private insurance rates would fall drastically. But, instead, the government promotes or regulates in a way that hurts the consumer and forces insurance companies to charge high rates in order to survive. The ultimate goal of Obamacare is for a complete government takeover, and they’ll do it through regulations and mandates. The economy can’t sustain Obamacare as it is written. It will eventually bankrupt this nation, then we’ll all be in hot water.
I’ve got a bridge for sale….
Not worth the tax burden. Keep it.
You will be doing better using someone else’s money.
Ironic since many of them say it will help.
Some people can be paid to say anything. Just look at the Dems in DC.
I think YOU’RE the only one smelling fecal matter.
The majority of the scientific community (and other smart people) know this.
Your ideas, on the other hand, are irrelevant.
Eric that was beautifully written. You speak for many of us. They can have it. As long as I can have homemade oatmeal bread I can be very happy.
Maureen, I have been thinking the same thing for a few years now. When I had a nasty gallbladder attack after eating too much fried food I was told the answer was surgery. I looked at the cost and said I will try a change in diet. Low to no fat food has worked for me so far. And I lost weight. And I had more energy. Imagine!
Big Tank promoter Chris Tucker neglected to tell readers he was in my hometown of Searsport a couple of weeks back on behalf of the Maine State Building and Construction Trades Council, AFL-CIO, whose members would naturally be pleased to have a shot at the approximately 100 18-month-long jobs that building an industrial project of this scale would guarantee them if approved.
As a presumably good union man Mr. Tucker would undoubtedly feel very uncomfortable with himself if desperate circumstances tempted him to cross a strikers picket line. As a presumably good union man he would have a healthy skepticism of company promises and claims. As a presumably good union man he would have a sense of solidarity with ALL his brother and sister workers, ordinary people like himself only asking a chance to work hard and with pride to support themselves and their families and share the American dream.
So why then does Mr. Tucker and his fellow organized labor members go into a small town in which a large corporation from Denver fronting for two of the largest fossil fuel giants in the world is currently engaged in trying to turn neighbor against neighbor, not first and foremost to create jobs as they so disingenuously suggest at every opportunity but rather to build onto their already considerable profits?
By the way, Propane for Maine (aka DCP Midstream) really is paying out-of-work people $100 a day to distribute dishonestly written leaflets door-to-door in a desperate bid to defeat a proposed moratorium on final local permitting. Some hundreds of us in this town of 2,600 have democratically petitioned so that this question can be decided by vote at our March 10 annual town meeting.
Rather than allow us townspeople time enough to sort out the conflicting claims, take a sober look at how a project of this magnitude might affect all of us and what modifications to our comprehensive plan we might choose to make, the company wants to ram it through as fast as possible. In this it has had the shameless assistance of a Maine DEP headed by Patricia Aho, for nine years prior to her appintment as commissioner by Gov. LePage the chief lobbyist in Augusta for the American Petroleum Institute. The Army Corps of Engineers, on the other hand, has demonstrated far more integrity in considering citizen concerns about Big Tank, recently denying DCP’s request for fast-track permitting. The ACOE has also extended the public comment period for airing those many concerns through to the end of this month. See tbnt.org for details.
Mr. Tucker and some of his colleagues — others were literally coerced to attend DCP’s Jan. 26 dog-and-pony show under threat of being fined by their locals — have bought the company line at every point along the way. If they were good union men and women they would stand back at a decent distance and first let us here in Searsport work out what WE want for OUR town.
And as good and honest working men and women they’d at least be willing to consider the argument that while a dozen unskilled workers from anywhere in Maine might end up in Searsport with permanent propane terminal jobs supposedly paying $70,000 plus premium benefits, there will be a far greater number of exisiting jobs here that will be forever lost as the ill-planned and probably unnecessary industrial expansion currently being proposed drives out tourism and the other natural resource-based industries that are the true economic lifeblood of this town.
As good and decent working men and women they might even have some compassion for those many many people in Searsport for whom Big Tank ultimately means they stand to lose their jobs and their livelihoods, their lifetime investment in their small businesses and in the value of their homes. As good and decent working people, they might even want to join us in support. How about it, Mr. Tucker?
Since CO2 and global warming are no
longer issues, it’s time to turn our focus on the corruption and
ruination that comes with the wind industry. We can begin right with
the Portland Development Committee granting Iberdrola well over a
Million dollars to stick around in Maine for 10 years. And of course
there’s Augusta and the efforts of Angus King and Baldacci’s fast track fast
ball (LD2283) at the end of his term, the Kurt Adams fiasco, the
newspapers refusing to tell the truth, the fabricated poll numbers
advanced by the wind energy. On and on it goes all the way to Italy
where an official was murdered mafia style because he opposed wind
development. I haven’t time right now to elaborate further or begin
to address the ruination brought by the wind industry. laters
For anyone who is interested: After calling and conferring with
several road construction engineers, I learned that to build a roadway
that can carry the many tons of an industrial turbine takes quite a
process. First you have to clear the area of trees and stumps etc.
Next you must dig down until you have reached the “sub grade”
level. To that you add up to 14 inches of 4inch crushed rock and
compact it. The topping of the road is 1 to 2 inches or so of 1.5
inch crushed rock. This has to be done every foot of the way to a
site for an industrial turbine. To build a road through a swampy or
clay laden areas the procedure is more complicated. The turbine site
itself is another matter. However, the roads built cannot allow most
small wildlife critters to cross the hard packed road way cutting
them of others of their species (compartmentalization). Is this a good
thing?We’re doing it in a big way.
The answer is solar power. Each home becomes a power generator, there is no CO2 involved. This is part of the answer.
Maybe in the tropics. Even the MIT expert with his admitedly successful “artificial leaf” is now plugging it for the tropics. Maine does have the least amount of solar insolation in the lower 48.
At the risk of getting involved in the Searsport brouhaha (and becasue I’m lazy): good letters all.
ObamaCare works? – How can you support something that is clearly unconstitutional? And ho can you support a thug and a liar? Why don’t you and barack move to Greece if that’s how you like to live.