September 28 2008 William writes:
There was a great op-ed by Thomas Friedman in the New York Times recently. Two paragraphs wrote exactly what I’ve been thinking:
“Infants and the elderly who are disabled obsess about survival,” said Sridhar. “As a nation, if we just focus on survival, the demise of our leadership is imminent. We are thrivers. Thrivers are constantly looking for new opportunities to seize and lead and be No. 1.” That is what America is about.
But we have lost focus on that. Our economy is like a car, added Sridhar, and the financial institutions are the transmission system that keeps the wheels turning and the car moving forward. Real production of goods that create absolute value and jobs, though, are the engine.
“I cannot help but ponder about how quickly we are ready to act on fixing the transmission, by pumping in almost one trillion dollars in a fortnight,” said Sridhar. “On the other hand, the engine, which is slowly dying, is not even getting an oil change or a tuneup with the same urgency, let alone a trillion dollars to get ourselves a new engine. Just imagine what a trillion-dollar investment would return to the economy, including the ‘transmission,’ if we committed at that level to green jobs and technologies.” (read the whole article)
America needs to promote productive developments such as infrastructure and technology. Where are our leaders in government?
Categories: America and Energy | No Comments »
February 15 2008 William writes:
This book is written in the format of memos to the next president of US. They detail which policies could effectively reduce our nation’s oil consumption. The solutions are explain in plain and simple terms without delving deeply into the science of each energy technology. Sandolow recommends Plug in Hybrids, Cellulosic Ethanol, and a Gas Tax as the three best methods break our oil addiction. Though their are some inaccuracies in his explanations of the science behind the energy technologies, the proposed policies would set America in the write direction.
My thoughts on the book… continue reading »
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January 29 2008 William writes:
1 - Stop Producing Pennies
- Producing pennies wastes energy, natural resources and money. According to the NY Times the penny costs 1.4 cents to make. It is estimated that 7 billion pennies are produce every year. The penny weighs 2.5 grams is 97.5 percent zinc and 2.5 percent copper (US Mint). This means that by producing pennies, the United States wastes over 98 million dollars, 437 thousand kilograms of copper and 17.1 million kilograms of zinc each year! It is plausible that the copper and zinc producers advocate the continued use of the penny for the benefit of their business and the detriment of our nation.
- India rarely even uses currency denominations as low as the penny. Almost all goods are in even rupee amounts and a rupee is equivalent to 2.5 cents.
- Using the penny is a waste of time and decrease the productivity of the US workforce.
Why do we continue to use the penny when it would be so simple change. continue reading »
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