Energy & the Environment

[Rob C - Moderator]

Energy & the Environment have become an issue in the 2008 presidential campaign.

Post your comments specific to the 2008 campaign here!

Previous general discussion on Global Warming HERE.

[AlfredTwo]

I guess as I see it there are more important things to discuss. The environment in general should be an issue. Alternative energy both for improved environment and energy indepenence should be an issue. If you believe that people are responsible for global warming then improving the environment and moving to other fuels will help. If you don't believe that people are responsible for global warming than there are other good reasons to get behind alternative fuel and cleaner air. Things like health for example.

Global warming is happening. Trying to make political hay out of if people are or are not responsible is a distraction though and we will get more done focusing on other things.

[Rob C - Moderator]

Well - I couldn't disagree with you more BUT that is a discussion that should take place over HERE.

Global Warming, regardless of what you think of it and its origin, is an issue in the 2008 campaign. This forum is designed to be specific to each candidates views on the issue.

It appears you are in the Ron Paul camp when it comes to this issue?

Fear is constantly generated by politicians to rally the support of the people. Environmentalists go back and forth, from warning about a coming ice age to arguing the grave dangers of global warming."-"Why are Americans so angry?" Rep. Paul's speech before the U.S. House of Representatives.

Maybe Tom Tancredo?

Global Warming, is it happening, I would say that most evidence suggests it is. What is the cause? Most evidence does not substantiate the claim that it is caused by human activity.

[AlfredTwo]

Rob the poll asked if it should be an issue. I said no and explained why. I don't follow who is saying what about it because I don't plan to use it in my decision on who to vote for.

[Rob C - Moderator]

Understood.

Thank you for the clarification.

[C L]

I agree with Alfred on this:

The larger issue is the environment.

[Rob C]

I'm not sure how you can uncouple global warming from the environment.

[C L]

I'm not sure how you can uncouple global warming from the environment.

I don't mean to uncouple it. Global Warming is an issue within the bigger picture issue of how we treat the environment.

[Rob C - Moderator]

Maybe we should change the title of this topic to "Energy and the Environment?"

Does that make more sense?

[AlfredTwo]

Maybe we should change the title of this topic to "Energy and the Environment?"

Does that make more sense?

That makes more sense to me.

[Rob C - Moderator]

Found this great video on the "Air Car."

This would be tremendous here in the US. 1 tank of gas to travel from LA to NYC! How much better can you get than that! The French have it right again.

[C L]

Found this great video on the "Air Car."

This would be tremendous here in the US. 1 tank of gas to travel from LA to NYC! How much better can you get than that! The French have it right again.

LOL, it's great idea in theory, but the Aircar vs. Almost any other car on US highways and the paramedics would need a shop vac to gather you up.

[Rob C]

Found this great video on the "Air Car."

This would be tremendous here in the US. 1 tank of gas to travel from LA to NYC! How much better can you get than that! The French have it right again.

LOL, it's great idea in theory, but the Aircar vs. Almost any other car on US highways and the paramedics would need a shop vac to gather you up.

They could reverse the engine and create a vacuum!

[Rob C]

Here's an electric car in CA. Looks promising! Not sure how it would do in the snow...

[LM]

One of my concerns is that incandescent bulbs are going to be banned as of 2014. The alternative bulbs contain mercury. (I posted the links under global warming). It is said that the bulbs contain "trace" amounts of mercury, therefore there's nothing to be worried about. I disagree. Mercury is already known to contaminate water and fish. Just this week, a student at a school brought in a "trace" amount of mercury and it spilled in a classroom. Even a "trace" amount was concern enough for the students and teacher to go to the hospital to be checked out. While the new bulbs are more energy efficient, we have to realize that bulbs are going to break and not be handled properly, causing perhaps more environmental problems than the original incandescent bulbs.