Second Verse, Same As The First - Thanks, W

I’m sure all of you sat on the edge of your seats watching GW’s final State of the Union speech.  If you missed the speech, it went a little like this, “Blah, blah, blah… (goofy smirk, clap). Blah, blah, blah… (goofy smirk, clap).”  The written speech that is distributed and is on WhiteHouse.gov even has the (applause) built-in.  Anyway - as far as energy and the environment are concerned, nothing is new in GW’s speech. He’s touting the same energy policy year-after-year.  I don’t totally disagree with him.  I guess I might sound a little bitter.  We do need to do some of these things.  I’m just saying that we need to start walking-the-walk.  Here, read for yourself (or watch below).

To build a future of energy security, we must trust in the creative genius of American researchers and entrepreneurs and empower them to pioneer a new generation of clean energy technology. (Applause.) Our security, our prosperity, and our environment all require reducing our dependence on oil. Together we should take the next steps: Let us fund new technologies that can generate coal power while capturing carbon emissions. (FutureGen is underway in Illinois) (Applause.) Let us increase the use of renewable power and emissions-free nuclear power. (Applause.) Let us continue investing in advanced battery technology and renewable fuels to power the cars and trucks of the future.  (this is happening, just not fast enough) (Applause.) Let us create a new international clean technology fund, which will help developing nations like India and China make greater use of clean energy sources. And let us complete an international agreement that has the potential to slow, stop, and eventually reverse the growth of greenhouse gases. (Applause.)  (Umm - you mean like the Kyoto Protocol???)

This agreement will be effective only if it includes commitments by every major economy and gives none a free ride. (Applause.) The United States is committed to strengthening our energy security and confronting global climate change. And the best way to meet these goals is for America to continue leading the way toward the development of cleaner and more energy-efficient technology. (Applause.)

John Passacantando, executive director of Greenpeace USA, stated, “Tonight’s speech contains no new initiatives on global warming. Instead, the president recycles more of the same: more subsidies for dirty coal and dangerous nuclear power.”

“Under his watch, greenhouse gas emissions have increased as the United States’ reputation has plummeted. The damage to both the environment and the U.S.’s international standing will take years to undo,” he said.

“President Bush will be remembered not for vision or leadership in a time of climate crisis, but for leaving America out of the race for innovative solutions. Greenpeace applauds the president’s address tonight not for its style, substance or eloquence, but for the fact that it his last.”

I don’t get how we’re the wealthiest nation in the world and we aren’t making bigger changes.  The US is a major part the environmental/climate change/ghg problem.  The statement Bush basically made about a new treaty boggles me.  Lets worry about ourselves first.  We can start making the changes here whether or not the rest of the world joins us.  In fact, we’re behind the rest of the world.  Australia finally signed the Kyoto Protocol.  Iraq even  just signed the Kyoto Protocol. 

IRAQ!  The country we bombed and took down their government.  Even they have signed the Kyoto Protocol.  We’re behind Iraq!  How crazy is that? 

Source: White House, Environmental News Service, Grist