Paying It Backwards
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Last week, Al Gore called for a visionary, ten-year restructuring of our economy so we can lead the world in transitioning from a fossil fuel economy to a renewable energy one.
Commentators have likened his speech to JFK's call to America to put a man on the moon. While similarities abound, there is one huge difference - this time around, at a key moment in history when literally the very future of America will be shaped - big oil and gas industries are fighting this move with millions of dollars for tv and newspaper ads and lobbyists.
Renewable energy is exceedingly popular with Americans and New Mexicans. It's so ironic then, that the money that oil and gas companies are using to pay for their commercials and lobbyists actually come from us, the consumers of oil and gas. So we're paying for the ads and lobbyists that are working against the policies that we support.
It's the same with health insurance premiums. Part of our increased premiums each year that we pay for goes to pay for the very same lobbyists that kill insurance and health reforms that we want.
I wonder just how much of a gallon of gas, or a monthly health insurance premium, goes towards advertising and lobbying. I wouldn't mind a refund on that.
Commentators have likened his speech to JFK's call to America to put a man on the moon. While similarities abound, there is one huge difference - this time around, at a key moment in history when literally the very future of America will be shaped - big oil and gas industries are fighting this move with millions of dollars for tv and newspaper ads and lobbyists.
Renewable energy is exceedingly popular with Americans and New Mexicans. It's so ironic then, that the money that oil and gas companies are using to pay for their commercials and lobbyists actually come from us, the consumers of oil and gas. So we're paying for the ads and lobbyists that are working against the policies that we support.
It's the same with health insurance premiums. Part of our increased premiums each year that we pay for goes to pay for the very same lobbyists that kill insurance and health reforms that we want.
I wonder just how much of a gallon of gas, or a monthly health insurance premium, goes towards advertising and lobbying. I wouldn't mind a refund on that.
maybe we could go back to gas lines and shortages as with jimmy carter if the oil companies will take their profits and just shut down operations.
tort reform might take money out of attorney pockets since most politicians are lawyers of some kind anyway ( can't do that) and pass mandatory laws that affect working people but not themselves.