lacking fortitude

California lawmakers caved when it came to zero emission cars. Economics comes first they say. The auto-makers say it cannot be done. And we are too wimpy to make sure it does. Why not raise gasoline prices to $5 a gallon? Why not slap a pollution tax on those SUV's? That will create some incentive. Experience shows that car makers will quickly oblige and build whatever car makes the most sense.

The core of the problem is consumers of course. They are full of green talk but won't do the obvious. They want to be green but still drive around like maniacs. They want to be green but fly around the planet. They also want their big houses heated and cooled properly. And their green lawns kept disneyland clean.

The mantra is always the same. We need to preserve jobs. Even if those jobs and that economy are digging our grave. And there is more bad news. The EPA flinched too. It postponed rulings on carbon dioxide for another year. Meanwhile voters have other concerns. The economy once again. In an election year. Politicians are falling all over themselves to lower gas prices and send checks to everyone so consumption can be at a fever pitch. All the while they talk about global warming and the environment. They criticize the war in Iraq, but where will the oil come from my friends ?

That same economy caused everyone to overspend wildly and to consume like there was no tomorrow. Taking out mortgages and home equity loans with futures as collateral. Until those futures turned out to be nothing more than wishful thinking. Now these poor Americans are hurting and they are afraid. Rather than acknowledging their mistakes and changing their self-destructive habits, they turn to the government for handouts. Encouraged by politicians and business folks alike.

Luckily, there are handouts a-plenty. Only these go to the super rich first. Are you surprised ? We always help those who need it least -or don't need it at all, first. Those rich guys made bigger mistakes so they need more help. Common sense I would say. Wouldn't you?