Comment from George Sidoti
January 26th, 2009 at 1:33 pm

President of the U.S. Barack Obama is on the right track regarding the energy issue..

Comment from Dan Allen
January 26th, 2009 at 1:35 pm

I have been watching Obama's moves with great anticipation. I am thrilled that we finally have someone in charge who is serious about the job and is willing to make a difference! Now, perhaps, you will be able to double your own impact!

Comment from Grant M. Waldman
January 26th, 2009 at 1:39 pm

This is an amazing time in American and world history!! We finally have a man in office who is looking out for the best interests of our planet and mankind rather than his own and corporate pal's interests.

I am looking forward to the weeks and months ahead as President Obama continues to change the tide of policy on all fronts!!

Comment from Heidi
January 26th, 2009 at 1:43 pm

Finally! So much smarter than what other countries such as Austria (which I love) are doing. There, they offer 3,000 Euros to anybody who has her more than 10yrs old car cubed up and buys a new car. Sad thing is that the new car doesn't appear to have to be energy-efficient to receive this money.

Comment from Ed Hubbard
January 26th, 2009 at 1:45 pm

What a great day! In all honesty, today, like the day that Obama announced his cabinet for the EPA and for Energy, is more symbolic than anything, but what symbols! Symbols that science will once again matter, symbols that the environment and our energy policies will be decided on the basis of issues besides how best to allow the oil companies to make money, and symbols that we will do the right thing to leave our children and grandchildren a planet that can sustain them. Thank you Mr. President, and keep fighting the good fight.

Comment from Adele Goodman
January 26th, 2009 at 1:51 pm

This is a dream come true – great job Mr. President! It's a huge weight lifted to know that our President cares about the environment. The world is changing for the better…Hallelujah!

Comment from Laurel Federbush
January 26th, 2009 at 1:52 pm

Environmentalists made a big mistake in not backing John McCain, one of the few prominent Republicans to identify himself as an environmentalist. His presidency would have allowed environmental issues to become bipartisan in a way that they likely won't under the Obama administration. All of this adulation of Obama is cultlike and repugnant to thinking Americans.

Comment from Dan Kramer
January 26th, 2009 at 1:53 pm

It is great the see the end of crony capitalism and the end of the Bush Administration. Obama is such a breath of fresh air. As long as the Republicans were in power there would be NO change…more of the same old sucking up to industry….give Big Oil and Autos anything they want. Those day appear to be over. I am thrilled.

Comment from herb oringel
January 26th, 2009 at 1:58 pm

what an incredible first week!…and Hilary's announcement of Todd Stern demonstrates that this well orchestrated attack on global warming is an high priority initiative for the new administration and extension to the people of the USA and the world……great day to be an American

Comment from Luis LopezHermosa
January 26th, 2009 at 2:00 pm

It is never too late. Congratulations to President Obama. It's the beginning.

Comment from David Blancett
January 26th, 2009 at 2:01 pm

Finally, we have a leader we can be proud of and have hope for a brighter future. Desperate times require quick, decisive action and we are now getting that. Thank you President Obama.

Comment from Mike
January 26th, 2009 at 2:02 pm

President obama is one man for all jobs to be corrected in this time of era. Yes he can and make a difference and he truly is doing an outstanding job. The envirmonet and mother earth that we need to protect is a must job to be completed. The future is here and our next generation must see that we can make a difference not only for us but for them. Keep up the good work Mr.President obama and let's do our part and make a difference.

Comment from samkim
January 26th, 2009 at 2:02 pm

I can't say how pleased I am to hear these kinds of reports out of Washington. With a new Congress and a new President I feel myself very hopeful. Just in my years in college I watched as California fell more and more from our previous status as a national and world leader. It had a lot to do with our own residents becoming apathetic to this plight but also a great deal to do with Washington creating an environment where effecting change became that much more difficult.

With this measure California is free to again help set the pace, set an example and show the rest of the nation and the world that we can be energy independent and breathing clean air. So much of the mentality these days has been towards instant gratification, "I don't want to pay for this now even though the benefits down the road are potentially so good."

With this we can push on our ridiculously out-of-touch automakers to make vehicles that make sense in this energy-conscious world. We can make products that compete with Japanese and European vehicles that make sense. California has been slowing in decline and I think we may be about to turn a corner. We will build Prop 1A's high-speed train system, improve public transportation, and revolutionize private transportation.

I watched the conditions in California get worse and worse each of my years in University while the cost-of-living and my tuition just went up and up. Where was it going? I am more than happy to pay now. I've been paying more and more and for what? President Obama's actions today show me more promise in a plan and in a future than I've seen in years.

Comment from W.J. Hohage
January 26th, 2009 at 2:04 pm

I sincerely congratulate the USA with this formidable new president. Eight dark years are behind us and hope is here to stay.

Comment from Karen Koch
January 26th, 2009 at 2:04 pm

FINALLY WE HAVE A 'PRESIDENT – A COMMANDER IN CHIEF', NOT JUST A FIGURE-HEAD!!! A MAN THAT WANTS TO MAKE THE USA THE BEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD, AGAIN!

THANK YOU, PRESIDENT OBAMA.

Comment from linda
January 26th, 2009 at 2:05 pm

A few other articles about our new leader…

Obama condemned for expanding taxpayer funded abortions
WASHINGTON – As he promised during the election campaign, Barack Obama on Friday struck down a ban against taxpayer funded abortions abroad.

Miranda rights apply to terrorists, says Obama
Chad Groening – OneNewsNow – 1/24/2009 4:05:00 AM
An author and expert on Islam is concerned that President Obama's decision to suspend military tribunals being conducted at the Guantanamo Bay detention facility could lead to a policy where U.S. soldiers might have to read captured enemy combatants their Miranda rights on the battlefield.

White House promoting 'anti-Christian' policies?
Jim Brown – OneNewsNow – 1/23/2009 7:20:00 AM

A leading conservative activist says President Obama has already signaled, during his first days in office, that his administration will be the most "extreme, left-wing, and discriminatory" in American history.

Hitler promised change too!!!

This man scares me.

Comment from freethinker
January 26th, 2009 at 2:08 pm

The Obama administration is well on it’s way to destroying our economy and way of life here in the United States. I feel very sorry for all of you blind followers and your children. You people are being lead by the nose to the slaughter house. One day when you wakeup and realize that your freedoms and rights have all be taken away by your beloved leaders and everyday life cost you more than you can earn and you ask how did this happen, look back on how you blindly followed your new leadership.

What will you tell your children when they ask you how come they cannot live the way you once did. With every aspect of your life being controlled by the government you won’t have to make any decisions any longer and best of all you won’t be allowed to go on vacation because your carbon foot print will be to large.

While all of the BS about hope and change gives a lot of people warm and fuzzy feelings the law of unintended consequences is looming to bite all of us in the ass.

I am all for protecting our environment and conserving energy but I sure don’t buy into the hype and Chicken Little mentality. Take a good hard look at the facts and ignore the rush of panic that is being pushed down our throats.

I know for a lot folks it is hard to actually think for your selves but it is not to late. Question what is being hailed as the truth!!!

Personal I want to live in the United States and not a country like China.

Comment from Troy
January 26th, 2009 at 2:11 pm

How refreshing. Assuming the new transmission lines (3,000 miles?) are actually built along with smartgrid technologies, North America could finally begin to ramp up quickly to 20% of our electricity coming from wind, solar, and other renewables (like Germany, Spain, Denmark, and other countries have done/are doing). We're at a mere 1% now (not including legacy hydroelectric) – a pitiful & embarassing stat.

This great country yearns to innovate in the renewable energy sector, but gov't leadership is required to kickstart this shift which I believe will represent the largest shift of wealth the world has ever seen (from fossil fuel companies to clean energy firms). Transmission lines, long-term (5-year plus) policy drivers like the PTC / other tax credits and/or a national RPS (renewable portfolio standard), and loan guarantees will ensure the industry gets off the ground. This will save our economy at least $1 Trillion per year and create millions of jobs accourding to The Freedom Plan and other research studies.

Comment from B Mutia
January 26th, 2009 at 2:12 pm

Cleaning car emissions can come from simple ideas http://www.greenfuelbooster.com/tv.html

Comment from Evelyn Gajowski
January 26th, 2009 at 2:14 pm

HALLELUJAH!

Comment from Lori Rodgers
January 26th, 2009 at 2:20 pm

I can't think of anything more heartwarming than this news. God Bless our President. What a long bumpy polluted road we have all been riding. I can't wait to breathe the new fresh era.

Comment from sheron
January 26th, 2009 at 2:27 pm

President Obama may claim he is not a Superhero, but I love his Man-of-Action role. Keep going, we in our house have been most anxious for these changes.

Comment from mgmiley001
January 26th, 2009 at 2:28 pm

I am proud Americans stepped forward so their voices could be heard. It is better now, than never. I am grateful we have a Leader who truly wants to lead and not a puppet. I give some credit to Bush-if he didn't make so many outrageous mistakes, I don't know if America would have allowed a bi-racial President at this time. So- thank you Mr. Bush and have a nice, relaxing retirement. I sincerely mean that. God speed and blessings to Barak, although we are all realistic to know this will take time and cooperation.

Comment from Spencer Wright
January 26th, 2009 at 2:35 pm

The comment from linda, above, reveals that shallow thinking and un-reason still thrive, impeding the efforts of talented people like Obama to eliminate extremism and discrimination from our culture and to forcefully address problems that have received ho-hum treatment for years. It's legitimate to question Obama's policies. It is a sign of willful ignorance and bigotry to suggest that Obama's call for change is no more to be trusted than Hitler's. Linda scares me!! There are too many others out there that show the same capacity for uncritical thinking.

Comment from Myrto Ashe
January 26th, 2009 at 2:36 pm

This is good, but I want to hear more about energy efficiency and conservation, electrified public transit and free bicycles. We would save a lot more gas if we drove a whole lot less. Who will dare to ration gasoline to save the Earth? Will all of you rise up in protest if anyone does?

Comment from larson74
January 26th, 2009 at 2:36 pm

I am very pleased with President Obama's course of action so far. There is one thing I would like to see, however. I would like to see the government work with companies who produce alternative energy devices, such as solar panels and wind turbines, to mass produce such devices with a little help from Uncle Sam and provide those devices to the public at cut rates. This would, in turn, help the environment, help Americans with the rising energy prices, create jobs, and stimulate the economy.

Comment from Bharat
January 26th, 2009 at 2:37 pm

This is a great day in the history of world ,not only America.

Comment from Gretchen
January 26th, 2009 at 2:37 pm

Thank You President Obama. It is about time we take global warming seriously. The American public should realize that it is patriotic to shun SUVs and luxury cars and drive hybrids, electric cars, and other high mileage options.

Comment from pallas89
January 26th, 2009 at 2:38 pm

This is NOT what change looks like. Do any of you understand that a politico is ONLY judged by their ACTIONS when there are ACTIONS (votes in Congress) to judge. Obama votes like an old white republican (retardican). He has proven that he is pro-zionist (pro apartheid), pro-corporate (anti-worker wholly), pro-military (except for torture, big deal)spending, anti-immigrant (pro-Mexi wall and pro Israeli apartheid wall) pro-bailout (a back-door way to bankrupt any part of the government which serves those of us, 99.99999%, not in power). He is GOOD COP for the very same policies we've seen without hiccup over the past 30 years. Globalization=global fascism and is the least democratic political entity of all time. Obama is more of precisely the same and most of you la la brained brainwashees are falling for it. We need immediate and radical change. Justice delayed is justice denied. All troops in Iraq and Afghanistan could come be home in ONE MONTH. We did it in Vietnam with an equal number of troops in 1975. Educate yourselves; it is your duty. Who the fukk am I? I'm a guerilla gardener and just planted a tree today and several trees and other plants yesterday. Do NOT give to EDF, take your money and plant at home or give to organizations that have ZERO administrative costs or no more than 3% administrative costs, which is the similar administrative cost of what few socialist programs we have in our government. EARTH FIRST!!! Obama is a pro-zionist (pro-Apartheid, pro-state TERRORISM of the U.S. and Israel) FASCIST!!! He's already bombed CIVILIANS in Pakistan (first day in office) and in Afghanistan (second day in office)…wake up you intellectually and politically PATHETIC and LAZY scum of the U.S. Read Alexi De Toqueville (of the late 18th and early 19th century, sociologist from France) if you want to know YOUR REAL historic character that you MUST overcome. We've never had revolution in the United States and a Republic is not a democratic state in any way. Capitalism cannot be democratic. REVOLUTION, not status quo has been needed for decades you murderous, by proxy, Americans of the United States. DO SOMETHING UNCOMFORTABLE for once!

Comment from Candy DeBerry, Ph.D.
January 26th, 2009 at 2:42 pm

As a scientist, as an educator, and as an environmentalist, I am thrilled with President Obama's stance.

As one of the previous contributors wrote, "take a good hard look at the facts".
The facts are in the scientific research journals. (For example, read “Historical Warnings of Future Food Insecurity with Unprecedented Seasonal Heat”, Science, 9 January 2009). If you read them, you will realize that the degradation of our environment has been accelerating for years, and we had all better move FAST to slow it down.

Everyone – keep speaking out, every chance you have. Together we can.

Comment from Suchi Patton
January 26th, 2009 at 2:45 pm

Thank you, thank you, thank you President Obama. Is it really possible that clear, honest, intelligent, thought based on scientific fact can carry the day? I had given up hope. You are making what I had thought impossible a reality. Bless you.

Comment from Veena Saigal
January 26th, 2009 at 2:50 pm

Thanks Mr. President Barack Obama.Now i would like to see some Green Jobs for a person( my son) who has been unemployed for a long time with 2 master degrees in Ergnomics and financial engineering.

Comment from LAMIRI Mustapha
January 26th, 2009 at 2:53 pm

The problem of climate change

The environmental problems become more and more among the most pressing concerns of our time. What calls an immediate and constant action on behalf of all?

All started with the industrial revolution of 1750 which gave beginning with the capitalist system. In two centuries and half, the countries called “developed” consumed most of fossil fuels created in five million centuries.
Today, our planet is sick. Since the beginning from the 21ème century, we lived the years MORE HEATS of last the miles years. The reheating of planet causes abrupt changes in the climate among which it y a: the retreat of the glaciers, the increase in the sea level and the flood of coastal territories in the neighbourhoods of which 60% of the world population saw where some nations are condemned to disappear, the increase in the processes of turning into a desert and the reduction of sources of fresh water, the greatest frequency of natural disasters, the extinction of animal and vegetable species and the propagation of diseases in zones which were before free for these last….etc
The competition and the thirst for unbounded profit of the capitalist system destroy planet. For capitalism we are not human but consuming beings. For capitalism there is not the mother ground but the raw materials. Capitalism is the source of asymmetries and imbalances in the world. It produces the luxury, ostentation and the wasting for some while million dies of hunger in the world. In the hands of capitalism all is transformed into goods: water, ground, the human genome, ancestral cultures, justice, ethics, the death… life itself. All, all, are sold absolutely and it is bought by capitalism.
The “climatic changes” placed all humanity towards a great dilemma: to continue on the way of capitalism and the catastrophes, or to undertake the way of the harmony with nature and the respect with life.
In the Protocol of Kyoto of 1997, the developed countries and economies of transition were committed reducing their gas emissions of effect tightens at least of 5% since the 1990, with implementation of various instruments between which the mechanisms of market prevail. As for the mechanisms of market applied in the developing countries did not obtain a significant reduction in the gas emissions of effect tightens. Until the 2006, the gases for purpose of greenhouse (persons in charge for the climatic changes and in particular the carbon dioxide), which is far from being reduced, were on the other hand increased by 9,1% compared to the levels of 1990, by showing this manner the non-accomplishment of the compromises of the countries developed.
The market is unable to regulate the system financial and productive world, It is also not able to regulate the gas emissions of effect tightens. The health of our planet is much more important than the purses of Wall Street and the benefit of the multinationals.
The logical capitalist promises the paradox whose sectors which more contributed to deteriorate the environment are those which profit more of the programs related to the climatic changes. In the same way, the technology transfer and the financing for a clean and bearable development for the countries of the south always remain in speech.
To rectify this situation, it is necessary hasttaquer causes structural of the changes climatic. As long as we will not change the capitalist system by a system based on the complementarity, solidarity and the harmony between the people and nature, measurements that we adopt will be palliative which will be limited and precarious. For us, which missed, it is the model of “better living”, the unlimited development, industrialization without borders, the modernity which scorns the history, of increasing accumulation at the price of the other and nature. This is why we must recommend “To live Well”, harmonizes some with all human beings and our Ground.
The developed countries need to control their owners of consumption – luxury and wasting, especially the excessive fossil fuel consumption. For example, the subsidies with the fossil fuels which rise with the top of 150 billions dollars must gradually be eliminated. It is fundamental to develop alternative energies like solar energy, which are geothermic, the wind power and all that is hydro-electric ET to prevent what is agrocombustibles because it is proven that they are not an alternative because that led to another problem is that of food of people or that of the cars. The agrocombustibles ones extend the agricultural border by destroying the forests and the biodiversity, produce monocultures, promote the concentration of the ground, deteriorate the grounds, exhaust the sources of water, contribute to the rise in the price of food and, in much of case, consume more energy of which they produce.
In recognition with the historical debt ecological which has with planet, the developed countries must create an Integral Financial Mechanism to support the developing countries in the implementation of plans and programs to the adaptation and the mitigation of the climatic changes, in the innovation, development and technology transfer, in the conservation and the improvement of tanks, in the actions of response to the serious natural disasters caused by the climatic changes and in the execution of bearable and convivial plans of development with nature.
The financing should not concentrate only with the some developed countries but must give the priority to the countries which contributed less to the gas emissions of effect tightens, those which preserve nature and/or which suffers more the impacts of the climatic changes.

In conclusion, the climatic changes can constitute to a certain extent an opportunity for the world by offering the occasion to him to gather to forge a collective response to this crisis which is likely to slow down progress and to support poverty. Indeed, humanity is able to save planet if it recovers the principles of solidarity, the complementarity and the harmony with nature, in the contraposition with the empire of competition, the profit and the consumption of the natural resources. It is the favourable moment so that the will of the International Community is stronger and more credible to control and even sanction certain multinationals which pollute too much with premeditation.

LAMIRI Mustapha
E-mail : lamiri_mustapha@yahoo.fr

Comment from yourobamaupdatedotcom
January 26th, 2009 at 2:53 pm

I am so glad the Obama administration has taken the steps to support California's forward thinking policy and force the hand of the automakers.

http://www.yourobamaupdate.com

Comment from Mariann
January 26th, 2009 at 2:55 pm

Wow! This is wonderful. I just posted my own blog on this great news — I'm the environmental blogger for Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT. My title was "Top-Down and Grassroots-Up." Obama has the power and opportunity to connect with all the environmental initiatives from states, cities, environmental action groups — we reach "up" to him and he responds. Rich possibilities here. A real leader, at last. People are SO READY to be asked to help in the environmental crisis. Many have been participating in local efforts for years. Now all that people-energy will be galvanized!

Comment from garyk
January 26th, 2009 at 2:55 pm

EDF appears to be retiscent on the subject of automobile idling. Idling is a huge contributor to greenhouse emissions that are choking out atmosphere.
Also a contributor to asthma and respiratory diseases. Please read my article, "American Idle," posted at http://www.gengreenlife.com.
Why isn't EDF educating Americans about the urgent need for motorists to reduce their excessive idling. The fact is that idling does NOT warm up the engine, and in fact damages the engine. Wastes a non-renewable and expensive resource. 0 mpg. Until we all drive hybrids or electric cars, we need to stop idling. NOW!!! Please educate the masses about idling. Until then you're asleep at the wheel.
250 million cars across America idle an average 5-10 minutes a day!
Gary Klinga

Comment from Chrissy D'Amico
January 26th, 2009 at 2:55 pm

As a teacher, vegan chef, and entrepreneur, I am thrilled with our President. He's bright, articulate, a leader, a shaker and mover, a friend of the environment and most importantly for the PEOPLE, not private industry. It is wonderful to see the office of the President being used to its fullest. A man who is wiser than beyond his years and blessed with an incredible mind! Yes, I'm proud to be an AMERICAN!!!

Comment from linda
January 26th, 2009 at 3:01 pm

I truly hope all you worshipers of Obama are right. Unlike
Rush Limbaugh I'd hate to see him fail and our country suffer for it.

last lines from:

http://bighollywood.breitbart.com/dburge/2009/01/22/the-idiossey/

Obamacles look out onto his drooling throngs, and wept;
for then he realized then may be things even gods can’t do.
Is this man hewn from Olympus,
Sent by Zeus to save our souls?
Or a plastic dashboard Jesus
In a car he can’t control?
Will this Adonis save the planet?
Or is he fleecing golden sheep?
Ask another Muse tomorrow,
Hell if I know, it’s all Greek to me.

Comment from felisexotica
January 26th, 2009 at 3:05 pm

This is a great beginning to a bright and bold future. Change is in the making but never at the pace we wish. It has been a long time since we have seen real action in our government. I am elated for our country's future with real active leadership at the helm.
Nancy from New York City.

Comment from Paul
January 26th, 2009 at 3:07 pm

Global Warming is a hoax.

Obama has no clue on how to make us energy independent.
He doesn't want to use nuclear or coal or oil, he wants us to use sources that are far more costly or just dont exsist.

Forcing the auto companies to build cars that were unprofitable, is the reason they are going bankrupt, and more government regulations, means that the only way they will be able to continue to make cars is if the governement subsidises them.

We are on the path to socialism, and even communism. These policies will cause us to go into a depression.

Comment from Beatrix C. Jansen
January 26th, 2009 at 3:13 pm

What a relief,to have someone with brains and ethics and an open mind in the White House for a change,a man who is looking out for the total and not just a few privelidged ones.
You will never please everybody,but that doesn't matter.No matter what, we are and will be much better of,than in the previous eight years.It can't get any worse.
Go President Obama,go for it.I don't expect you to be perfect,but I know,that your intentions are honourable and that you will do the best you can.Only God is perfect.You have my support.

Comment from Carol
January 26th, 2009 at 3:14 pm

I am sorry to see the comments of people who either don't believe that climate change is real or who voted for another candidate on one or the other wedges issues, such as abortion. We are at a critical time in human history, and we do seem to have a President and people around him, who understand the magnitude of challenges we face, which at one level or another are interlocking. I sincerely hope that those who doubt and those who distrust our new President for whatever reason have ultimate cause to be won over. We need an entirely new economic paradigm as the basis for modern society, one that does not rely on fossil fuels, and that is going to take a lot of thought, work and a lot of investment to get done. This is the only future we have and I applaud President Obama for his forthright actions to move things in the right direction.

Comment from Sue Haberkorn
January 26th, 2009 at 3:15 pm

I believe this blog started out regarding the environment. I am so very happy that we finally have someone in power who looks beyond their own personal gains.
I do not agree with everything, but feel this man is what our country and the world needs right now.
President Obama has many challenges, we should pray for his guidance.

Comment from Lynn
January 26th, 2009 at 3:21 pm

I'm can finally watch a President deliver a message and know there is compassion, truth and a promise behind it. Change feels good!

Comment from Philip harris
January 26th, 2009 at 3:21 pm

While it is a good start I would offer the following:

If a tourist asks a Down-easterner from Maine directions, he might be told, "You can't get they'ah from he'ah." This phrase was popularized by the infamous Bert and I created by the late Marshall Dodge in the late 50's. Try to ask anyone what it means and you will get as many answers as respondents. The definition I will use is that "the road you are on won't take you where you want to go."

President Obama has a new vision for America but we must understand that the road we are on will not take us where we want to go. The paradigm we cling too will not manifest the new vision. Take a look at the economy. The efforts by former President Bush were to stay the course and give more money, our money, to the very institutions that generated the crisis. While President Obama seems to have a better grasp of the true nature of problem, we are still talking about giving more money to those same institutions. You simply cannot get economic recovery on that road. Simply put, people do not need more credit. It is the abuse of credit lending institutions that is the genesis of the problem. How is the average American helped if they go deeper into debt? The real problem is that we cannot get rid of our bills because of the high interest rates for credit cards, mortgages, auto loans and the like. You pay and pay but the balance never goes down. This road is a dead end for the consumer.

President Obama's vision is unattainable if we insist on traveling on a road that will not get us they'ah. Peace in the Middle East will not be achieved by travelling on the same road. We will not have universal health coverage by traveling the same road. We will not manifest the idea of 'love thy neighbor' by traveling the worn out religious road. We will not educate our children by traveling the same road. To achieve the new vision we need a new paradigm, a change in the fundamental thought process. The President talked about "worn out dogma." He gets it. But, do the pundits, economists, educators, health workers, environmentalists or the consumer get it? It is not just a matter of doing business as usual; it is about a whole new business. You can only fix an old car for so long and then it fundamentally breaks down. Pills and wasted surgery will only hold off the pain or disease for so long; then the body breaks down. You can only preach righteousness for so long while you allow genocide, strife and poverty and then the system breaks down. You can talk a good deal about reducing carbon emissions and about alternative energy, but the system is breaking down. The old patches and band-aids are no longer functional, they are worn out and the bleeding is showing on the gauze.

We do not need to talk about sacrifice. That is also a 'worn out dogma.' What it really means is that you and I have to suffer while the heads of corporations get bonuses and expensive retreats. The old paradigm says that if you sacrifice, maybe your children will have a better life. Sorry, that worked for several thousands of years, but it is worn out. There are no shortages of money. There are no shortages of ideas. There are no shortages of job potential. There are no shortages of knowledge to convey to our school children. There are only shortages if we believe in them and, the 'worn out dogma' wants you to believe in them. That has been their "Secret."

Just the other day I received in the mail numerous requests by banks offering to give me all kinds of credit. We still see the ads for new cars, pills for scores of new dysfunctions and enticements to invest in this or that fund. Religions are issuing new lists of sins, stirring up old hatreds, and condemning any action that even hints of free choice. This is worn out dogma. Sociologists say we need to break the cycle of poverty. The new paradigm says we need to create a cycle of prosperity. The worn out dogma says we need to preserve the jobs of auto workers. The new paradigm says we need to employ people in new modes of getting people and goods from point 'a' to point 'b.' The old way is to search for new oil and gas. The new way is to say we need to develop new, sustaining, non-polluting forms of energy. The old way says take a pill. The new way says to focus on a healthy body, mind and spirit. The old way says to go to church every Sunday. The new paradigm says that wherever you are, you are on holy ground.

If we truly want change, we must abandon the old roads. They have taken us to this point, but as any Mainer will tell you, filling the potholes does not last very long. Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and tear up the old raid and build a new one because "you can't they'ah from he'ah."

Comment from Kathy Tibbits
January 26th, 2009 at 3:23 pm

Finally! This battle goes back to the days of Soft Energy Paths and clean air act enforcement. Some of us have been fighting these battles for 30 years and now finally we are seeing the clouds break and a ray of sun shining thru.

President Obama, you amaze me, because your steady character and trustworthiness have made it possible to achieve this, not as a binary "for" "against" issue, but as a shared course of action that everyone knows is the right step.

In Cherokee we have this word of thanks— WaDo.

Comment from CSea Perkins
January 26th, 2009 at 3:24 pm

Now is the only time. The past is over; the future is not yet here. We are ready to meet this historic and forever life changing mission President Obama and thank you for todays decisions.

Together we will heal the economy through green initiatives as these, creating more green jobs and new technologies.

The solution to immediately reducing your carbon emissions from your vehicles is here now, just not enough people willing to believe all the benefits and put it into action. Get involved.

Comment from booklover54
January 26th, 2009 at 3:27 pm

pallas89? A-MEN !!!!!!

Just you keep watching and see just how many of Obama's promises he keeps and you had better pray he didn't mean it when he said electric costs would triple in his adminastration.

I didn't like him and I still don't. Dr. King would have made sure Obama never made it to the White House except as a guest.

If you don't stand for something you will fall for anything and ya'll have fallen for Obama's golden lies.

Everyone talks about being color blind but ya'll were blinded by color…..there is NO Global warming!!!!!!

Comment from drannek002
January 26th, 2009 at 3:28 pm

Are you people serious? The bad news gets worse is what you should be saying, unless, of course you are all Millionaires and you don't care. This move will prove tragic to the tax payer, especially the individuals with lower income. Taxes through the roof based on consumption of electricity, gasoline, oil, etc. Not to mention, if you all were paying attention for the last two months, the automobile companies are going bankrupt! Most of this is due to governmental restrictions (Environmental and Union issues) placed on all US Auto manufacturers. You want more of this? Look for more info before jumping on this band wagon. The beginning of the End! Please remember our illustrious President Barrack Hussein Obama stated numerous times "95% of Americans will not see a tax increase" and now think about what you are writing about in this Blog. Have you all been duped? This has tax written all over it! How many of the 95% will not be taxed under this new order. If you can honestly say no one will be taxed – you are kidding yourself.

Comment from jacquiechan
January 26th, 2009 at 3:36 pm

I invite you 'Hitler fear screamers' to use your superior intellect to contribute your good ideas as to what you would add to Obama’s strategy. (Remember action is a result of thought and thought is a result of values and level of awareness (the ‘story’ you currently live in).

And how many 'anti-abortionists' are out there helping woman prevent unwanted pregnancies, or have opened your homes to raising unwanted children? What are your great ideas for PREVENTING UNWANTED PREGNANCY? Imagine starting at the common position of strength, you might even remove the need for abortion.

I invite your 'Homeland Security Nuts' to think about why Penicillin type drugs are becoming impotent against new strains of viruses; because they focus on symptoms vs. causes, thus weakening your immune system in the process. Imagine putting attention on fortifying wellness from the ground up – re-balancing our relationship with the land. The way we were going there would soon not be no locks secure enough, gates high enough, ditches deep enough, airport security lines long enough, torture hard enough to stop the terror – as it only challenges and perpetuates it. And rather than trash our new leader – why not send him your good ideas?

Of the People, for the people and by the people, only works when YOU particpate. So go out a do something great – walk the land, listen and you will know how to heal, give back and pay it forward. For everything else theres Limbaugh and Facism

Comment from Norman Hoffman
January 26th, 2009 at 3:39 pm

President Obama, I appreciate the moves you are taking to make the environment better. I am once again, beginning to feel pride in being an American.
I, now, eagerly await for you to get involved with public transportation. I live in the greater Atlanta area, and if I want to take a train to Florida, I have to take Amtrak to Washington D.C. to transfer to a train going south. Now, that is simply stupid.
We need to start laying track (putting people work) and developing high speed, low emmission trains, such as used in Japan, Spain Sweeden and other countries.

Sincerely,

Norman Hoffman
Marietta, Ga

Comment from Walter
January 26th, 2009 at 3:43 pm

To Linda:

I got no problem withdrawing the ban on health clinics which also provide family planning services. How may people around the world died for lack of medical care due to the previous administrations right to life stand? How many pregnant young women died trying to perform abortions themselves? How many of their babies survived? Who will you save, the unborn or the born? There are 2 sides to the story.

Show me where Obama has applied Miranda rights to suspected terrorists. Obama's shutting down Gitmo and suspension of the military tribunals has everything to do with compliance with the Geneva Convention. Don't confuse it with our Constitution. Oh, and tell me why an "expert on Islam" should be taken seriously on his interpretation of the U.S. constitution.

ON the anti Christian policies. Think separation of church and state, probably not one of your favorite subjects. Our government was founded on the principles of justice, not those of Christianity, though Christianity shares many of those principles. Don't confuse your religion with our government. Confusion, like yours, about the difference between church and state is largely responsible for the hatred in the world today. Radical Islam would impose their religion on all of us if they could, just like you would your religion if you had the chance. I thank our constitution and its preservation of rights that you can't, though you continue to try. I don't care if some of our government's actions are not in accord with "Christian policies" any more than I care if they are not in accord with Islamic policies. I'll stick with the "self evident truths", not your Christian truths.

And why am I not surprised or concerned that "a leading conservative activist" is calling the Obama administration left wing and extremist? That's what conservative activists do! Who is your "conservative activist" another religious fanatic who would impose his religious values on me, or an "I hope Obama fails" blowhard like your hero Rush Limbaugh? Look for what's good for the country and the world, not what suits your self satisfying righteous indignation. What I don't get is the "discriminatory" part. You don't expound on it. Feel free to explain it. Who's he discriminating against, blacks? whites? Christians? Muslims?

Nothing wrong with "left wing" any more than with "right wing". In case you forgot, we all get our opinions in this country. We elected him and he's doing what he said he would do. Give the man a chance.

Hitler????? Pulleeeeeze !!!!

And to freethinker:

At least you show some indepenedent thought. But you don't cite facts that support your position. Even Bush, at the end of his presidency, acknowledged global warming and it's significance. Still, do you assert that he did not subvert science in favor of ideology? Like you, he didn't get it.

What will you tell your children when they ask you why they can't live the way you did: "Sorry guys, we figured it was more important to maintain our standard of living than preserve a place to live for you guys. We assumed we couldn't have the standard of living along with the planet, though I guess we'll never know for sure. I'm really sorry about the famine, diminished habitat for humans, reduced water supply, and resultant wars you have had to fight, and which your children will have to fight. And sorry for the possibility that your descendants may not have any place to live at all. We didn't feel like we could afford to believe all those egghead scientists, so we chose not to. Who'd have thought they'd be right about that 'tipping point' stuff? Yes, I know they were in the great majority of scientists who were experts on the subject, but we pretty much muffled those who were a part of the government and found a few who agreed with us. That was all we needed to let us feel good about our choices. Besides, we had to err on the side of caution. If we had listened to all those eggheads, we might have had a recession, like the big one that happened anyway in 2008 and 2009, though some argued that we would have actually helped the economy by trying to create an energy policy that would have long term prospects and free us from dependence for our energy on foreign countries. They thought it might have created jobs and even been something we could sell around the world. By playing it safe, all we sacrificed is a place for your descendants to live. You'll probably be dead before that ever happens, so what's the difference? Anyway, sleep tight."

I agree that we should question what is being hailed as the truth. I questioned the Bush administration's declarations of the truth which on the subject of climate change had only weak support from the scientific community. The overwhelming belief was that the planet was (and is) in danger. If they are wrong, we'll have spent money on a system or renewable energy, expensive in the short term but in the long run an economic benefit to our children. If they are right and we fail to address it, we will have done a far graver disservice to our children and grand children than leaving them with the financial burden which might be associated with development of a renewable energy system.

You might be right, but I might be right too. Neither of us has the benefit of hindsight. Which side do you want to err on?

Comment from jacquiechan
January 26th, 2009 at 3:50 pm

thank you Walter!

I wonder if Linda, Pallas 89 and freethinker have any positive ideas to contribute. What they would do to move democracy forward, clean up our eco-mess and create a safer planethood.

Comment from drannek002
January 26th, 2009 at 3:52 pm

Chan – Conservatism verse Liberalism, your string seems intelligent but is it really? To half the mindless on this blog I am certain your words seem divine, but what a joke. If you look into Facism you will find Liberalism at the forefront. Give me a break about your happy little walk across the Land. Our new leader has seen many new ideas that he has ignored. This Stimulus plan he wants to pass as bi-partisan is only political posturing for when it goes in the toilet, that way he can blame Republicans and that is where our in the tank media will step in take it from there. You won't see a Democrat up there getting any heat. We have not seen it yet, we will not see it in my lifetime. Ask yourself where the "ideas" came from that has lead to this economic debacle. If you want to blame Bush, you haven't tried to do the research. But if you find out Clinton was the "MAN" who expedited our current situation – you win the prize – knowledge.

I have lost my place – good day.

Comment from John Beaty
January 26th, 2009 at 3:53 pm

Thank you, President Obama! You are showing that government can work for the people, and truly represent the people in saving the planet that makes it possible for us all to live on it! Go, Obama!

Comment from Walter
January 26th, 2009 at 3:55 pm

To Linda:

I take back what I said about your hero being Rush. I hadn't seen your latest entry. I'm glad you hope he succeeds.

Comment from jacquiechan
January 26th, 2009 at 4:00 pm

drannek002 – so what is your answer? your great idea? Where does your intellect produce an action that will inspire change and a better world? how do you walk your talk? Or do you just criticize?

Comment from Hardy
January 26th, 2009 at 4:07 pm

I have to say, I'm impressed… I don't think I've ever seen this much ignorance in one place… Believe what you want, and in the end, you'll get the "change" you deserve, and when it all comes tumbling down, you will, as always, find a way to blame it on somebody else…

Frankly, I'm also looking forward to the next 4 years.. because that's what I call entertainment…*ROFLMAO*

Comment from Roger
January 26th, 2009 at 4:45 pm

As many of you have noted, there are no easy answers…if there were, we would not be in the place we are now. I too applaud what President Obama is working toward…and also want more openness from our government. As one who has stood at the barricades in VIetnam, who has spent a career focused on educating college students, and who now volunteers in working with the homeless and our returning vets, I like his stance on making America again proud of itself.
He has also said if we have ideas…he wants to hear them. And a willingness to get to work…I wonder if we are ready to "handle the truth"? I hope so.
And the comment on how many children need adoptive homes is critical insight…if our society is really concerned in this area…step up folks…There are thousands of children needing safe places. Why are so many of them spending their time waiting for their place?

The solutions are complex folks…But a good read is a short book called COME ON PEOPLE BY Dr Alvin Possaint and Dr. Bill Cosby…

Lets givae this new president the same faith and respect that all new presidents' deserve…and use our critical thinking to make this great country better for everyone. Tag…your it!

Comment from andrew
January 26th, 2009 at 4:51 pm

what a bunch of liberal political BULLSHIT!!!!!!! CARBON IS AN ELEMENT ON THE ELEMENTAL CHART THEREFOR IT IS IN A SET QUANTITY!!! THEREFOR NOTHING MAN DOES CAN CREATE CARBON, SO KISS MY ASS!!!! THE ONLY FORCE THAT CONTROLS OUR CLIMATE IS THE SUN, THEREFOR ONLY BEING CLOSER OR FARTHER AWAY CHANGES THE EARTHS TEMP!!! SO ALL YOU GLOBAL WARMING COOLAIDE DRINKING TREE HUGGING DUMBASSES PLS LOOK BACK THRU THE HISTORY OF THIS EARTH AND YOU WILL SEE THAT THE EARTH HAS BEEN GOING THRU CLINATE CHANGES FOR THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF YEARS.

Comment from Brian
January 26th, 2009 at 4:55 pm

I couldn't help but think about some of the pollution happening today .

Yes I was driving my big SUV, since I do travel occasionally with a travel trailer, which is still less carbon intense than a 3 hour flight for vacation.

I was, however, also reveling in listening to the fan on my solar heat from the 80's, and using cloth diapers to clean up a spill, which work soo much better than paper towels, even loving that when I had to pick up a prescription at the local walmart that the lights weren't on because they had enough daylight coming in to the store.

After hearing this wonderful news, I now feel I can breath just a little easier, and I wish President Obama great luck with passing more of this wonderful agenda!

Comment from rockrooky
January 26th, 2009 at 5:20 pm

I think it is divisive and a mistake to make environmental issues bi-partisan.

Comment from Elan
January 26th, 2009 at 5:30 pm

President Obama is doing a fantastic job for being in office less than a week. We should all be driving electric cars within the next 10 years, no excuses anymore, no undermining from the automakers. The technology & know-how has been silenced for years, it's a true turning point for America and the World – yeah!!!!

Comment from calimero
January 26th, 2009 at 5:57 pm

Today's statement I hope is only the beginning, it is great but we will have to keep Obama on track. yesterday Obama picked Tom Vilsack to run the USDA, this man os pro bio-tech genetically engineered crops. Although it is not yet known what are the side effect of GM crops, it better to err on the side of caution.

Comment from Kelly Lehnherr
January 26th, 2009 at 6:05 pm

Many thanks to our new hopeful President, Mr. Obama! Unfortunately, the phrase "better late than never" does not apply when it comes to the health of the planet. We have many more critical issues at bay and need to continue to act now! The survival of this planet and all living things it inhabits depends on the people and OUR choices. What one of us chooses to do or NOT do in terms of how we treat this precious unique planet affects everyone. The survival of the human race and all living things is in our hands and it is our responsibility to learn to live in harmony with each other and the environment. We need to continue to with our quest and force our voices upon Mr. President Obama and Congress until we are heard and action is taken! Thanks again, Mr. President!
Kelly Lehnherr

Comment from carol
January 26th, 2009 at 6:15 pm

The vast majority of the American people support your actions toward a green economy, President Obama. We are willing to endure some short term difficulties for long-term gains. The nay-sayers are speaking from fear: fear of change. As FDR said, “There is nothing to fear but fear itself.” The American people are finally being heard after years of having our country turn a deaf ear to our real concerns. Building a strong green environment will repair our economy, make us independent of foreign oil, and save our planet. Thank you for your bold actions and may our other elected leaders offer you their full support!

Comment from frewon
January 26th, 2009 at 6:17 pm

If Obama is willing to follow the law and common sense then I'm for that. We've been inside of NESARA since Oct. 2, 2008. Let's get the announcement out and get on with the funding of the united states of America and the world.

Comment from rleeh2001
January 26th, 2009 at 7:06 pm

Forget about global warming, I know for a fact that it is a natural action, which is necessary to change our world climate to a semi tropical world wide, all the ice will be melted and put back into the firmament, as a protection from the radiation from the sun.
As far as pollution goes yes we should do everything to lessen our pollution.
Like stop using fossil fuels, which we could have stop using fifty years ago, if the large corporations haven't insisted on oil for huge profits.
Our Government and large corporations has technologies that would completely clean up all our pollution, as well as do away with using fossil fuel, only most of this would be free, big business cannot make big profit from free tech.

Comment from Susan Heffernon
January 26th, 2009 at 7:37 pm

There is HELP, and there is HINDER. Let's HELP.

Comment from Allan Smid
January 26th, 2009 at 7:53 pm

Now that's what I call leadership, world leadership! Bravo, Obama!

Allan Smid

Comment from weatherdude
January 26th, 2009 at 8:08 pm

I've had enough of this! GW is not real! It is a natural cycle! We already entering a cooler period! Stop worshiping the environment, it is not GOD! We can't control this, If it's the end of the world, we can't stop it! One day this earth will end and be judged by fire!! Enough is Enough!

Comment from Judy A. Armstrong
January 26th, 2009 at 10:19 pm

I am so glad that President Obama is doing such great things so early in his Office. I have been signing petitions for so long now that I don't know who from what.

What I do know, is that a Cause that is near and dear to my heart hasn't received a mention yet. Would you please go to any of the Ban Breed Specific Legislation to finally end the slaughter of Gray Wolves and most of all….the Gray Wolf/Dog!! There is a huge slaughter of these dogs in anti-wolf dog States! Please help these animals too!!

Comment from Climate Disruption Dave
January 26th, 2009 at 10:26 pm

Hey weatherdude, and other GW deniers,

Obama is a Godsend to the human race and all Earth's life.

With the whole future of our only planet at stake, you'd be wise to spend a few hours doing your homework on 'global warming.' If you did, you'd find that its name has been changed to 'climate disruption' because so many people got confused by GW and 'climate change.'

When you do even more research (this may take you up to a day) you will find that more than 90% of the world's best climate scientists are 90% sure that we have a very serious problem on our hands. These scientists are SO smart that they even thought about all the things that the deniers mention as proving there is no problem: They looked into the distance the Earth is from the sun, and took that into account, they looked at how the climate changed in the past (it was 100 times slower than now), and took that into account–they looked at everything known to man. And when they were done, after they spent billions of dollars, and decades of time (see, for example the official U.S. government website that is found at http://www.climatescience.gov) they sadly and reluctantly concluded: climate disruption is real, it's serious, it's manmade, and if we don't switch away from coal to make electricity, and reduce the use of limited fossil fuels (that will run out eventually anyway), we will destroy the planet that the good Lord gave to us so many years ago.

So, be open-minded, do the research (as I have done, because I have kids who will want a life for their kids),
and you will see why so many people love what Obama's done.

Comment from C.T. Foster
January 26th, 2009 at 10:33 pm

As I understand things, even the Nixon administration expressed concern about our dependence on fossil fuels and our vulnerability to hostile foreign sources. I distinctly remember the Carter administration attempts to form a meaningful energy policy. Yet, we failed. Even today, we hear people claiming (based on what I don't know) that we still don't need to change a thing. Automakers are crying that they are under stress and can't possibly spend $billions developing greener lines of cars.
Enough of this crying already! Are not the United States citizens giving $billions to the auto industry to help them recover? Are not these the same automakers who were able to switch from making cars to making tanks in WWII? (The switch didn't take them years either.) We Americans have the know-how, the money, the productivity, and the heart to rebuild our prosperity and our liberty. We just need to stop listening to those who don't want us to.

Comment from Guru Seva
January 26th, 2009 at 11:05 pm

We as the American people have to keep pushing the Obama administration so that real change can happen!
I think Obama has the possibily to give the US and the world a shift, no matter whath happens we have to be united as the American people to help Obama in the change we so dessperatedly need!!

Comment from Linda M
January 26th, 2009 at 11:25 pm

Good deal. First steps are always exciting. And one of the most exciting things to me has been how Obama has made an effort to get the Democrats and Republicans to work together. And there has been some success. It's never easy for people with dramatically different views to find a place where they can make changes and be satisfied with the outcome.

We have so many things to deal with as a country that it would have been easy to become indecisive or fall into constantly fighting since the new president's transition into office.

I must admit to a certain nervousness. When we have leaders who want change, it's next to impossible to predict what we'll have next. "W" gave us change. Some was good. Some wasn't. Change is usually like that.

Dramatic change is mindboggling. And seeing Obama standing in his inauguration and now signing bills into legislation is, for me, seeing a country that lives what it was intended to be.

What I see isn't what I've heard. When I've looked at Obama, I didn't see a black man or an African-American. I saw a powerful force, a charming entity, a man and a politician that could hold the hopes of the country in his hands and his heart. And that was terrifying. If he wasn't sincere, it could have been disastrous to be willing to follow him. And like the other linda, I found it scary.

But this week, I saw first steps. And the power of change is exhilarating. We can speak out and be heard. And something good may happen from it. Something good is happening from it.

This feeling is new for some of us. My first steps may be more wobbly than his, but I'm still here. Let's get it done.

Comment from rooster
January 26th, 2009 at 11:37 pm

I don't know what the rest of the world is doing about global warming and the economy but I think I have the answers to many of the worlds problems here is what I am doing and in the beginning it was not about the money it was all about the clean air so here was what I did in the summer of 1993 I took an old Diesel Nissan pickup and modified it to run on used deep fryer oil and it worked so well I did the same thing with a Mercedes diesel and it worked even better so then I thought if I can do this with a car why not build a generator with a spare diesel I had laying around for twenty years it was just an old 58Hp Nissan pick up engine so I resurched it and bought a 20'000 watt generator off the net and built it from the ground up and been powering my home and garage since approx 2006. Since then I built one more Mercedes car. The only problem so far is that I am having trouble finding a way to wire the gen set into the grid to send the excess power I am making so others can benefit from the cheap clean renewable energy I am making anyway and this could be done on a much larger scale. also every big rig on the road today could be retrofitted to do this for under $200.00 not only will this cure the problem of global warming but it would help the nations starving farmers and our dependence on foreign oil. come on people this technology is a hundred years old. Oh yes and there is one more bonus when I croak I can look in my daughters eyes and say I did my part can you! one more thing if anyone wants help with this just ask. 920-864-7759 cell# 920-309-0035 Yours truly Greg Gremore PS anyone who can help with the grid problem it would be greatly appreciated.Thank you

Comment from Antonio
January 26th, 2009 at 11:39 pm

President Obama is on the right track.
We need to combat climate change, its effects are real.
Good economics is a healthy ecology.
We must re-tool our old industries and make them environmentally friendly.
We can create jobs that will enhance our dying environment.

Comment from Prorail
January 27th, 2009 at 12:28 am

Getting off the automotive and aviation habit is what will free us from a major cause, if not the the main cause, of climate disruption and fuel dependency as well as more likely save our mobility and our transportation-dependent modern economy. A ubiquitous mass transit and long-distance freight and passenger transportation system based solely on wind/solar/hydro/thermal/dynamic generated electrified railways is needed to replace driving and flying. Interconnecting transit and local freight railways along every current major roadway every mile or two apart in every county and passenger service on every intercity rail line, scheduled to provide overnight passenger, baggage, express and mail service, evenings to mornings, between the largest cities 300, 600, 900 and 1800 miles apart with stops at all stations for the slowest trains can save our mobility and ensure our economy's transportation while freeing us from fuel dependency and climate disrupting pollution.

The "modern" public is apparently so spoiled by the luxury (not a right) of driving and flying that their main definition of freedom seems to be the freedom to drive or fly on a plane. The very real erosion if not loss of and disinterest in our real and critical personal freedoms recognized in the U.S. and several state Constitutions has been appalling. Hopefully, this government will be more constitutionally minded.

The freedom of individuals to create their own businesses using their own talents without reliance on enslaving credit or being legally restricted by other than regulations ensuring honest business is what is more likely to soundly recover this economy. As is mentioned by others, that might be displeasing to big business and big government bureaucrats since it would make us free laborers for ourselves and our customers rather than virtual wage slaves for big business investors and virtual tax slaves for government bureaucrats and contractors. That would be real change.

Comment from Illythia
January 27th, 2009 at 12:42 am

Thank you Walter and shame on you Andrew at 4:59. Kool Aid, not coolaid…whatever were you doing on an envirnmental blog other than putting your very odd slant on the environment. At this point we actually need a major volcanic eruption (think super volcano) that will throw us into an ice age to compensate for the global warming. Either way we are looking at major crop disruptions. Andrew go and speak with the farmers in this country and ask them if the climate is affecting them.

Thank you President Obama for signing an Executive Order that hopefully will bring the rest of the nation up to California's emmission standards. Now if we can get the trucking industry to follow suit.

Comment from stormy
January 27th, 2009 at 2:08 am

I didn't hear anything from any scuba divers out there, so I will say something. If you don't believe in GW as most see it, DIVE
The warmer water temps are bleaching the coral.
Up here on the surface there are enough reasons to rethink what you don't believe.
Underwater is another world that is in peril.
Unless you have a vehicle to transport you to another planet, you better wake up and take care of this one.

Comment from Dhaivat Mankad
January 27th, 2009 at 2:14 am

ULTIMATELY STORY IS ONE THAT STOP CARBON POLLUTION AND AUTOMOBILE POLLUTION.

Comment from Umaru Yusuf
January 27th, 2009 at 2:59 am

Who ever contribute to preseving the only planet habitable known to man will certainly be rewarded by God.

Comment from Alex
January 27th, 2009 at 3:01 am

Obama's recent actions are great but should only be the beginning. We must continue pressuring Obama to do more. In particular, PLEASE write your congressmen to convince them to use more of Obama's $825 billion stimulus package on projects aimed at combating climate change and renewable energies.

Comment from cobra
January 27th, 2009 at 4:53 am

hi…

i think if goverments make factories in small citis and kill bad cars and chenge theire burns this work can help to down of pollution .

also..make chanels between seas and rivers can help to bridly uprising and flood

also, bridly cut trees
change cars burn like H2O

Comment from Greg
January 27th, 2009 at 7:30 am

I think Obama is doing a great job for his first 100 days in office he may have had a couple flukes (flaws) here and there but other than that he has been doing pretty good wouldn't you all agree? I understand there are some out there who wish McCain and won i understand how that must feel because my grandparents on my moms side of the family are republicans pretty much everybody in that branch of my family is republican so i know what it's like to see things from their perspective. Nonetheless things are going great.

Comment from Maria, Brussels
January 27th, 2009 at 10:28 am

Fight the global warming? Well, let's then talk a bit about becoming vegetarian8 read 'are cows worse than cars?' But of course, very few have the guts to promote and/or and become vegetarian…
http://www.prospect.org/cs/articles?article=are_cows_worse_than_cars

Comment from nawal
January 27th, 2009 at 10:37 am

im so pleased of what president obama decision about global warming, i hope a clean world without pollution.

Comment from jack bradin
January 27th, 2009 at 12:22 pm

 
Slip through the envelope of time leaving no footprint behind

i am ready to work with all people and organizations involved in working for a renewable world…
i oppose cap and trade as it promotes making money from the ill we have wrought. It will never save the earth from our counter intuitive behavior.
Carbon taxation does not solve the co2 crisis…It will be costly to administer, and susceptible to manipulation…Shut in extracted fossil/mineral resource employing upstream measures on coal, oil, natural gas, and nuclear…all the benefits of a tax…only one set of whiners to deal with!!!

Demand local and national energy policy focus on conservation and efficiency; think and experience…Negawatts…this approach costs little to nothing-to start- just the will to do, forcing the issue of ignoring our wasteful lifestyles.

Rapidly roll out distributed renewable platforms where ever they are embraced using green municipal tax free bonds…the real proof of the public “buy-in”…Kick start the industries with tax credits, grants where necessary, and/or with the full faith and credit of the USA backing the states most in need….until humanity has learned restraint, and the bio-sphere is restored.

The Earth, our only living ancestor, asks no less of us.

The added bonus/promise of renewable energy is the realization of peace with justice and equity. It is the way on to a true public utility.  Decentralized, publicly financed, world wide access, the nearly perpetual stable nature of the pricing model will soon sink into the psyche of the worlds people…

The cost analysis of the pricing model with the nature of the service industry taken into account, aided by the utility of time, will prove negligible…

Just think; none of the horrendous negative externalities, terror targets, teratogenic threats, nor national socialist [origin of fascism] oligarchs willing to trade blood for energy, while proclaiming patriotism as they bank their greed.

The Oligarch has known these renewable energy facts all along but they need the fear, scarcity, and confused world without end they have gotten accustomed to selling you…Not the world of abundance, hope, charity, and peace with justice the rest of us want…. Oh. and at a just and affordable price fixed by world standards….

We stand at the cross road will we join the sane and attempt an end to the global climate crisis earning respect and love to the hoped for 7th. generation? 

Comment from sean12
January 27th, 2009 at 1:59 pm

Ya know…we're not being brainwashed to believe that what Obama says is just a political message when he begins to unfold the destructive policies presented by the Bush administration, he backs up his message with action. How quickly we forget where the path of the Republicans lead…the economy is where it is, the middle east is still at war with themselves (yet we in the U.S. political system continue to believe we can actually solve their difficulties), global warming continues to weigh heavy on the environment, big oil companies drill and cap their wells (support their leases by doing nothing with them) and, yet, continue to strive to rely on foreign production. Money, money, money…neglect the rights and previsions of the American people to pursue happiness and live the American way? C'mon. Building within the borders of the U.S. is much more promising than pursuing policies and actions given only to support foreign pursuits of happiness and well being.

Now we're paying back the overextended credit scheme presented by the former administration. Now we're (the politicians) beginning to realize that the American people are important in the sustaining of the American way of life, not foreigners.

Bring the Americans ways of life back to America!

Comment from Michael Rupp
January 27th, 2009 at 2:37 pm

Woo Hoo! … Now stop celebrating. Vigilance should be the watchword. Outed Repugnanticans are restless, and have the kind of spare time for major mischief.

Don't celebrate till things are right AND stable for about 25 years.

Comment from Teresa
January 27th, 2009 at 2:48 pm

I say KUDOS to you President Obama!! He knew exactly what he wanted to do(cleaning house on the now past administration's policies),even when he was on the campaign trail,(before his Presidency.)And now that he IS President,he is backing his promises up with ACTIONS!!!As the expression goes,"ACTIONS speak LOUDER than WORDS!!"So,again,KUDOS to you President Obama!!!!

Comment from grrranny
January 27th, 2009 at 2:52 pm

Thank you, President Obama, for considering the way things SHOULD be, while you made your plans. — We are all grateful for that. — We don't have the bullies out of the sandbox yet, but perhaps in time we can get them to put their backs into the work of fixing all that's broken so badly. — Thank you for all you have done, and for all you are doing. — Signed, another from Jorel's slingshot. Quite a ride, wasn't it?

Comment from Michael
January 27th, 2009 at 3:47 pm

>>Comment from andrew
January 26th, 2009 at 4:51 pm

what a bunch of liberal political BULLSHIT!!!!!!! CARBON IS AN ELEMENT ON THE ELEMENTAL CHART THEREFOR IT IS IN A SET QUANTITY!!! THEREFOR NOTHING MAN DOES CAN CREATE CARBON, SO KISS MY ASS!!!! THE ONLY FORCE THAT CONTROLS OUR CLIMATE IS THE SUN, THEREFOR ONLY BEING CLOSER OR FARTHER AWAY CHANGES THE EARTHS TEMP!!! SO ALL YOU GLOBAL WARMING COOLAIDE DRINKING TREE HUGGING DUMBASSES PLS LOOK BACK THRU THE HISTORY OF THIS EARTH AND YOU WILL SEE THAT THE EARTH HAS BEEN GOING THRU CLINATE CHANGES FOR THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF YEARS.

>>

Sir, help yourself to a science book.

Comment from progress
January 27th, 2009 at 4:00 pm

OK, wasn't it just a few weeks ago when the Detroit Auto Industry went begging to the tax payer to bail them out. Now if I wasn't mistaken I believe that part of the deal to get BILLIONS of taxpayer money was that they would re-tool and make clean energy battery cars like the Chevy volt. So that just a big lie and they are still in bed with big oil. They have been sitting on this technology for at least 15 years. I know because I test drove one of the first battery operated cars at alameda naval air station in 1994 and GM did not invent the technolgy as they claim. I say if they can't make the car for the technology they have already bullied in on, then perhaps we should give billions to the original makers of electic cars and let them manufacture the electic car. That would also provide jobs to thousands of Americans and fix the economy and the climate.

Comment from splash85741
January 27th, 2009 at 6:02 pm

Reading through some of the above, I can't believe all of you have actually fallen for this hoax that was thought up and exploited by Al Gore to make tons of money. I am sorry – man is NOT causing the earth to heat up. At this time we are actually in a cooling period (can't you tell by the freezing temperatures? or is that more 'global warming'?). The sun warms the earth. All of the weather, either cooling or warming is a cyclical process. Neither man NOR COWS have anything to do with it!

All I see is the very far left that has reported over and over this hoax (a lie) for a select few to make tons of money by the fools that are falling for it by buying carbon off-sets and tons of you have actually fallen for it and speak it as if it where true. Out of curiosity – do any of you know how to measure carbon footprints? Have you seen any?

If cars go electric and we do away with gas – what about airplanes? They require fuel – how do they fly? What about buses – you going to have to stop ever couple of miles to charge up?

All I know is that if America follows the policies put forth by the President and Congress – this once great country called America is heading towards being a socialist country where the people will have NO say in anything. A few years ago I would not have believed that the American people were that stupid, but I am finding that I was very wrong. This county and our way of life that we have lived (called FREEDOM) is about to be totally destroyed. Not by terrorists mind you, but by the extreme left. By the time the current President and Congress get its way – Cuba will be a freer county than we will be.

People – you need to WAKE UP before it is too late.

As for 'going green'? God gave this county plenty of natural resources for us to go after and use. That means oil and coal. We have enough oil that we wouldn't need to buy ANY from OPEC. HERE IN OUR OWN COUNTRY!!!! Wind farms – guess what it takes to run? Electricity. Where does that come from? Coal. God gave us these resources for a reason. We are to USE them.
Going ‘green’ and this boondoggle called ‘stimulus package’ will not create more jobs – it is just turning this once great country into a socialist country.

PT Barnum had said that there was fool born every minute. I am so afraid that he was right!

Comment from sandy
January 27th, 2009 at 7:57 pm

And at the same time, Sarah Palin is still gunning (literally?) for wolves, bears and now Beluga whales. To the person who posted about the poor unborn babies, aren't animals mothers, too?

Comment from Will in Tucson
January 27th, 2009 at 8:54 pm

It is very encouraging that at last we have an honest President who is truthful in his word. He is taking a very important first step, and steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions need to be taken ASAP. I wish to give a big THANK YOU to the majority of the bloggers here whose comments show they recognize the climate disruption problem and that they care more about the planet they will be leaving behind than about indulging selfish desires. As for the global warming deniers here who don't want to face the truth:

To linda: I strongly disagree with your views about President Obama, but commend you for hoping he doesn't fail (because the country and the world will suffer if he DOES fail). This shows that you put your country before idealogy, unlike that anti-American blowhard Rush Limbaugh.

To andrew: articles in many scientific journals for the last 15 years have shown that our actions in burning fossil fuels, takes more carbon out of the ground and puts it into the air, where it traps in heat. You DO know how a greenhouse works, don't you? You are a childish name-caller, andrew. Grow up, boy.

To weatherdude: Global warming is real, we have caused it to accelerate, and we can slow it down through our efforts to affect a real change and make sacrifices together. The icecaps of Greenland and Antarctica are melting, the sea coral are bleaching out from increasing acidity caused by warming water dissolving more substances, and destructive hurricanes, wildfires and droughts are increasing. America didn't get to be a great country by its people hiding from the truth. Weatherdude, the environment is not God, but you'll realize that God wants us to care for this world if you'll just bother to read Numbers 35:33-34, Deuteronomy 20:19-20, and Matthew 10:29.

To splash85741: The sun warms the earth, but CO2 and methane (CH4) trap the heat in and increase the effects of the sun's warming. Scientic journals such as the Journal of Ecology, Science, Limnology and Oceanography, and others all have a "Methods" section that describe how they take the measurements of what is being studied (including articles that study carbon emissions, expressively called a "carbon footprint"). Try to do some genuine research in a college science library, instead of letting right-wing talk-show hosts do all your thinking for you. Because we are presently consuming 25% of present consumption of oil but only have 3% of the world's oil reserves, your statement that we can produce all the oil we need without having to restrict our consumption is just a pipe dream on your part. But then, conservatism is all about wishful thinking, while liberalism is about facing reality and dealing with it. Splash85741, people like you are the ones who need to wake up before it's too late. Other fuels my work even better for airplanes, but we'll keep delaying the research to find them if we just insist on drilling more and buying more foreign oil. Wind farms generate electricity rather than run on electricity. Don't you know anything?!? You sure don't know what socialism is, for socialism is when the government owns all the industries. The Republican idealogy of how to run this country has nearly destroyed our planet, and if it had succeeded, your "freedoms" to be as selfishly polluting as you'd want to be wouldn't mean anything anymore.

Comment from tomh
January 27th, 2009 at 9:41 pm

One word: thank goodness.

Oh, wait, that's two words.

One word: Obama.

Rocks.

Comment from Amos
January 27th, 2009 at 11:03 pm

Stupid, why do we need more legislation? Do your research this planet is cleaner now than it has ever been. Yes we need to do our part, but legislation is going to come back and bite us all. And who will it help out, the car makers. You'll see you make the legislation, then they say they dont have the money and now we give them more of your money. You want socialism when you have never lived in it. Good Luck

Comment from Amos
January 27th, 2009 at 11:07 pm

Also look into who the chief UN scientist is, he was the same guy who cried global cooling about 20 years back. The guy gets paid by the UN, and the UN is trying to get a Carbon Tax for the world. Money people, follow the money!

Comment from larry
January 27th, 2009 at 11:26 pm

Most of the above commenters should read Lawrence Solomon's book "The Deniers". He has taken the time to interview over 30 of the most qualified scientist in the world and covers nearly all the major considerations on what causes temperature changes and also how politics has warped the science. Atmospheric science is just too complex to model at the present and we should not be using computer models to predict the distance future when they can not even show what is heppening now. ie. Global mean air temperatures dropping since 1998 and the top 2000' of the ocean cooling since 2002.
Do you know that one modeller says that if we apply the best available technology to remove sulfur from all our fuels the earth will warm as much as the worse IPCC estimates. In face of the above we are hell bent on removal of sulfur.
Finally if we want to feed the planet we need carbon dioxide, heat, and water. Most food grows faster with more carbon dioxide. We are about due for the next ice age so enjoy the warmth while you can.

Comment from David
January 28th, 2009 at 2:37 am

Most of you believe the planet will burn up if nothing is done tomorrow. The USA is the sole cause of this global warming and we should go back before the industrial age. Every American is responsible and should pay a heavy fine, not just some but everyone. Every company who makes one million dollars or more profit should pay a 50% tax to the UN to fix what they have done. Every jet plane in the sky should pay 75% tax on every dollar and the diesel buses that pick up those who can not afford their own transporation should be kept of the road and they should ride bikes or motor scooters to work. THis will help our overweight problem and no need for diet plans, this will be replaced by exercise, what a concept. Children exercising instead of sex education. You are correct or new president will fix the atmosphere and we will all breath better in the next four years, praise President Barack Obama, who created heaven and earth out of nothing.

Comment from Kasim Saleh brisam
January 28th, 2009 at 4:15 am

COMPLETE AND FINALE SOLUTION FOR THE GLOBAL WARMING
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvD3KGo79gA

Dear All

The youtube site above has the finale solution for the global warming so please see it and Please send this solution to every one you know and ask them to send it to every one they know specially to people work in universities and research centers and governments and UN and TV stations etcetera.
If you want the text of the idea which includes the calculations and many other useful information please send Email at one of these Emails below.

brysam2@yahoo.co.uk
brysam2@gmail.com

Thank you very much

Yours faithfully
Kasim Saleh brisam
Mobile: +971 50 8668762

This site contains all the 4 videos http://www.youtube.com/user/brysam2

Comment from John
January 28th, 2009 at 1:11 pm

As a Professional Environmental Engineer. My Job depends on the Environment. I love the Earth. I believe that man is the steward of the earth. The Earth is a garden and it is our responsibility to till the ground and take care of it.
I am also opposed to Obama's recent action. I feel it is the wrong course of action. I was worried about his statement when he said he would like to put all coal plants out of business. How do we survive in the absence of coal? Recently when gas prices raised to untenable heights, many scurried to put non EPA certified Natural gas fuel kits on their cars. They did this use the high price was killing them. This was a danger to both fellow road users and to the environment. I can only imagine what people will do if Obama gets his stated wish for electricity prices to sky rocket.
We can help our world but it will not be by Government mandate and rules for auto makers that it is accomplished. It will be by tapping America's genius in the free market. Join with me coming up with real solutions. Solutions that are economically friendly as well as environmentally friendly. If they do not meet both of these standards than they will fail.

Comment from Heather Shelby
January 28th, 2009 at 5:02 pm

garyk,

I just wanted to point out that EDF does work against idling. Here's an example from our recent "Living Cities" section of our website: http://www.edf.org/page.cfm?tagID=22292

Thanks!

Heather Shelby
Online Membership Associate
Environmental Defense Fund

Comment from weatherdude
January 29th, 2009 at 1:11 am

http://www.evangelsociety.org/sherk/wwjd.html

Comment from weatherdude
January 29th, 2009 at 1:16 am

http://www.icecap.us/index.php/go/new-and-cool/shifting_of_the_pdo_to_cool_mode_assures_global_cooling_for_the_next_three_/

Comment from Areo Olusola
January 29th, 2009 at 8:54 am

The recent word of Mr President would definetly have major impact on our environmental awareness especially,we in Africa countries,Nigeria.

Comment from weatherdude
January 29th, 2009 at 11:02 pm

The Weather Channel Founder John Coleman "slams" Al Gore, and I agree with him:
http://media.kusi.com/documents/Comments+on+Global+Warming02.pdf

Comment from GLN PRASAD
January 30th, 2009 at 6:53 am

It is amazing. Mr. Obama will certainly contribute the enviroment for a better world. Not much to say about the intention as it is crystal clear

Comment from mveeee
January 30th, 2009 at 3:55 pm

Thank-you Mr.President… and now we have a glimpse into the possible future we are currently headed for … we all the people of earth must decide if that future is our demise or our opportunity … to do what is right and just. If humanity gets busy we can fix this … Please Focus !!! http://www.manpollo.org