Posts in the category Environment and Conservation

Ohio Green Party Member Dennis Spisak Files For Congress

User from Struthers, OH — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:15:48 EDT

Ohio Green Party Member Dennis Spisak Files For Congress

July 14, 2008

Lisbon, Ohio- Ohio Green Party Member Dennis Spisak filed as as write-in candidate for Congress today at the Columbiana County Board of Elections. Spisak will run as a write-in candidate for Ohio's 6th Congressional District.

" I am running for Congress because I believe we must send a Progressive Liberal to Congress since we already have two conservative candidates in the race, Democratic Incumbent Charlie Wilson and Republican Rich Stobbs. It's time we give the voters of the 6th district a choice between conservative values which have failed this country over the past eight years and Progressive Liberal Values that will bring back Renewable Energy Jobs to the Ohio River Valley, Single-Payer Health Care for All, and clean and fair elections back to Ohio, " said Spisak.

" I am running for Congress because we must send a representative to Washington who will address the issues facing regular citizens, not Lobbyists and Corportation PACS. My campaign will focus on economic justice and nothing less than a renewal of America's sense of community and promise of equal opportunities for the poor, working, and middle class."

Spisak was one of the first Green Party Candidates to be elected in Ohio back in 2005 when he was elected to the Board of Education for the Struthers City Schools system. As a Board Member, he was able to help take the district out of state fiscal control and debt and return the system to financial health in 2 years with the help of his fellow board members.

Dennis Spisak's Platform:

LIVING WAGE JOBS: Organize opposition to NAFTRA trade policy. Protect our workers and unions.

EDUCATION: Fund and protect public education. Make college and technical education affordable. Help provide support, advocacy, and support to Ohio parents and care givers of children and adults with developmental disabilities and autism.

A CLEAN ENVIRONMENT: Promote clean renewable energy and create new renewable energy manufacturers and companies up and down the Ohio River. Protect Ohio's air and water. Improve Mass Transit. With gas over 4 dollars a gallon, busses, vans, and trains are the way many people will get to work-and that number is expected to grow over 40% in the next 10 years. Dennis Spisak will work with Congress on green solutions and less costs to riders and taxpayers.

CLEAN ELECTIONS: Eliminate fraudulent computer ballot counts and use verifiable paper ballots. Assure all Ohioans have an equal opportunity to vote and run for office.

HEALTH CARE FOR ALL OHIOANS: Pass Single-Payer Health Care Acts that cover every American for any necessary procedure their doctor orders without exclusions for pre-exisiting conditions.

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For more information, contract Dennis Spisak at 330-755-0729 or 330-503-1407

I, Dennis Spisak, approve of the contents of this press release.

Pope ignores overpopulation threat

Average Jane — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 08:34:04 EDT

At the risk of confronting a self-flagellating albino hitman from Opus Dei at my front door, I've just got to say Pope Benedict XVI has been a bit disingenuous lately.

Pope in Australia will highlight climate change

DARWIN, Australia (AP) — Pope Benedict XVI began a pilgrimage in Australia Sunday, saying he wants to use his visit to raise awareness about global warming and to address the crisis of clergy sexual abuse.

Benedict's plane landed in the northern city of Darwin in the morning after a more than 20-hour flight from the Vatican. His plane was making a brief refueling stop before flying to Sydney, where he will lead celebrations at the World Youth Day festival.

Benedict, 81, will spend three days resting at a retreat in Sydney before taking part in the festival, including a vigil service with thousands of young people and an outdoor Mass....

Benedict said politicians and experts must be "capable of responding to the great ecological challenge and to be up to the task of this challenge."***

Is there any possible way to address environmental threats without also discussing human population growth?

No. As WOA! explains:

"Overpopulation is a serious problem getting worse every year: if we continue at the current rate, population will double to over 11 billion by 2035. Overpopulation is the root of most, if not all, environmental and many economic issues, timber overharvesting, loss of arable land, ocean depletion, food shortages, water shortages, air pollution, water pollution, flooding, plant and animal habitat loss, global warming and immigration."

As long as the Catholic Church prohibits birth control, it can't effectively respond to "the great ecological challenge." People cause pollution, and there's no getting around that.

It's our American tradition to allow people to practice their religion freely, as long as they don't affect nonbelievers adversely. I've merely been annoyed by Jehovah's Witnesses, but Catholic policies have caused me personal tragedy.

I don't think it's out of line to criticize the pope for choosing to overlook world overpopulation and the negative effects that it certainly will have on my children and grandchildren.

And, oh yeah, don't forget to apologize to those thousands of Australians who were molested by priests, XVI. I know you've got a lot on your 81-year-old celibate mind.

A Generational Challenge to Repower America

Dave Harding, ProgressOhio — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 07:16:51 EDT

Ladies and gentlemen:

There are times in the history of our nation when our very way of life depends upon dispelling illusions and awakening to the challenge of a present danger. In such moments, we are called upon to move quickly and boldly to shake off complacency, throw aside old habits and rise, clear-eyed and alert, to the necessity of big changes. Those who, for whatever reason, refuse to do their part must either be persuaded to join the effort or asked to step aside. This is such a moment. The survival of the United States of America as we know it is at risk. And even more -- if more should be required -- the future of human civilization is at stake.

Watch It:

Save Our Sewers Sign-ups Swamped

Bret Thompson, ProgressOhio — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 16:12:00 EDT

Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic wants to turn sewage into a for-profit, third-party business.

This week a Plusquellic-appointee tried to nix the signatures for a ballot initiative opposing the measure for technical reasons characterized as "petty". Let's just hope this doesn't devolve into some Ken Blackwell-like schenanigans.

While we can't legally circulate a petition online, you can sign up here to let your voice be heard.

Value of a Life Drops 11% (for real)

Bret Thompson, ProgressOhio — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:40:52 EDT

The EPA has dropped the dollar figure on your life by almost a million dollars, during the last five years of Bush-McCain.

Two takes on this:

"It appears that they're cooking the books in regards to the value of life.... Those decisions are literally a matter of life and death."

and

But EPA's cut "doesn't make sense," said Vanderbilt University economist Kip Viscusi. EPA partly based its reduction on his work. "As people become more affluent, the value of statistical lives go up as well. It has to."

Maybe because "people" on a whole are less affluent under Bush - almost all economic gains has been funneled to the top 1%, while inflation eats up the rest.

LocalHarvest: A tasty and healthy way to save the world

User from Columbus, OH — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 12:33:45 EDT

As we all know, the Earth is on its way to destruction. "What can I do to change that?" you might be asking (if you're a good person).

With gas prices as high as they are, now is a better time than ever to start buying locally grown food. The cost of food is rising and transportation is a large contributing factor. Buying locally has many benefits:

Less gas is used because it does not travel as far (meaning less emissions in the air, less money going to gas companies, and less dependence on foreign oil)
You're supporting the little guy as opposed to corrupt megacorporations and factory farms (thereby supporting the economy and livelihood of your community)
Supporting social and environmental responsibility in regards to food economy
Having a personal relation with the food you eat and the people who grow it
The food is often much healthier and organically grown; there is no need for additives and preservatives when it is not traveling and sitting on shelves
Animals are treated humanely; not like products in a factory

Sure it's nice being able to buy food cheap, but this actually has many negative results on our economy. Plus, it is morally questionable and socially irresponsible. Though we may be heading towards a recession, we are still one of the wealthiest nations in the world. It's no surprise why much of the world has a bad view of Americans when we have a reputation for laziness and stinginess. However, you don't need to perpetuate that stereotype!

There's a great organization called LocalHarvest that was started in 1998. The current state of food economy worldwide is not sustainable. While it is possible right now due to low energy costs, we will soon be forced to reevaluate how we get the food we need. If not addressed soon this could cause food crises, panic, chaos, and another depression. Guillermo Payet, the activist who started the website, realized this and wanted to use the internet to help the Buy Local movement.

The website helps people connect to the local farms in their community. Utilizing Google Maps, you can easily search by zip-code, city, or state to find family farms and farmer's markets near you. What you can't find locally you can probably find in their online catalogue.

The website also boasts many other aspects, such as a forum, events page, newsletter, blog, and more. I strongly encourage you to check it out and tell everyone you know about it: it is a wonderful resource we can use to do something good. Knowing you're helping make positive change is a reward in itself!

Goodbye to the World's Biggest Polluter

Bret Thompson, ProgressOhio — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:15:13 EDT

Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian Prime Minister, was described in the White House press pack given to journalists as one of the "most controversial leaders in the history of a country known for government corruption and vice". The White House apologised for what it called "sloppy work".

Not a bad summary of the past 8 years.

Special Screening July 17th: GAS HOLE

Dave Harding, ProgressOhio — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:59:31 EDT

I would like to invite you to share information regarding my timely, hot-button film, "GasHole," narrated by Peter Gallagher. We are having a special screening event at The Drexel Grandview Theatre on Thursday, July 17th.

"INFURIATING...HARD HITTING...GAS HOLE STANDS TO RISE IN DIRECT PROPORTION TO GAS COSTS." -- Rob Nelson, Variety

"CHILLING....I'D REQUIRE EVERY AMERICAN CITIZEN TO SEE IT." -- Joe Williams, St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"GAS HOLE IS CLEARLY A MOVIE WHOSE TIME HAS COME." -- Duane Dudek, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel "

GasHole
Coming to The Drexel Grandview in Columbus
July 17th for One Show Only!

GasHole Trailer

My name is Scott D. Roberts and my partner, Jeremy Wagener and I are the writer, producer and directors of the new documentary, "GasHole," narrated by Peter Gallagher. (www.gasholemovie.com) This timely, hot-button film takes an intense look at oil prices and the future of alternative fuels.

The film has a special screening event at The Drexel Grandview on Thursday, July 17th, at 7:30pm with a Q & A session with the filmmakers to follow the screening. Tickets are $10.00 for general & $8.00 for Seniors/Students/Military.

Come see the film that everyone is buzzing about before it hits theaters!

We'd love to talk about the film, tour, and our struggle to get it made.

Thanks for your time.

Sincerely,

Scott D. Roberts

Ohio and America's problems in the 21st Century

User from Struthers, OH — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 22:21:50 EDT

Ohio and America's problems in the 21st Century

July 7, 2008

* America is losing jobs. The private sector has lost more than 400,000 jobs in the last six months. Over the past seven years, 3.4 million manufacturing jobs--one out of every five--has been shipped overseas. Today, a smaller percentage of Americans have jobs than at the beginning of the Bush administration.
* Basic costs are skyrocketing. The price of gasoline has increased by more than $2.50 per gallon since George W. Bush took office and the average household will spend $2300 more on gas this year than in 2001. The cost of health insurance has nearly doubled during the Bush Administration. Tuition and fees at public four-year colleges are up 46 percent since 2001. And now food prices have begun to rise.
* American incomes are stagnant. Adjusting for inflation, American workers haven't made any salary gains since Bush took office. In fact, real median household income dropped nearly $1000 from 2000 to 2006. The number of Americans in poverty increased from 31.5 to 36.5 million from 2000 to 2006. Now, one out of every eight Americans is considered poor.
* We're mired in debt. Sixteen percent of mortgaged homes are now "underwater"; that is, the mortgage owed equals or exceeds the value of the house. It is estimated that by June 2009, nearly one in four homes will be underwater. At least two-thirds of college students graduate with some debt and the average debt among graduates exceeds $19,000. More than 850,000 families filed for bankruptcy last year, a 38 percent increase over 2006.
Progressive solutions:
For heaven's sake, let's stop squandering $340 million dollars per day on the war in Iraq; let's put that money to work here in the U.S. instead. For example, to soften the blow of the current recession, state and local governments need federal aid so they can continue providing critical community services. To restore America's economy, we need to invest in ourselves. That means fixing our nation's bridges and roads, expanding mass transit and broadband access, becoming energy independent, developing new "green" technologies, and ensuring that every child receives a high-quality education. To redirect spending to where it's needed, we need to eliminate tax breaks for wealthy corporations, especially those that reward companies for sending jobs overseas.

Dennis Spisak-Independent Green Party Candidate for State Representative-60th District
Campaign Site: Http://votespisak.tripod.com
Visit our links to Progressive Job Programs and Healthcare for All Ohioans Act

Solving The Energy Crisis: Let's Drill Fat Americans!

Dave Harding, ProgressOhio — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 06:26:47 EDT

Liposuction: The Key to Energy Independence

The idea came to me from reports of the growing crime of French fry oil theft: certain desperate individuals are stealing restaurants' discarded cooking oil, which can then be used to fuel cars.
So the idea is, Why not could skip the French fry phase and harvest high-energy hydrocarbons right from ourselves?
I'm talking about liposuction, of course, and it's a mystery to me why it hasn't occurred to any of those geniuses who are constantly opining about fuel prices on MSNBC.
The average liposuction removes about half a gallon of liquid fat, which may not seem like much. But think of the vast reserves our nation is literally sitting on!
Thirty percent of Americans are obese, or about 90 million individuals or 45 million gallons of easily available fat--not from dead diatoms but from our very own bellies and butts.
This is the humane alternative to biofuels derived directly from erstwhile foodstuffs like corn. Biofuels, as you might have noticed, are exacerbating the global food crisis by turning edible plants into gasoline.
But we could put humans back in the loop by first turning the corn into Doritos and hence into liposuctionable body fat.

Ohio Needs A Green Communities Act

User from Struthers, OH — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 19:55:52 EDT

Ohio Needs A Green Communities Act

July 4, 2008

Beth Daily of the Boston Globe reported yesterday that Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick signed into law the Green Communities Act that will do away with long-standing obstacles to building renewable energy power projects in the state and to make homes and businesses more energy efficient.

The law will provide rebates to homeowners and businesses to install insulating windows and more efficient boilers. Homeowners and businesses will also be able to rent solar panels from utilities to avoid expensive upfront costs as well as wind turbines. They will also be allowed to sell surplus energy back to the utility companies. The new law could help save millions of dollars through energy efficiency and hold down consumers' electric bills. Governor Patrick also has set an aggressive goal to increase solar power in the state by 600 percent in four years.

As the Green Party Candidate for State Representative for the 60th district, I believe we need a state representative who is willing to work with other leaders in the house and senate in Ohio to make the same kind of commitment here in the Buckeye state.

Dennis Spisak Campaign Site; Http://votespisak.tripod.com

Renewable Energy Pioneers -- Right in Northwest Ohio-Why Not Youngstown?

User from Struthers, OH — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 21:41:36 EDT

Renewable Energy Pioneers -- Right in Northwest Ohio-Why Not Youngstown?

July 3, 2008

According to an article from James Canterbury from Toledo he reports this week that Ohio is becoming a leader in alternative energy research and development. For example, the Sunlight Corporation in Toledo has been making flexible solar panels for years and is now expanding to become one of the largest manufacturers in the country. But that's not unusual, according to Sunlight's vice president.

"Even though people might think there is not much sunshine in this area, actually there are quite a lot of manufacturing and research efforts in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan," says Liwei Xu, Ph.D. Much of that research, which is done at the University of Toledo, is resulting in some surprising uses for alternative, renewable energy. The technology exists today that could help you recharge your dead cell phone with your own personal solar panel.

While Sunlight Corp. tries to harness the power of the sun, one local school district is roping the wind -- or hopes to in about a year. Archbold Schools District is raising a wind study tower with help from Green Energy Ohio. "Basically, what results we will get from that is what size wind turbine would benefit our school district the most and provide us with the most energy to help offset our electric and utility bills," explains Laura Bickel, science teacher. These alternative energy pioneers are doing what it takes to become future power players.

Again, we see other areas of Ohio jumping on the renewable energy bandwagon, while the Mahoning Valley political leaders stay mum on the subject and refuse to act.

Even the Wall Street Journal reported yesterday that the city of Houston, Texas is giving wind power a try. The heart of the U.S. oil patch on Tuesday began using wind-powered electricity for about a fourth of its municipal power needs at a lower price than it is paying for power produced from coal and natural gas, city officials said.

The move shows how renewable energy's prospects are improving at a time of soaring fossil-fuel prices. Long derided as an expensive niche, wind power now is moving closer to the mainstream.

As the Green Party Candidate for State Representative for the 60th District, I again point out the high tech and blue-collar jobs that can be brought to the valley if we turn our attention to renewable energy manufacturing jobs for this area. Why is incumbent Bob Hagan failed to speak up on this subject? Why has Republican candidate Tim Gordon failed to speak up on this issue? Do they not want new jobs and neighborhoods for our poor, working, and middle class of the 60th district?

Dennis Spisak-Green Party Candidate for State Representative-60th District

Campaign site: Http://votespisak.tripod.com

Visit our links to progressive job programs

Finally, US House Introduces Feed-In-Tariffs

User from Struthers, OH — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:30:44 EDT

Finally, US House Introduces Feed-In-Tariffs

July 2, 2008

U.S. Representatives Jay Inslee (D-WA), Bill Delahunt (D-MA), Jim McDermott (D-WA), and Mike Honda (D-CA) introduced landmark legislation last Thursday that will provide security for investments in the renewable-energy sector by guaranteeing rates for renewable-energy generation. This policy mechanism, also known as a national feed-in tariff, may be the single most effective tool to expand renewable energy development that we know of.

International Energy Agency, the European Commission and the United Kingdom's Stern Review have determined that feed-in tariff policies in Germany, Spain, France and other European Union countries have achieved larger renewable energy deployment at lower costs, compared with policies in other European Union countries.

The legislation has two principle titles. The first would streamline interconnection standards and the patchwork of policies currently governing interconnection. The second title addresses the actual process of setting of renewable energy tariffs, and what would qualify. This bill would not only apply to the mom and pop backyard wind turbines, and rooftop solar - the tariff extends to projects as large as 20 megawatts!

As it is currently written, the tariff would be revisited no later than one year after it is enacted and every two years thereafter, thus incorporating a ratcheting mechanism that allows the rate-setters to adjust for technological advances, bottlenecks in supply chains, changes in demand, and other unforeseen stimuli that might necessitate a rate revision.

According to a statement released by the bill's co-sponsors:
"Enacting a federal renewable-energy payments policy would streamline what could become a patchwork regulatory structure and an unstable investment climate for the U.S. domestic renewable energy market. It also would complement incentives for renewable-energy deployment, such as existing federal-tax credits as well as proposed plans to cap carbon emissions and set federal renewable-electricity requirements, among others."

Rep. Inslee added:
"With hundreds of billions of dollars in capital slated for investment in the clean-energy sector in coming decades, we'd be fools if we didn't ensure American manufacturers would be on the receiving end of this rapidly growing market."

Rep. Delahunt continued:
"It is time for the United States to take a leadership role in the new 'clean energy' economy. By giving our own consumers access to proven financial incentives and boosting demand for clean energy technology we can position the United States to become a world leader in this emerging sector of the global economy that has the potential to create thousands of new 'green-collar' jobs here at home.

As the Green party Candidate for State Representative for the 60th district, It is about time the US House recognizes that feed-in-tariffs have helped renewable energy grow in Europe. We will also need such tariffs here on a state-wide basis to help renewable energy production to grow here in the 60th District. This is an important piece of legislation needed for the poor, working, and middle class of the valley.

Dennis Spisak-Green party Candidate for State Representative-60th District

Campaign site: [votespisak.tripod.com]

Check out our links to renewable energy and progressive job programs

The Itch of Global Warming

Average Jane — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 08:45:43 EDT

If collapse of the polar ice caps is too remote of a threat for you, consider one of the side effects of global warming: more ubiquitous and virulent poison ivy.

Yup, increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has a fertilizing effect on the nasty vine. Leaves grow bigger and faster, and produce more noxious oil.

"Duke University botanist William Schlesinger says the vine's exuberant response to carbon dioxide may have unsettling implications for human health as the level of the gas in the atmosphere continues to increase.

"Higher levels of carbon dioxide also impacts the health of forests, which some botanists feel, are already suffering because of the uncontrolled growth of vines at the expense of trees and other plants."

Yuck. I hate poison ivy. As a kid, it was a Calamine lotion ritual every summer. Now, even though I'm extra-careful about avoiding it and washing up just in case, I sometimes still get the nasty rash.

However, I'm no longer feeling sorry for myself after viewing the Skin Rash Hall of Fame at poison-ivy.org. The purpose of this site is to sell poison ivy identification charts. (Read the sarcastic "How to Make Your Own Poster.") There are also some great poison ivy stories, including a guy who was splattered with juice when he cut a 4" diameter vine with a chain saw.

In Ohio, poison ivy in leaves-of-three vine form is very common along the edges of forests and highway berms. Our current wet weather and increasing CO2 are only going to make it worse.

Poison ivy reminds us -- like gophers collapsing levees -- Nature will prevail. Don't try to outrun a tornado. Don't feed wild animals. Don't swim into the riptide. Don't think for a minute that you can win a competition with Big Mama. She'll beat you every time.

I think Mom's PO'd at all the abuse we've given her lately, and this itchy kudzu is her way of disciplining us.

New Jersey's Solar Success-Why not Ohio?

User from Struthers, OH — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 22:03:30 EDT

New Jersey's Solar Success-Why not Ohio?
Posted by: Dspisak (IP Logged)
Date: June 30, 2008 09:59PM

New Jersey's Solar Success-Why not Ohio?
July 1, 2008

Last week in the New York Times, Anthony DePalma wrote about New Jersey's booming solar power success.

With oil prices skyrocketing, demand for solar power is booming. And New Jersey, which has used a rebate program to help install more solar panels than any other state but California, is getting burned by its own success.

There is a backlog of more than 700 applications for the rebates, and property owners have to wait months, even years, to get solar panels installed. The program, which is paid for by surcharges on all utility bills, has been shut down several times over the last three years because applications far outpaced rebate money. Some solar installation companies have had to lay off workers while they waited for rebate checks to be sent.

All this has convinced New Jersey regulators that it is time to wean solar energy from public subsidies altogether. The state plans to replace rebates with energy credits that can be bought and sold on the open market.

As it works out the details of the transition, New Jersey -- not the place most people associate with solar innovations -- finds itself at the forefront of a growing national debate about the role of government in helping stimulate this sector of the energy economy.

Under a state energy master plan, solar power should account for 2.12 percent of New Jersey's electricity by 2020. But even though more than 3,100 residential and commercial solar systems have been installed during the six years the state has offered rebates; they generate only 0.07 percent of current energy needs.

The state is planning to turn to a program it started several years ago that issues energy credits. The concept is simple: Solar projects generate energy credits every year, and the state requires utility companies to buy them to offset carbon emissions from their power plants and to help meet renewable-energy targets. By purchasing credits, the utilities do not actually generate solar power, but they offset the cost of installing and operating solar equipment.

New Jersey plans to greatly expand the program by allowing the credits to be bought and sold like commodities, with long-term contracts and prices set by the open market.

Regulators say that will be fairer to ratepayers and help the state reach its renewable-energy goals faster. They also say the plan provides safeguards for small installers and ensures competition by prohibiting any company from capturing more than 20 percent of a utility's yearly credits.

SunEdison, based in Maryland, has already made inroads in New Jersey using a new approach -- called power purchase agreements -- that smaller companies do not have the capital to duplicate.
Under those agreements, which the state first allowed in 2004, property owners do not have to buy or operate their solar projects, or handle the sale of energy credits. Instead, they avoid all up-front costs by contracting with SunEdison or other large companies, and bill property owners at fixed rates that are lower than utility company rates.

SunEdison has put up more than 22 solar systems in New Jersey, along with dozens in others states, mostly for large retail companies like Kohl's.

Experts say these purchase agreements can promote the move to solar power. And regulators hope that a vibrant market for energy credits will speed that growth to the point where solar power can compete with conventionally generated electricity.

Again, we see another state moving ahead of Ohio in providing renewable energy jobs and savings to the poor, working, and middle class.

As the Green Party Candidate for State Representative, I would work to bring Ohio and the 60th district the same type of renewable energy choices other Americans are being offered today.

Dennis Spisak- Campaign web site: [votespisak.tripod.com]

Finally the American People are SACRIFICING for the War Effort!

The Mustang Major — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:35:39 EDT

Having survived the OPEC Oil Crisis of the late 1970s, early 1980s, I sold my gas guzzling Oldsmobile Cutlass that I bought outside Fort Carson, Colorado after playing an extra in the prequel to Iraqnam (Vietnam), I purchased what was then called a 1975 Nissan Datsun 1200.

Along with the attractive appeal for the Japanese car came another trend of the OPEC Oil Embargo on Western nations, everyone and their cousin around the University of Maryland, Baltimore, County, Baltimore City, and of course the University of Maryland, College Park right outside Washington, DC., were being forced to dump their V-8’s and related gas guzzlers onto the used car market. It reached a point where folks who either relied on these larger vehicles or bought them for vanity or even safety and security had no choice but to get rid of them, because they just could not afford THE GAS!

I will not depress you by quoting what the high gas prices were during the hayday of the Japanese car invasion that almost killed the American Auto Industry, but suffice it to say that OPEC, mother nature, and of course the Iraq War or War on Terror in general is making gas prices make the first OPEC Oil embargo look well, CHEAP in comparison.

LESSON NEVER LEARNED: Unless WE THE PEOPLE need a pick-up truck or SUV for work, farmers come to mind, self employed handy men (and women) come to mind, folks making a living hauling firewood or whatever comes to mind, THE REST OF US only need V8 engines and the monstrosities they haul out of vanity and greed.

There is no excuse for this, and who’s fault is it? Ok, I know the American thing to do is seek out scapegoats, but nope, that just ain’t gonna work anymore. The collective we, manipulated by the American Auto Industry with the best paid auto workers on earth bar none. We are to blame.

The reason that I’m not that patient nor caring for those who have to practically give away their gas guzzlers is that at least one American Auto Maker has had a proven track record in producing economical gas efficient cars that could compete with ANY foreign invader, that company was General Motors – Saturn launched in 1990.

With the exception of a short love affair with the Chevy Blazer that proved to be a let down when gas was cheaper, our military family has been a two, then later three Saturn family. We bought our first Saturn in 1990 instead of a Nissan or Toyota.

In the economic downturn, and high gas prices that are with us to STAY, Saturn (and other American auto makers) now need to expand it’s line into gas efficient pick-up trucks and related utility vehicles that are really needed for well, UTILITY or WORK or someone’s livelihood.

This is my long-winded introduction to my posted subject, “Finally the American People are SACRIFICING for the War Effort!” The greatest differences between the first Arab Oil embargo and this one are that the first one was in RETALIATION for our siding with Israel in the early 1970s Arab-Israeli War. We actually did not have boots on the ground in combat anywhere having been still reeling from Vietnam and trying to build a Modern Volunteer Army, etc.

Ohio Ratifies Great Lakes Compact

Bret Thompson, ProgressOhio — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 12:16:29 EDT

28% of the world's supply of fresh water is tucked away just to Ohio's north.
According to the feds, 36 states may run into water shortages in the next five years.
Ohio has now signed on to the Great Lakes Compact, which will help make sure the midwest's greatest natural resource isn't overused or diverted.

Cutting Solar Power Costs

User from Struthers, OH — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 21:05:27 EDT

Cutting Solar Power Costs

June 28, 2008

The costs of generating solar power will be on par with the costs of power made from fossil fuels like natural gas and coal within a decade, according to clean-tech research and publishing firm Clean Edge and green-economy nonprofit Co-op America. The two groups collaborated on a new report, the Utility Solar Assessment (USA) Study, to provide a roadmap for utilities, solar companies, and regulators to work together so the nation can derive 10 percent or more of its power from the sun by 2025.

In related news, the Financial Times reported last week that the U.S. is set to overtake Germany as the world's largest wind market in 2009. American wind energy is riding the wave of an investment boom accounting for a 45 percent jump in capacity last year alone.

As the Independent Green Party Candidate for State Representative, I will work in Columbus to help continue to cut renewable energy costs so it can be made more affordable to the poor, working, and middle class. Now is a pivotal moment for renewable energy in the United States. There is a real opportunity here for companies to stake a major claim in the market because there has been a pent-up demand.

Dennis Spisak- Campaign site: Http://votespisak.tripod.com

Check our links to renewable energy programs

"White House Refused to Open Pollutants E-Mail "

Bret Thompson, ProgressOhio — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:55:22 EDT

Bush pulls perhaps the most preposterous gambit in modern governance by refusing to open email from the EPA. No word if he'll squeeze his eyes shut really tight, put his fingers in his ears and hum if someone accidently opens up it.

Only Political Candidates in Ohio willing to put their campaign platforms in writing are two Independents, two from the Green Party, and ironically one Republican.

The Mustang Major — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 08:36:20 EDT

Don't you seriously think that it is way past time for an organization with Progress in it's logo push Ohio candidates to stand on and by their views BEFORE giving them your VOTE?
Frankly, I believe that part of this is political arrogance by Democratic candidates that they or their campaign staff do not recognized PEACE groups, especially a by-state organized grassroots movement BIG MISTAKE. I would be the first to point fingers at the Republican Party, it is a given they are ARROGANT, except at least one Republican has the humility to fill out and acknowledge these most serious state and national issues.
Given, a few candidates from all parties have already stated their positions on the issues via their online campaign websites. If that be true, at the minimum respond to Voters for Peace and tell us that.
Of note, on the Ohio State page of Voters for Peace, yes WE are a presence here; ProgressOhio is listed as one of our resources. We depend on you to answer this CALL TO ACTION.

Robert L. Hanafin, Major, U.S. Air Force-Retired