Tip your Cap....and Trade

My, I'm just about overwhelmed with all the positive response from all of you. Thank you! I've noticed most of you are too shy to post in the open comment window at the bottom. Nonetheless, I've got your message! Your not to shy to share though, this blog has had an incredible amout of hits! Nice job gang!

There is so much going on in the world this week, it all overshadows each other. I have to say, watching the freedom fighters in Iran reminds me of our own struggle against tyranny with England. Every American's heart should be behind these brave people. This serves as a spectacular reminder of the challenges our own ancestors went thru to give us the lifestyle we live today. You have to believe the Iranians are inspired by the open elections enjoyed by their neighbors Iraq and Afghanistan. We've raised the bar in the middle east, they have a taste of freedom and yearn for it. The life and death drama played out on our televisions nightly serves as a wake up call, our freedom is precious, and paid for with the blood of our forefathers, protect it.

While on the subject of protecting our freedom, legislation is expected to be voted on this week we all need to be aware of. The energy bill is about to make it's debut, we need to make our voices heard. Clean renewable energy is a nobel goal and something we should work toward, but...

Cap and Trade has been tried in Europe and is a gigantic fiasco. A great illustration of how this is going to work began back in 2005. The European Union began to issue permits for the right to emit carbon dioxide. The idea was if you exceed set emission levels you would be forced to go to the market place to purchase credits from companies that did a cleaner job emitting. Europe's largest carbon emitter, the German power company RWE, got permits thru lobbying for 3% more emissions than the previous year. The company then traded the excess capacity, earning 6.4 billion over the first 3 years. It created a whole new profitable market paid for by the 5% increased price placed on the back of the consumers. While raising prices to the consumer it also raised emissions 32% the first two years, a complete turnabout from the original goal. In America, General Electric has positioned themselves to be the broker for bartering these permits. They stand to make a hefty profit paid for by you the consumer, under the guise of lowering emissions.

Cap and Trade is a tax that will be paid for by the consumer. It effects the rich and the poor, we all use energy. In this economy can you afford to have an increased energy bill? This administration ran on a platform to help the middle and lower income Americans. Every time the Government takes a dollar out of your wallet you have fewer choices. Fewer options mean less freedom. Not unlike Iran, our freedom is being challenged. Protect the freedom our forefathers bled for, call or e-mail your representative and ask them where they'll be working next term if they pass this legislation.

www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml -

www.visi.com/juan/congress

God Bless
Capt. Bill