Congress wants a payraise?

"Despite low approval ratings and hard feelings from last year's elections, Democrats and Republicans in the House are reaching out for an approximately $4,400 pay raise that would increase their salaries to almost $170,000." (MyWay)

Are you kidding me?

If Congress is so unhappy with their pay, perhaps they should retire from office?

Foreign oil dependency: Jobs versus National Security

Can America survive a couple more decades of foreign oil dependency?

So, the Senate has already watered down their original CAFE plan, and more diluting should be expected in the House, as Detroit-influenced lobbyists storm the halls of Congress. When all is said and done, you'll probably be able to drive a fleet of Hummers through all the gaping CAFE loopholes.

Obviously, Detroit has no choice. When around 70 percent of your business comes from selling the most fuel-inefficient vehicles, the phrase 'fuel economy' becomes fighting words. Besides, isn't Detroit just trying to protect American jobs and an important part of America's economy?

Yet, are those jobs more important than National Security? When a line can be drawn from the first Persian Gulf War to Bin Laden to 9/11 to Afghanistan back to Iraq because of foreign oil dependency, isn't it time to start asking serious questions and to take serious actions?

Automakers using cylinder deactivation to trick EPA?

Does real world fuel economy matter?

An article in USAToday notes that many automakers are now using cylinder deactivation to increase fuel economy.

Great news right?

"Every little bit helps. But I think it's for marketing reasons," says David Champion, director of auto testing for Consumer Reports magazine. He figures the systems are tuned to deliver their biggest benefits during the federal fuel-economy test cycle. That's the test that generates the mileage numbers posted on new vehicles' window stickers.

"We've found that in most driving conditions, it's always in full-cylinder mode, not cutoff," Champion says. "It's a sub-10% improvement, maybe 13 mpg instead of 12" on a big pickup.

Consumer Reports gets fuel-economy readings by splicing a meter into a vehicle's fuel line to "measure the exact amount of fuel consumed in three very strictly controlled tests," he says.

Senate shows some bipartisanship on CAFE

Can bipartisanship in Senate transfer to the House?

While the CAFE plan passed in the Senate wasn't as strict as many would have liked, it is far better than nothing. Additionally, it was nice to see some bipartisanship for once. Can this sentiment transfer to the House when it takes up the same legislation - probably sometime this Fall?

Sure, there will almost certainly be a plethora of loopholes for automakers to exploit, but at least fuel economy is becoming an important discussion in America. Hopefully, that will push more and and more American consumers to do their part as well.

Bloomberg and Unity08 in talks?

Does this look Presidential?

While Michael Bloomberg continues to deny that he is interested in a run at the Presidency, others claim he his at least interested in exploring the possibility of an independent run.

"Although there has been no decision to run yet, sources tell CBS 2 that Bloomberg has a loose group of advisers figuring out exactly what it would take to gather 700,000 signatures, get on the ballot on all 50 states, and select potential electoral college delegates."

In addition, there have also been conservations between the Bloomberg camp and the Unity08 group.

Regardless of whether Bloomberg runs, I like his rhetoric. "I believe we can turn around the county's wrong-headed course, but only if we base actions on ideas, shared values, and a commitment to solve problems without regard to party."

Ralph Nader to run for President in 2008?

Setting up a real Independent debate

Ralph Nader made a small hint at running for President according to some at the Take Back America Conference.

Imagine an Independent Party debate between Ralph Nader and Michael Bloomberg - that might actually be interesting.

Fuel economy tearing Congress apart?

Can she lead the House on fuel economy?

Forcing automakers to develop significantly more fuel efficient automobiles is proving to be no easy task - something which should be a surprise to no one.

According to Reuters, "The U.S. Senate struggled on Wednesday to reach a compromise on proposals to increase vehicle fuel efficiency, a major sticking point in broad-based energy legislation." In addition, " Unable to reach a consensus among Democrats, a House of Representatives committee said this week it would delay consideration of its fuel economy and global warming proposals until autumn."

Gallup: America thinks both parties suck

Congress can't get no respect

"The honeymoon phase is over for the new Congress, as the public's ratings of Congress are down again this month. The latest congressional job approval rating (24%) is the lowest for the institution since Democrats took control of both houses in January, and is far below the 37% registered in February. The decline has been most evident among Democrats, whose ratings of Congress now match those of Republicans."

Time to tax big oil?

Senate passes $29 billion tax package

The Senate Finance Committee passed a proposal to tax big oil almost $30 billion dollars. The tax revenues will then be used to fund clean technologies, such as hybrid cars, wind power, and clean coal. Now the proposal will be added to the energy bill and go before the full Senate.

$22 billion? Sounds like pocket change for big oil considering their profits in the last few years.

Bloomberg blasts Presidential debates, partisanship

Is partisanship destroying America?

NY City mayor, Michael Bloomberg, blasted the Presidential debates and the U.S. press yesterday at Google's headquarters.

"They have absolutely nothing to do with the job and the qualifications. And they don't tell you anything about whether or not any of those candidates would be good or bad presidents. What they really say is, did they memorize their notes of ‘What to say if …' and whether their staff was able to anticipate," the mayor said. "If you look at both debates, they pandered, what I would argue, the same ways."

In addition, Bloomberg had strong words about Washington's addiction to partisanship.

" Washington is sinking into a swamp of dysfunction….We're talking about a serious and harmful addiction here," Mr. Bloomberg was to tell attendees at an opening session last night, according to a prepared text released by his office. "Unfortunately, there's no ‘Promises' clinic for partisanship."

(New York Sun)

CAFE - Why not tell the truth?

The technology is there

While fighting against proposed CAFE increases, a number of automakers and their alliances have claimed such increases were technologically impossible.

Once the same argument was used with hybrid cars, until the Toyota Prius proved that hypothesis wrong. Now almost every automaker is taking lithium powered hybrids incredibly seriously.

Ultimately, the current CAFE plans in Congress are technologically achievable today, let alone more than a decade from now. So, let's be honest.

The real issue isn't technology, it's cost. Is the cost of developing a new generation of automobiles worth the end of foreign oil dependency, for example? Is it worth it for Congress, consumers and automakers to come together to achieve a common goal?

Reid says CAFE will happen

Wow, Reid and Bush agree! America needs to get tough on foreign oil dependency

"I know the auto industry is still wavering on this issue," Reid told a Washington think tank. "I met with the CEOs of the Big Three automakers last week, and here is what I told them: The debate on raising CAFE standards is over. It will happen."

"Perhaps if they had joined us instead of fighting us these last 20 years, they might not be in the financial mess they're in today," Reid said. "But now is their chance to do the right thing -- both for their bottom line and for the American people. And if President Bush is truly serious about raising CAFE, he'll help us pass this bill."

(DetroitNews)

Republicans suck: Why doesn't the right care about foreign oil dependency?

What do you stand for elephant?

Back in March I posted the article, Democrats suck: Why no Toyota hybrid tax credits? And they do suck. But, to be fair, Republicans also suck.

With Republicans in control of Congress, President Bush asked Congress to extend the hybrid vehicle tax credit. Yet Congress did nothing.

Why?

Didn't the Republicans in Congress care about foreign oil dependency?

Even Bin Laden - the scorn of the Republican Party - has connected 9/11 and other terrorist activities quite directly and indirectly to foreign oil. Bin Laden even considers oil to be the Achilles heal of America.

Thus, National Security hawks, such as James Woolsey, have called foreign oil dependency the greatest threat to American National Security. As a result Woolsey has become a huge proponent of hybrid vehicles - he drives a Toyota Prius - and, particularly, plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Yet Republicans did nothing, despite the claim they are strong on terrorism?

Really? Or, only when it is convenient?

Americans should be doing everything possible to address foreign oil dependency, yet Democrats, albeit poorly, are the only ones really pushing what should be a core Republican value, national security.

Extending the hybrid tax credit is something that should be done right now. If extending the hybrid tax credit - if striving for foreign oil independence as quick as possible - is bad for American automakers, then maybe a few U.S. automakers just aren't very good for America.

Nonetheless, I still say the Democrat Party sucks, it just sucks a little less than the Republican Party regarding foreign oil dependency. Of course neither Party has ever really done anything about foreign oil dependency

Hillary's Detroit play - Will taxpayers win?

Who pays?

"Hillary Rodham Clinton on Saturday offered a double-barreled campaign message for the struggling U.S. auto industry: accept tougher fuel economy standards in exchange for federal help with the costly burden of retiree health care."

"Clinton said negotiating health care should not be the UAW's responsibility, saying she favored steps that would "lift some legacy costs from the auto industry."

According to the article, Clinton didn't offer any details on the plan.

So, the taxpayers would pay for it?

CAFE: Proof of the dysfunctional-ity of Congress?

Expect a weak, pork-filled bill?

If new CAFE legislation coming out of Washington proves one thing, it's the dysfunctional-ity of Congress.

Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., said he strongly opposed the committee's draft, calling it "deeply flawed""It doesn't step up to the urgent challenge. It blinks and then steps back," he said. Waxman also quoted New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman who said "you could drive a Hummer through the gap between our words and deeds."

Yet, the committee's draft has essentially been crafted by Waxman's fellow Democrats. Not that Republicans should rejoice in the hypocrisy of the Democrat Party - at least the Democrats are doing something. Unfortunately, despite the strong rhetoric coming out of Democrats on issues, such as global warming, little action is actually taking place.

What CAFE really proves - a fact most Americans recognize according to most polls - is that Congress has become just shy of useless - at least for the people. Fortunately for Congress, we the people, are too lazy and complacent to do anything about it.

Hypocrisy: The Big 3 and fuel economy versus ethanol?

O.K. to regulate more ethanol, but not more fuel economy?

Sometimes it's hard not to be annoyed with the Big 3. They spend millions fighting against fuel economy regulations, but they have no problem asking for E85 regulations.

"If market forces don't rapidly increase the number of fueling stations that offer E-85, then regulatory solutions will be needed," GM's Rick Wagoner told the Senate.

E85 is not an excuse for U.S. automakers to not become significantly more fuel efficient, especially considering all the problems today's E85 causes. Until cellulosic ethanol can be achieved cheaply, America needs to temper its use of E85. With or without E85, U.S. automakers need to develop vehicles like the Toyota Prius - very fuel efficient, yet desired by consumers.

Perhaps instead of waiting 3 years until U.S. automakers develop a Prius contender, U.S. automakers could ask for help developing hybrid cars and other clean technologies. I'm tired of U.S. automakers always speaking about E85, health care, etc rather than automobiles.

Do actions speak louder than words?

What does your car say about you?

I know many people whom live in the dumpiest apartment, yet they drive a Lexus or some huge gas-guzzling SUV. When their car payments and insurance are combined, these people are paying half a monthly mortgage on a car lease. Not only will these people probably never own a house, a recent study I read says they will probably die in poverty.

--> Finish What do cars say about American culture?

Hard on Iraq, soft on foreign oil dependency?

Likes to slam war in Iraq, yet soft on foreign oil dependency?

I think today's two party political system is just short of becoming a complete joke. I'm an issue orientated guy, yet issues seem to matter little in Washington.

Self-proclaimed national-security-protecting Republicans couldn't seem to care less about the most important national security facing America: foreign oil dependency. On the other hand, Democrats criticize the Iraq War and big oil companies, yet protect Detroit's gas-guzzling-creating culture.

Anyway, two of Michigan's leading Democrats have proposed a new CAFE plan, according to the DetroitNews, that insulates Detroit's most fuel-efficient vehicles, light trucks and SUVs, from any real increase. The plan does, however, at least include money to develop plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Cars & Global warming: Does anyone care?

Foreign oil dependency fighter

Hybrid cars, such as the Toyota Prius, are extremely clean and loved by numerous greens. Hybrids, such as the Prius, are also loved by national security hawks whom realize that if every American drove a vehicle as efficient as the Prius, America could end foreign oil dependency.

While some Americans argue about the reality of man-made CO2 caused global warming, few can argue that foreign oil dependency is not a significant threat to national security. Fortunately, however, fighting foreign oil dependency, inevitably, also fights global warming.

Perhaps, at least in the very near term, it would be better for greens to focus on foreign oil dependency, rather than global warming, at least when it comes to automobiles?