There are several downers about high oil prices. Gas is more expensive and so are groceries. Geopolitically, oil-producing countries - some run by dictators - gain power through wealth acquisition. I can count on one finger the number of reasons why a U.S. president would personally visit Saudi Arabia with hat in hand: to request lower oil prices, as Bush did earlier this year.
Yet, there is a substantial benefit to uncomfortably high oil prices: people begin to change their habits. And now, just when Americans are using more public transportation, when biking suddenly makes sense... just when hybrid and low-emission vehicles are taking off and Detroit is "bolt"ing for electric vehicles - just when we were essentially becoming better stewards of the environment, gas has dropped from over $4 a gallon to about $2 in less than six months. Now, there is a side of me that really likes seeing lower gas prices. I call it the "I-didn't-buy-a-Yaris-to-still-be-paying-$40-to-fill-it-up" side. But lower gas prices inevitably means less desperation among consumers, and subsequently, less openness to alternatives.
Geopolitics aside, expensive oil is necessary if Americans are going to become sufficiently primed for alternative energy. Yes, businesses and entrepreneurs are innovating. A "green" movement has begun, but the general public must get on board. Having to pay more at the pump will push us to embrace these innovations more quickly, both as consumers and as voters. It will force us to make environmentally wise decisions, even if initially we're just trying to save some money.
Fortunately for our wallets, gas is down. Unfortunately for the environment, gas is down.
11 November 2008
07 November 2008
Back Down To Earth
This week's election of Barack Obama for U.S. president has set off an impressive surge of patriotism and excitement across the country. Even many of his political opponents have acknowledged the immensity of this moment in U.S. history.
But while there is a time and a place for "Obamamania," we must not get carried away. He is, after all, human - and a politician at that. Supporters and critics alike must continue to hold his feet to the fire. Americans should be pragmatic, acknowledging a good decision, regardless of whether it comes from a Democrat or Republican, while at the same time recognizing and pointing out poor choices.
Obama has already made several mistakes in his first three days as president-elect. First, during his acceptance speech, Obama used language that is frighteningly reminiscent of Bush's "us vs. them" worldview that has isolated entire societies. "To those who would tear this world down," Obama said, "we will defeat you." Second, he chose Rahm Emanuel as his White House chief of staff. The Chicago politician is known to be intense and abrasive. This is unlikely to foster the bipartisanship that Obama has promised. Furthermore, Emanuel's overtly pro-Israel position could hinder an already elusive Middle East peace agreement. Finally, Obama made an insensitive remark about Nancy Reagan in his first press conference on Friday. He has since apologized.
As Obama sets out on what, in all fairness, will be an incredibly challenging first term, Americans should exercise mental discipline by maintaining a supportive, yet watchful attitude. If you are a fan of Obama, please know that he would welcome such an approach. In fact, throughout his campaign, Obama was the epitome of discipline. His critiques were typically fair. He remained focused on the big picture and he never got carried away. The result was success. If you voted against him, be fair and productive in your criticisms. Find some common ground while at the same time maintaining a watchdog posture. Republicans will have front-row seats for an important job over the next four years: Holding the Obama administration accountable.
But in fact, it's everyone's job - even those still chanting "Yes we did!"
But while there is a time and a place for "Obamamania," we must not get carried away. He is, after all, human - and a politician at that. Supporters and critics alike must continue to hold his feet to the fire. Americans should be pragmatic, acknowledging a good decision, regardless of whether it comes from a Democrat or Republican, while at the same time recognizing and pointing out poor choices.
Obama has already made several mistakes in his first three days as president-elect. First, during his acceptance speech, Obama used language that is frighteningly reminiscent of Bush's "us vs. them" worldview that has isolated entire societies. "To those who would tear this world down," Obama said, "we will defeat you." Second, he chose Rahm Emanuel as his White House chief of staff. The Chicago politician is known to be intense and abrasive. This is unlikely to foster the bipartisanship that Obama has promised. Furthermore, Emanuel's overtly pro-Israel position could hinder an already elusive Middle East peace agreement. Finally, Obama made an insensitive remark about Nancy Reagan in his first press conference on Friday. He has since apologized.
As Obama sets out on what, in all fairness, will be an incredibly challenging first term, Americans should exercise mental discipline by maintaining a supportive, yet watchful attitude. If you are a fan of Obama, please know that he would welcome such an approach. In fact, throughout his campaign, Obama was the epitome of discipline. His critiques were typically fair. He remained focused on the big picture and he never got carried away. The result was success. If you voted against him, be fair and productive in your criticisms. Find some common ground while at the same time maintaining a watchdog posture. Republicans will have front-row seats for an important job over the next four years: Holding the Obama administration accountable.
But in fact, it's everyone's job - even those still chanting "Yes we did!"
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