There seems to be all this talk about how to get the economy going. The press wants to make it 2 schools of thought: cut taxes or spend more money (by the government). Neither one is the way to fix the economy. While Obama is out touting his jobs bill - he doesn't even get it about what a real job is. He keeps bringing up public sector jobs and claims no one else has a plan. He forgets about all the plans that have not been voted on by the Senate or voted down. HE is stuck on his mantra of wanting the rich to "pay their fair share" I guess he wasn't good at vocabulary in school, because fair never includes making someone pay more than another. But all of that is digression.
Again, no one is bringing up the point about how a nation having access to abundant inexpensive energy is the key to developing economically. Apparently no one gets it. No one on the right is touting this as the way to fix the economy - no one on the left is either. Of course, some will say we need more regulations on energy and we need green energy. "Green energy" is such a vague and I believe miss-used term that it is just another talking point (doesn't matter which side is bringing it up). I remember when the long life mini fluorescent light bulbs were touted as being green. They forgot that they all have mercury and in most cases technically you need an EPA clean up team to dispose of even one single bulb according to most federal and state regulations. They may save a bit of energy, but they sent jobs to China and are now an environmental hazard of epic proportions, but the "green" folks are ignoring that part right now.
Most "green energy" programs cannot pay their own way. There has been so little in the development of solar cells and wind generators the last 20 years compared to other sources of energy, it is pathetic. Why? Because it doesn't pay to develop them. So far only the government has been willing to pay for green energy directly or indirectly through tax credits, etc. The electric car isn't significantly better than ones developed 20-30 years ago. There are a few batteries only a little better than they were 20 years ago, but the cost in energy to build such cars off sets any savings in energy.
Do develop the economy, you need to develop energy. Natural gas, coal, and nuclear can all be developed and used inexpensively. There needs to be a comprehensive energy program that focuses heavily on these energy sources. Unleash the energy industry and you will see the economy boom, and jobs grow like crazy. Continue the ridiculous regulations and the economy will remain stifled.
It is not about banks, wall street or corporations - it is about energy and regulations. You can fix the economy for the cost of zero dollars.
This isn't to say the debt problem doesn't need fixed - but the fastest way to get the economy moving is abundant inexpensive energy.
(Editor's note: After I published this Rick Perry came out with a plan that addresses these issues. Good for him - at least someone sees the importance of this.)
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