Like, Duckman, can we finally start breathing again???!!!

You know, just to touch on this global warming thing for a sec... I'm going to wax on about energy usage. I think we (America) need to cut back about 20% of our energy usage. But it has to be at the retail level. That's you and me.

Here are some ideas...

* Turn the thermostat down in the winter. Try 62-63 when your home, and wear a sweater. Set it to 60 when you're out.

* Turn the thermostat up in the summer. Try 84-85 when you're home.

* Install a whole house fan, and you may not need the air conditioner at all, except for those long heat waves.

* Replace your light bulbs with energy efficient light bulbs.

* Take mass transit as much as possible if you can.

* If mass transit is unavailable, try telecommuting, alternative work schedules, ridesharing/carpooling. However many days a week you can do it, do it.

* For your next vehicle, consider a hybrid. Especially for multiple car families. Maybe you have a van or SUV for family trips, but no reason not to commute to work in something a little more efficient. The govt. even will give you a tax break next APR 15th if you buy one this year.

Maybe somebody else has more ideas. But the benefits of doing these things are tremendous. We'll burn less oil, coal and natural gas if we all do this. That's good for air quality. That's good for water quality. That's good for those of us who are sick and tired of depending on the Middle East for crude oil.

There is also financial benefit to you, as you spend less on monthly energy bills and less at the filling station. That means more money for other things.

One of my neighbors complained that their energy bill was almost $500 in January. "That's like a car payment" he told me. And that money is gone forever.

Whenever the words "global warming" are tossed around, the energy issue is instantly politicized and nothing gets done. Except for arguing about it. But there are some things all of us can do, and should do, to cut our energy usage.

Duckman, you tell them that there are millions more out here in America who are just as pissed off. We want a plan, a platform, and our liberal Party back.

Why isn't the current administration doing anything to promote conservation? Could it be because they profit from our oil consumption? It's fine for the few enlightened folks out there to conserve energy and feel self-righteous about it, but it simply isn't going to happen on a large enough scale to matter unless it is promoted or mandated by the Bush administration....and they just have no reason.

but, muckdog, conservation may be a personal virtue, but it isn't a basis for an energy policy. Now drilling for 6 months worth of oil in a pristine wilderness, *that's* a basis for an energy policy!