Energy Actions Speak Louder Than Words, or Blame

If there is one thing that is certain it is that we have come to not only expect but we require the existence of a “Boogey-Man.” On April 20, 2011 President Obama speaking to community college students and others in Virginia delivered on expectations and informed us that the villain behind our current energy woes was the boogey-man known as the dreaded “SPECULATOR.” He (they collectively) were responsible for driving gasoline prices higher. So what is a speculator you ask? A speculator is one that takes large and unusual business risk to gain financially from anticipating future price movements.

As a professor of government and understanding public policy and the economy as I do, I know that federal reserve policy, foreign affairs and speculation do play a part but can we definitively link the current spike in the price of a gallon of gas only to speculators or is this yet another example of baiting and switching the American public. Speculators operate their business based on anticipating what will influence the price, they have no real control over world events. Speculators didn’t fire up their weather machines to create storms nor are they responsible for the tensions in the Middle East and most importantly speculators don’t possess the bully pulpit.

President Obama has only himself to blame for creating an atmosphere of anti energy (oil, gas and coal specifically), which in turn leads speculators to see future risks. We all remember the famous declaration by candidate Obama when he declared that he was going to “Fundamentally change America” and the statements made during the campaign that in order for his green agenda to be realized “the price of energy would necessarily have to skyrocket.” Some of his rhetoric could be attributed to bloviated campaign exuberance but as we have witnessed this is less about rhetoric and more about action. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu was quoted as saying “Somehow we have to figure out how to boost the price of gasoline to the levels in Europe.” This statement was made in September of 2008 and if you were an oil speculator what would you be thinking?

In order to make a real case when it comes to responsibility we need more than just words, we need examples of action as well. According to the Institute for Energy Research some, but not all, of the clearest examples of action to stop energy production are as follows: The administration withdrew 77 oil and gas leases in Utah, this could represent a loss to American taxpayers of millions in lost production royalties and more importantly new jobs. The administration delayed oil shale research that would help advance American technology and create high-tech jobs. The administration supported cap-and-trade legislation that could cost American families more than $3,100 a year in higher energy cost. The administration ordered the cancellation of the Navajo Nation power plant that prevented the Navajo nation from creating new jobs and reducing its 42% percent unemployment rate. The administration revoked an already issued permit to a West Virginia coalmine operation that cost 250 American jobs. These are just a few of the examples.

Speaking of American jobs; President Obama visited Brazil and issued a promise to be a great trading partner and vowed to assist their county in creating jobs all the while killing an estimated 13,000 jobs in the gulf region and 19,000 nationally by imposing a moratorium on drilling in US water. Yes lets be clear the moratorium on shallow and deep water drilling was lifted by a federal court, yet the administration’s slow permitting has effectively continued the moratorium on offshore deep water drilling, placing the entire Pacific, Atlantic, Gulf and parts of Alaska essentially off limits to energy production. All the while a CNN polls shows the US public supports offshore drilling by 69% and the support for global warming is in free fall.

So now we can revisit the “Speculators” and their role in the spike of oil, the path America finds herself on in relation to its energy future. Is it the guys whose job it is to guess where the price of oil will be in the future or is it the guy who set our country’s energy policy or dare I say anti oil, gas and coal policy? The guy who can suspend oil exploration with the flick of a pen? The guy who sends his minions out to tell Americans we need to see prices at the pump that resemble those in Europe? The guy who has stated that in order for his green agenda to be realized energy prices would have to skyrocket? I guess in the end I don’t have to ask, it’s abundantly clear.

In the end this issue isn’t all that different from any other facing this nation, there are two competing sides and in politics as it is in life there always has to be a winner and a loser, a right side and a wrong side and the challenge is as it has always been, informing yourself and choosing correctly. The Congressional Research Service as stated that the USA has by far more energy resources in reserve than any other country in the world. In fact we are the only country in the world that seriously restricts access to such resources. It is my humble opinion that the real goal should be to balance and blend the responsible utilization of this nation’s energy resources while maintaining a strong vibrant economy. This means doing things that create jobs and opportunities for Americans first. The fact is any comprehensive energy plan must utilize all of the tools in Americas energy toolbox, wind, solar, nuclear, domestic oil, natural gas, and yes, even clean COAL.

Commissioner Greg Parker at SREC 12/4/2010

Knowledge is Power, not a Distraction

By Gregory Parker:

Information seems to be anathema to the Obama administration or at least that is the message being preached by the leader in chief and lived by his minions. In Congressional testimony yesterday our Attorney General was being questioned by the assembled panel and asked why he opposed the new law in Arizona which broadened the authority of law enforcement officials when dealing with potential or possible illegal immigrants. He was asked if he had read the new Arizona law and his reply was simply “No, I have not had a chance to look at it.” Outraged the congressman questioning Mr. Holder explained that the bill was only 10 pages long unlike the 2,900 page Healthcare Bill and that the congressman found it odd that Mr. Holder would make the rounds on the Sunday talk shows denouncing the bill and threatening to launch federal suits to stop it if Mr. Holder hadn’t even read the bill.

Rewind to this past weekend as President Obama spoke at a commencement ceremony, he told the Hampton University grads he was addressing, "You're coming of age in a 24/7 media environment that bombards us with all kinds of content and exposes us to all kinds of arguments, some of which don't always rank that high on the truth meter….” He continued on, “And with iPods and iPads and Xboxes and PlayStations -- none of which I know how to work -- information becomes a distraction, a diversion, a form of entertainment, rather than a tool of empowerment, rather than the means of emancipation." Really!?!. Information according to the anointed one becomes a distraction, a diversion, a form of entertainment rather than a tool of empowerment! It enslaves us and prevents our emancipation! Really!?! Furthermore I am supposed to believe that this man, the man who caused a stir when he wanted to keep, no had to keep his BlackBerry even when the Secret Service advised against it, the man we call POTUS (President of the United States) ushered a new phrase into our Presidential phrase lexicon BOTUS (BlackBerry of the Unites States) has suddenly shunned technology and the evils that it delivers?

Our founding fathers have earned their place in our history, they were men who led this country through its formation and with their blood, sweat and tears and often their lives, and their writings disagree with the notion that there could ever be too much information. Contrary to the sentiments of our current President I quote Former President Thomas Jefferson, from a reply to the American Philosophical Society in 1808, “I feel... an ardent desire to see knowledge so disseminated through the mass of mankind that it may, at length, reach even the extremes of society: beggars and kings." The writings of Jefferson are replete with references to the pursuit of information, of knowledge and the importance of an informed citizenry. Contrast that with the absurd ranting of the current President and his assertion that “…information becomes a distraction, a diversion, a form of entertainment, rather than a tool of empowerment, rather than the means of emancipation." Jefferson also reminded us in this famous quote that “Information is the currency of democracy.” He showed in just 6 words that information is the power that drives the greatest social and economic engine the world has ever known. So the question becomes, Why is our president so worried about his Bosses (American Citizens) having access to information? After all this was the man who ran on transparency, on putting everything on the net so that the American people could be active participants in their own government, so that those elected to represent us could be held accountable for how they conducted business and spent our money. Why the sudden condemnation of the one thing that Jefferson showed us is the currency of democracy?

The answer is simple, information is not only the currency, it also translates into power. He who controls the power can make the rules that we all have to live by and this President has shown his lust and thirst for power. His agenda is rife with issues that transfer power to the federal government. Just look at the government grabs of healthcare, the financial institutions and the auto sector with designs on controlling utilities through the pending Cap and Trade legislation, the fairness doctrine as well as pushes to control the population through an expanded and very liberal immigration policy. Make no mistake here folks, this administration knows the value of information and they are quickly becoming adept at manipulating and controlling the message. Take for example the latest piece of propaganda put together by the Obama administration and keep in mind the sheer hypocrisy and irony in this little factoid. Just one day after Obama told the graduating class at Hampton University that “information becomes a distraction, a diversion, a form of entertainment, rather than a tool of empowerment, rather than the means of emancipation” the White House used Flickr, Twitter, FaceBook and WhiteHouse.gov to promote the nomination of Solicitor General Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court with what amounted to nothing more than a staged mock journalistic interview of the nominee. Now explain this to me again Mr. President because history and real historical figures, men of honor and accomplishment seem to have summed it up a bit better than your trite attempts at self serving subterfuge.

Global Warming...Really Undergoes Review.

Take a look at the book review written by W.J. Rayment at the Conservative Monitor.

"Parker's assault on the GWA (as he achronymizes the Global Warming Activists) is both dead on logical and devastating. This is a great book to help get a basic understanding of the global warming issue. It also brings up many fresh points that would aid in a debate. 'Global Warming, Really?' is another nail in the coffin of that dying horse we call Global Warming."

Global Warming...Really? is Book of the Week:

Book of the Week: Global Warming...Really? by Gregory E. Parker. Parker is dead on in his analysis of the global warming issue. He meddles in the science and finds it spurious. He weighs the leadership, and finds in hypocritical. He peruses the history and finds it repetitive. He seeks the reason for the perpetration of the global warming hoax and finds a money trail. This is an excellent review of the global warming debate. This slender volume with verve and a remarkable ability to get to the point. Click here to check it out.

Crooks get gold ring on Europe’s ‘carbon carousel’

Opponents of the European model of cap-n-trade system warn this type of corruption would happen. Come on, you didn't think it was about the environment. With the failures of the European cap-n-trade system why would any US politician entertain such a system in America? In an op-ed in the Roanoke Times Paul J. Georgia said it best:

“…Because cap-and-trade is a complex regulatory scheme that hides the true costs of compliance from taxpayers. Politicians can regulate energy use through the hidden tax of cap-and-trade to avoid accountability, creating the perfect cover for vultures like Enron to swoop in and capture the rewards.” ~ Paul J. Georgia

Crooks get gold ring on Europe’s ‘carbon carousel’ | Washington Examiner

Interior Department Approves Construction of Controversial Offshore Wind Farm

"...this leader had a role in secret behind-the-scenes maneuvering to stop the proposed wind farm project. What example is this leader displaying for the rest of us? What leader would try to undermine the very green global warming cause they claim to believe in so strongly?"*** Well wednesday Interior Secretary Ken Salazar approved the construction of a proposed wind farm project off the coast of Cape Cod, putting two "green" movement leviathans at odds with one another.

Interior Department Approves Construction of Controversial Offshore Wind Farm

*** a quote from the book Global Warming...Really?

What Others Are Saying About The Book

“Greg’s book is interesting, easy to read and understand and sums up the entire global warming debate. In the best traditions of the citizen soldier, he has taken the time to arm himself with the facts on this matter, and by doing so, makes it easier for everyone to do the same. I say as a citizen solider, because his love for his country is evident to me as a driving force behind this book. His search for the truth on this matter in this book is a journey any objective person of good will in this country should be willing to embark on. I couldn't put it down and hope everyone will use this to arm themselves with the facts.” ~ Joe Bastardi, Senior Meteorologist AccuWeather.

“Gregory has written a book that understands the science or more correctly the bad science. More important he then presents the entire issue from his strength of knowing and understanding the political and economic ramifications of the deception. He recognizes the threat to jobs and economies, but realizes that basing policy on false information is a more profound problem, that meaningful leadership must spring from truth and basic values.” ~ Dr. Tim Ball, renowned Environmental Consultant and former Climatology Professor at the University of Winnipeg.

"Parker provides a warts-and-all look at the dubious data, crippling costs and bamboozling bosses behind global warming alarmism. Really." ~ David Almasi, Executive Director National Center for Public Policy Research.

“Greg's book does much to dispel the myth that issues like global warming are to help the people who can't speak for themselves. Greg goes a long way to explain how these lies suddenly become truths. The book is a great study in how the Left co-opts many issues, and specifically how they have made natural climate occurrence into nothing more than a money-grab and a farce. An interesting and must read!” ~ Kevin Jackson, Political Pundit and Conservative Radio Show Host.

Cap-n-Trade or “Crap-n-Charade’s” Impact On Texas

In the past I have stated that I believe in the promise of a bright and balanced energy future for Texas powered by abundant resources and driven by Texas pride and ingenuity. My belief remains steadfast however lurking on the horizon is a dark storm cloud known as Cap and Trade, (Waxman-Markey bill) or what I would like to refer to as “Crap-N-Charade.”

Putting aside the argument validating the science of global warming, this so called noble venture (legislation) masquerades as environmentally sensitive with a stated purpose of protecting the Earth from mankind. Cap and Trade is a creation of lawmakers based on a lie and a flawed understanding of the connections between carbon-dioxide emissions and climate change. The true reality is if this legislation is passed and signed into law it would be a major blow to Texas and could only be viewed as a punitive course of action for all energy producers.

According to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Texas leads the nation in energy production producing more crude oil, natural gas, electricity and wind power than any other state. Texas also leads in consumption, accounting for 11.5% of the energy use in 2005. With that said the next logical question would be what does “Cap and Trade” legislation mean for me and my fellow Texans? The answer is higher energy costs and the loss of jobs.

In a recent analysis conducted by the Texas Comptroller’s office in partnership with the Center for Energy Economics at the University of Texas-Bureau of Economic Geology, Texas could see as many as 135,000 to 277,000 fewer jobs by 2012 and 400,000 fewer jobs by 2030, with a resulting decline in gross state product of $20 billion dollars. Additionally, The Heritage Foundation found in one of its recent studies, that during the timeframe of 2012 to 2035 Texas would see a massive decline in its gross state product as well as a $9.187 million dollar reduction in the personal income of Texans. Texas would also see an increase in gasoline prices of $0.62 per gallon as well as an increase in electricity prices of $890.59 per household in the same timeframe. I don’t know about you, but $890 dollars even in a good economy is a lot of money, especially to Texans working from paycheck to paycheck.

I’ve said it before and I will say it again, the real goal should be to balance and blend the responsible utilization of energy resources while maintaining a strong vibrant economy and protecting private property rights, not protecting a debatable ideology. The fact is any comprehensive energy plan must utilize all of the tools in the states energy toolbox, fossil fuels and alternatives energy. A clear view shared by Scott Tinker, the Texas state geologist. He stated in a recent article by Dave Michaels in the Dallas Morning News “We must get away from these either or choices; fossil fuels or alternative energy or the environment, and work them together as we build a bridge to the future."

In an economy that is screaming for assistance and a population hungry for jobs, what we really need out of Washington is a real and balanced approach to energy, not additional taxes or more hands reaching into the pockets of hard working Texans.

The GOP has an energy plan

While the price of gasoline has risen 50% in the past five months, Democrats in Congress nevertheless seem determined to make our energy situation even worse. Case in point: Legislation sponsored by Reps. Henry Waxman and Edward Markey to establish a cap-and-trade system that will sharply limit carbon-dioxide emissions and increase energy prices.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124467604217304035.html