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

Commissioner Parker Speaks Out on the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program

This week I was touched by the story of a single, low income, hard working, mother of three in D.C. whose eldest child, attends the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program. The program was created by congress in January 2004 as part of the District of Columbia School Choice Incentive Act of 2003. Under the program, her child along with 1,700 others, receive scholarships vouchers, worth up to $7,500 per child, which can be used to cover the costs of tuition, school fees, and transportation to a participating private school of their choose. This school choice is critical for low-income D.C. residents, particularly those whose children attend public schools, which according to some reports can run tax payers as much as $15,000 per child, and are in need of serious infrastructure improvement and or academic corrective action.

According to a recent report from the US Department of Education, over the programs brief history, there has been a statistically significant positive higher impact on reading test scores and a positive impact overall on parents' school satisfaction and safety. Now let me be perfectly clear here, this is not a democrat or republican thing; this is a right and wrong thing! $7,500 per student for better results or $15,000 per student to sit in crumbling schools; Humm, no brainer right! Yet, congress has chosen to discontinue a working, successful program, and return the 1,700 students back to one of the worse school systems in the US. This is not only shameful, it is clearly political.

Commissioner Gregory Parker presented the first ever Guardian Angel Awards

Monday, April 06, 2009 New Braunfels, TX: Before a delighted crowd, Comal County Commissioner Gregory Parker presented the first ever Guardian Angel Awards. “It was a humbling and wonderful experience,” Parker said. “The winners really deserve this recognition for the work that they do to protect our children.”

Fridays luncheon, sponsored by St. Jude's Ranch for Children, Children’s Advocacy Center of Comal County, Comal County Child Welfare Board, Star Awards, and Ashley Furniture, was well attended by local and regional child advocacy volunteers, agency representatives, law enforcement partners, and elected officials.

To standing ovations winners received their awards. Sharon Hileman, of Comal County, received the 2009 Guardian Angel Award for Volunteer of the Year. Gilbert M. Castro, of Guadalupe County, received the 2009 Guardian Angel Award for Agency Partner of the Year. Rosemary Campise, of Hays
County, received the 2009 Guardian Angel Longevity Award. Daniel Perez, Sherry Flume, Nancy Deckard, Melissa Hines, and Patty Toney, each took home the 2009 Guardian Angel Honorable Mention Award.

Commissioner Gregory Parker created the Guardian Angel Awards to honor volunteers, non-profit agency partners as well as law enforcement and child protective services workers that assist in preventing child abuse and neglect, and/or work to strengthen families. “This was a wonderful way to show we care,“ said Parker. “To show our support for those that protect our children and work to improve our families.”

Thanks to all who attended, the award recipients and to our event sponsors.