Presidential Promises, Environmental Concerns

Odd isn't it, that the Republican candidate appears so steady-as-she-goes, so thoughtfully and carefully committed to the kind of change that the reality of Climate Change and the expectations of the American public require. While his Democratic counterpart, not wishing to be left behind, more or less echoes his rival's position, but with an undertone of hysteria; rashness to the other's rationale.

Crass, almost. As though it's incumbent upon the candidate of the liberal 'suasion to go one better. Those pledged to his support, seeing in the candidate something fine and noble, are complacent with his direction. They've every right to be. He's doubtless sincere and well-meaning. Who really knows who is deluded and who is attempting to delude in any event? The public takes it all on trust.

John McCain sensibly claims he would offer sizeable cash incentives to enterprising developers of vehicles that would spew less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. He has outlined a program he calls the "Clean Car Challenge", to issue tax credits with the sale of zero-emissions vehicles. The lower the emissions, the higher the tax credit. Sounds reasonable, and perhaps even achievable.

"Innovation in the use of alternative fuels in transportation presents the greatest opportunity for energy independence" he claims. Motherhood statement; it's what everyone wants to hear and he won't disappoint them. It is an increasingly important issue, no doubt about it. What's really impressive, is his opposition to corn-based ethanol, currently government policy. Ethanol sourced from inedible fibrous growth is infinitely more sensible.

He emphasizes the need to rupture the current monopoly of fossil-based fuels. We need to look increasingly at solar energy, at creating diverse and workable options for the creation of clean-burning and infinitely renewable energy sources; wind and sun. As the urgency to convert and to become independent increases, so will the creative minds rise to the challenge. In the process we must also become more careful, less wasteful.

And hard on the release of Senator McCain's most recent statements, come Barack Obama's, not to be left out of the public eye. Senator Obama is direct and unequivocal; he would be relentless in denying the use and usefulness of "dirty, dwindling and dangerously expensive" oil, if elected president. That sounds like he's targeting Albert's nasty tarsands projects. And little wonder, since extracting from that source is more costly, more injurious to the environment.

But it's a toss-up really. Shipping crude oil from the Middle East is also injurious to the environment and costly in and of the process involved. And there's another little thing in the equation that so many Americans, presidential hopefuls included, seem to overlook. Their next-door neighbour, Canada, is the foremost provider of oil and gas for their energy market. No need to point the finger of blame at Canada.

Fact is, Canada is conceding to America's demands in the supply of dirty oil. The process is largely owned by American corporations. And it's Canada's environment that is being compromised so dreadfully through the dire need of the United States to be assured of a steady supply of energy. So instead of turning that crooked finger at Canada, turn it inward, as John McCain has done.

Change internally, by persuading manufacturers and researchers and producers of all kinds to make available alternate devices for energy needs and production. Canada will be there right alongside the United States. We're partners in geography after all, just as we're partners in the process of sharing security of resources, security of national interests, security of our populations' needs.