<Standard Offer Contracts - the Future for Renewable Generation?The Oil DrumDrumBeat: October 19, 2006>

57 comments on DrumBeat II: October 18, 2006

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Robert Rapier on October 18, 2006 - 11:12pm Permalink | Subthread | Comments top
Unless Obama has some skeleton in his closet that has yet to come out, I think the odds are high that he will be president in the not too distant future. He really opened up some eyes at the last Democratic National Convention, and he comes across as very sincere, and likeable. I wonder, though, whether he really thinks ethanol is an answer, or whether he is playing home-state politics.

Speaking of ethanol and politics, I saw something today in the Richmond Times-Dispatch that really pegged my irony meter:

Yesterday, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine joined representatives of General Motors and state and federal agencies in launching the first E-85 pump in the Richmond area. The pump, connected to an 8,000-gallon tank, is at a state fleet-vehicle office on Leigh Street.

Kaine touted the environmental and human-health benefits of a cleaner-burning motor fuel and praised the public-private partnerships that promote the fuel's use. He then filled up a GMC Yukon sport utility vehicle used by his office from the new pump.

Gosh, I guess every little bit helps. Maybe we can get some subsidies to buy everyone a nice Yukon, or a Hummer if they prefer.
 

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PeakEngineer on October 18, 2006 - 11:20pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top
That's been the problem with Obama -- it's hard to read where he really stands on the issues.  Overall, it seems he has the right perspective, but it's clear he is a masterful politician.  I would say I have some guarded optimism about Obama being good for the country.
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KansasCrude on October 19, 2006 - 10:22am Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top
Typical pre-election proganda crap from CBS and Katie the Airhead Kunt elect the Democrats Shill machine.  Where are the Free Speach comments from the Peak Oil warrior Roscoe? CBS won't air that because it might show that a Elephant man has the edge on this issue in Congress.
Ethanol give me a break how about some conservation?  Have the government pay for the Car Companies health care costs if they can give us a couple more mpg.  Give me a bend over and grab my ankles freaking break.  Obama is the new pretty boy for the Dems he may be the best they have but he is still an empty suit. Trust me CBS and Katie the Airhead will spread their legs anytime to advance Obama's career.  
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dinopello on October 19, 2006 - 12:42am Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top
I wonder, though, whether he really thinks ethanol is an answer, or whether he is playing home-state politics.

EVERYONE initially thinks ethanol is the answer.  I mean growing plants - good, helping farmers - good, it all sounds very green and very benign.  That is, unless and until you start really trying to evaluate and understand what you really have.  

Don't know Obama, but my impression of him is a guy who will (eventually) listen to fairly detailed arguments (on all sides) and make thoughtful decisions.  If true, then there is hope.  

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jhm on October 19, 2006 - 7:09am Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top
While Frum might be the kiss of death for a potential candidate, This piece on NPR yesterday morning implies some degree of concerted effort by the powers that be.
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jokuhl on October 19, 2006 - 8:19am Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top
I didn't get this line,

"At the same time, the United States must pay for the long war against Islamic extremism. Yet the United States spends one third less now than we did 20 years ago on national defense -- only about four and half percent of national income."

Is he talking about GDP?  I thought Defense was half the Federal Budget?  Is he thinking it must be more?  (I suppose so, if he so fully jumps into the idea that it's our military that will be fighting the Jihadis..

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dipchip on October 19, 2006 - 8:52am Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top
In 2005 the DOD spent 19% of the 2.5 trillion Federal Budget. 474 Billion vs 2.472 in outlays. Plus emergency funds for Afgan and Iraq.
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SqueakyRat on October 20, 2006 - 6:29pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top
We spend a lot on national defense through the intelligence agencies, many of which are not funded through DOD. Then there's the Dept. of Homeland Buffoonery.  Also, the absurdity in Iraq has repeatedly been funded through special appropriations that are not part of DOD's budget. My guess is that we are spending at least $650-750 billion/year on national defense.
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PeakOil Tarzan on October 19, 2006 - 9:18am Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top
Frum repeated the same statistic in a give-and-take with Robert Reich on NPR yesterday evening.  That refers to 4.5% of GDP, not Federal spending.
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PeakOil Tarzan on October 19, 2006 - 9:24am Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top
Frum's argument was -- and I'm paraphrasing -- that 4.5% of our national income is a small price to pay for economic and political stability. He's right, of course. The biggest threat to the Western Military/Industrial machine is a scarcity of resources.
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tstreet on October 19, 2006 - 7:19pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top
Since you brought it up, how about the Governor of Montana?  He is clearly an energy wonk, although you might have some problems with some of his prescriptions. But at least he has apparently thought pretty deeply about the issues and could readily grasp any criticisms you might have.
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