Put down that broad brush, step back from the wall, and take a deep breath.

Just because we've seen some spectacular examples of greed-driven stupidity in recent years--and anyone who thinks we haven't is dumber than a sack of rocks--does not mean that any program that relies on market-based mechanism is doomed to failure.

One could use the same approach to condemn all government actions, all educational institutions, all gun ownership, any organized religion, etc.

We have to choose the best possible ways to address the quickly growing problems of climate chaos and peak oil. That means not just picking the right mechanism and walking away, but remaining diligent, and flexible, about how those mechanisms are implemented.

I really hate how much the current bill was watered down, but it's so much better than doing nothing or relying on Bush-era "voluntary compliance" that had I been a member of the House I would have voted for it--and immediately made plans with my colleagues to strengthen it.