Unsustainable Energy Policy

Politicians can not handle the responsibility of creating a sustainable energy policy. Between Frist’s proposal for a $100 tax rebate and Menendez’s tax holiday, it’s pretty obvious that Senators aren’t serious about correcting a real problem facing the US economy. When it comes to oil, natural gas, electricity and water I’m in full agreement with Chavez and Morales. The natural resources should be controlled by the state for the good of the people. Citizens should not be held ransom by corporations bowing to greedy shareholders. There’s a large difference between healthy competition and the monopolization of the energy sector that is rampant in US. Unless the government can do something to break up the big 5 oil companies the trend will be towards further consolidation and even less of a chance of relief for Americans. Rebate and tax holidays hide an issue that the government should be openly addressing: a shortage of fuel grade ethanol, coupled with price manipulation by large oil companies and OPEC.