Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Cap-and-trade will increase energy costs
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Cap-and-trade will increase energy costs
Freshman Rep. Tom Perriello, D5th District, voted for the cap-and-trade bill (HR 2454). Oddly, Perriello cited his interest in national security as the reason.
Perhaps Perriello (like The Roanoke Times) is unaware of President Obama's statement to the San Francisco Chronicle on Jan. 17, 2008, citing climate change as follows: "You know, when I was asked earlier about the issue of coal, uh, you know, under my plan of a cap-and-trade system, electricity rates would necessarily skyrocket. Even regardless of what I say about whether coal is good or bad. Because I'm capping greenhouse gases, coal power plants, you know, natural gas, you name it -- whatever the plants were, whatever the industry was, uh, they would have to retrofit their operations. That will cost money. They will pass that money on to consumers."
Now we know what this boondoggle could cost every U.S. household. In its Sept. 18 release, Treasury estimates cap-and-tax could cost $200 billion annually, which works out to $1,761 per household. Solar activity drives our climate (it is cooling), with carbon dioxide having very little effect. No matter; liberal progressives love their Kool-Aid.
Remember headlights when driving in rain
I had noticed it in the past, but this last rain made me think. How many people do not know there is a law for using headlights when the wipers are going? I understand that they think they can see just fine, but the lights also allow others to see their cars.
I am sure this is not the only law that has hit the books and drivers are unaware. Either we all need to take a test when renewing our driver's license or send new laws out with car tag renewals. Either way, we need to be aware of laws that are there to help protect us on the roads in Virginia, which had more than 1,000 deaths in 2007 and 824 in 2008.
Republican candidates aren't a good selection
Recent polls indicate Republican candidates leading in the upcoming election races. Are potential voters seeing the same candidates that I am?
Do they know that Bob McDonnell stymied job creation by opposing the Governor's Opportunity Fund and fought efforts to obtain $125 million to help Virginia's unemployed?
Why did McDonnell, who now supports working women, oppose equal pay for equal work only a few years ago? With McDonnell's law degree from Pat Robertson's university, will those ultraconservative, often wacko, ideas rule the governor's mansion?
Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling wants to keep a job he neglected over the past four years. Why rehire someone who missed most meetings he was expected to attend?
Ken Cuccinelli, GOP attorney general candidate, stands virtually alone by failing to condemn Del. Phil Hamilton, who appears to have obtained special appropriations for a state university and then requested a job from that school. Lacking experience as a prosecutor and having no qualms about possible ethics violations, does Cuccinelli deserve Virginia's top law enforcement job?
Can someone explain why people prefer bush-league politicos to honest, conscientious, dedicated candidates like Creigh Deeds, Jody Wagner and Steve Shannon? Does voter outrage trump even common sense?
Absurd to award prize based on hope
A Nobel Prize for Barack Obama?
Can someone explain this to me in terms that make sense, rather than the garbled excuses given by the Nobel Prize Committee?
To say that he was awarded the prize based on what he hoped to do is just absurd. If that is a legitimate reason, why don't we give high school diplomas to kindergarten students? Aren't they hoping to graduate someday?
Why even have presidential elections anymore? Let's just give the presidency to anyone who hopes to become president.
President Obama was nominated for this award 12 days into his presidency, which shows me one thing: The only accomplishment necessary to win was a worldwide "I'm sorry we Americans are so mean" tour.
Don't apologize for me, Obama. If that's your definition of peace, I want no part of it.
Thank Mike Altizer with your vote
On Nov. 3, Roanoke County voters in the Vinton District will have an opportunity to say thank you by voting for a candidate who has worked hard for our fire and rescue department.
When Mike Altizer first came onto the board of supervisors, he promised to improve public safety; he's done that. Evidence can be seen around Roanoke County.
All of our middle schools now have automated external defibrillator units in the event of an emergency. The Mount Pleasant rescue squad went from one full-time emergency medical technician on weekdays to 24/7 career staff, reducing response time for emergency calls. Additional rescue workers have been hired by the county for other stations, too. Altizer has sponsored and/or supported these EMS improvements.
It takes a special type of person to be a firefighter, walking into a burning building when everyone else is running out. As the wife of a Roanoke County firefighter, it's good to know we have someone like Altizer in county government looking out for our fire and rescue people.
On Election Day, I'll be voting for Altizer, and when I see him talking to people outside the polls, I'll tell him thank you, too.
Bolling is the candidate for jobs in Virginia
Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling has consistently displayed a strong commitment to bringing new jobs to Virginia. He has released a comprehensive Jobs for Virginians program and has been proactively touring the state, garnering feedback from local business leaders.
Bolling's re-election campaign has been endorsed by the Virginia Chapter of the Association of Builders and Contractors, the National Federation of Independent Business-Virginia and the Virginia Association of Realtors. This is recognizable proof that he has shown and will continue his commitment to making Virginia an effective, forward-moving, business-friendly state.
Under a Bob McDonnell administration, Bolling would serve as Virginia's chief job-creation officer. This is a role that I know he will champion for our state, our economy and our children, who are the future workforce in Virginia. I encourage my fellow Virginians to trust Bolling with their votes and help get Virginia's economy back on track.
Protect children and help society, too
It's more difficult today for parents to be as involved in their children's lives as they were when life was simpler: Moms were mostly nonworking and provided transportation. It was easier for parents to know books read, movies viewed and friends' identities and to oversee homework. Parents banned certain reading material, movies, friends, etc. Parents' discussions and actions directed and selected for their children the things for which they were ready.
Schools have filled in for parents who aren't very involved with their children. We urgently need the schools to select those items that should and should not be in their libraries. There are things and behaviors unacceptable for children. Why obtain school library books accessible to any age children that could be harmful to their mental and emotional development?
Our children are exposed to so much junk out there. Why bring it into the home or school? Talk with them about what they've seen or heard, but keep it out there.
It's vital for parents, teachers and schools to work together to positively motivate our children as they appropriately educate and protect them as they grow and develop. Society as a whole will reap the benefits.
