With the new economic stimulus package just about a reality, it seems we have truly missed an excellent opportunity to reshape our future. President Obama had the chance to push our nation to reach for a challenging goal that would change the way America produces electricity. It could have been an effort similar to the space program and the goals announced by President Kennedy. We could have, collectively, embraced alternative energy in an unprecedented manner.
But alas, while the spending program outlined in the stimulus plan is indeed substantial - our leaders have not chosen to be bold. Instead, we will have money to support health care spending (as we march along toward a health-care induced economic crisis that will make today's problems look inconsequential), expand unemployment benefits, reduce payroll taxes, and fund a few small capital projects. We aren't going to make a substantial investment in new energy production - and that is truly disappointing.
With the new economic stimulus package just about a reality, it seems we have truly missed an excellent opportunity to reshape our future. President Obama had the chance to push our nation to reach for a challenging goal that would change the way America produces electricity. It could have been an effort similar to the space program and the goals announced by President Kennedy. We could have, collectively, embraced alternative energy in an unprecedented manner.
But alas, while the spending program outlined in the stimulus plan is indeed substantial - our leaders have not chosen to be bold. Instead, we will have money to support health care spending (as we march along toward a health-care induced economic crisis that will make today's problems look inconsequential), expand unemployment benefits, reduce payroll taxes, and fund a few small capital projects. We aren't going to make a substantial investment in new energy production - and that is truly disappointing.