Will the new Energy Programs Promote Job Creation?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Allen R. Schreiber on February 8, 2009 at 9:18pm

December 8th here. We need to put pressure on the roadblocks in Congress and the Senate to cut out this whiney spoiled little kid partisan BS and politics as usual (tax cuts are NOT the answer, that's what got us into this mess in the first place) and actually think of the best interests of their constituents. It would be so easy, relatively speaking, for plants here in Nebraska like Valley, Reinke, Lindsay that have been hit hard to convert over to making towers and mast sections. There's a giant empty plant in DeWitt with a skilled, dedicated workforce that could manufacture housings, blades, etc. Get the picture? Problem is there's too many politics-as-usual bought-and-paid-for by the lobbyists elected officials stalling it out.

I'm a Republican, and I'm ashamed of the grandstanding BS they've been doing so far while us average Americans are paying the price. Nebraska can be the next energy Saudi Arabia if the people with the vision and courage to make it so can only be enabled and allowed to do it.

Just like in WWII, industries can be converted quickly to produce what is needed in this energy war, but I'm worried that this won't be allowed in the partisan tug-of-war that's occuring over the funding and amounts in the Economic Recovery Act.

If they're not part of the solution, they're part of the problem. Vote them out next election cycle.

Permalink Reply by Geoff Bailey on February 8, 2009 at 11:05pm

Michael,

You are absolutely right. When we are succesful moving through Pickens Plan legislation through Congress, we will open up the flood gates to millions of new high paying jobs. The new "Green Economy" will really provide wonderful opportunities for millions of Americans.

Geoff

Permalink Reply by Crystal Lewis on February 26, 2009 at 3:44pm

I agree!

In light of our current economic situation, job creation is one of the most beautiful aspects of the Pickens Plan. By adopting the plan we have the opportunity to improve the economy, environment and national security. Seems like a win win situation if I ever saw one :)

Permalink Reply by Steve Cross on April 17, 2009 at 7:50am

Also, I think that some economic analyses need to be done to show this is not necessarily a zero-sum game. Most government plans ARE zero sum games at best (to put it in simple terms, robbing Peter to pay Paul).

Alternate energy - analyzed and implemented PROPERLY - will not be a zero sum game. This means taking advantage of the natural resources where they exist, and phasing IN the alternate energy sources until they can provide the requisite energy over time. Private intellect, expertise, and thought will make this happen.

This needs to be an addition to the economy, not merely a replacement. We cannot think of this as redistribution, but rather an addition. As an addition this can create new jobs, add wealth, and provide a sustainable future. What we cannot do it shuffle job, lose wealth, and propose a tenuous future. If that is the case, nobody wins.

Permalink Reply by Lisa Kelly on March 20, 2009 at 9:29pm

I cetainly hope so!

I joined the ranks of the unemployed in July 2008 when my contract was canceled after 18 months. Now the state of Nebraska considers me "EMPLOYED" because I drive 25 miles one way into the city and get paid $6.55 an hour for 3 hours a week at a local fabric store.

I bring home less in one week than I made in one hour as an IT professional.

I would welcome the opportunity to contribute to meaningful change in society again!