More Mission to Mars
Bush tries to sound like he's doing something about energy dependence with some drooling palaver about "startling breakthroughs." The Times article gives him far too much credit when it says he "outlined his...proposals"; he did little more than fire off some buzzword birdshot. In the meantime, lost revenue due to tax subsidies for gas-guzzling SUVs "dwarfs" (as Rep. Markley says in the article) the administration's investment in the very energy technologies Bush is touting. As with all other things, words are more important than deeds to Dubya and his adoring fans.
Bush: U.S. on Verge of Energy Breakthrough - New York Times
MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Saying the nation is on the verge of technological breakthroughs that would ''startle'' most Americans, President Bush on Monday outlined his energy proposals to help wean the country off foreign oil.Technorati Tags: Bush, Dubya, energy, alternatives, dependence, oil
Less than half the crude oil used by refineries is produced in the United States, while 60 percent comes from foreign nations, Bush said during the first stop on a two-day trip to talk about energy.
Some of these foreign suppliers have ''unstable'' governments that have fundamental differences with America, he said.
''It creates a national security issue and we're held hostage for energy by foreign nations that may not like us,'' Bush said.
[snip]While Bush is highlighting his budget proposals to help wean America from foreign oil, the lab he visited is meeting a $28 million shortfall by cutting its staff by 32 people, including eight researchers.
''Our nation is on the threshold of new energy technology that I think will startle the American people,'' Bush said. ''We're on the edge of some amazing breakthroughs -- breakthroughs all aimed at enhancing our national security and our economic security and the quality of life of the folks who live here in the United States.''
Later Monday, Bush visited the United Solar Ovonics Plant, which makes solar panels, in Auburn Hills, Mich., outside Detroit. ''This technology right here is going to help us change the way we live in our homes,'' Bush told reporters.
