It is easy to become frustrated, even angry, at events in Washington, D.C.  My newsletter from last month found me lashing out at the Obama administration’s spending of the stimulus money.  I called for the retooling of idle factories to produce wind turbines and solar panels.  This, I suggested, would create thousands of jobs for unemployed auto workers.  Further, I proposed that large numbers of the unemployed be put to work building wind and solar farms on government owned property where wind and sun are plentiful.  This new source of clean, free energy would help to create a new grid free from the bondage of petro-dictators.  Since posting the January newsletter I have heard from several people who agree with my concept and expressed the hope that some in the government were thinking in a similar vein. I fear that is not the case for I have read very little on the subject.  In fact, one story that appeared on ABC.com only added to my frustration.  A group called “Investigative Reporting Workshop” at the American University School of Communication in Washington D.C. reported that, indeed, two billion dollars of stimulus money was designated for the construction of wind turbines. That pleased me until I read on and discovered that eighty percent of the fund went to foreign manufacturers, including a company in China.  The report further stated that an estimated six thousand jobs were created overseas with perhaps a couple hundred in the United States.  When the Department of Energy was asked about this a Matt Rogers, identified as a senior advisor to the Secretary of Energy, denied that this was a problem. 

      I cannot help but wonder why Congress and the Obama administration would pass this type of irresponsible legislation.  How difficult would it be to stipulate that the construction of the turbines must take place within the United States borders?  And where is the Media in all of this?  Except for the ABC story I have heard no reports concerning this disturbing incident.  There was a time when journalists were so respected that they were referred to as the “fourth branch of government.”  Now, rather than cover the crucial issues they endlessly discuss such things as the fact that Sarah Palin writes notes on her palm. 

      I urge you to make your government aware that you are aware of their ineptness.  You will need to take initiative because the media certainly won’t.