Energy

I may be a relatively simple man stating the obvious in that it appears increasingly necessary for the US to develop energy independence.  This has been a buzz phrase that we’ve all heard countless times recently with high gas prices affecting everything including the cost of food.  It also seems to me to be possibly the most important security concern for the US right now.  The reason we are bogged down in Iraq, have had to endure decades of rocky relations with the Middle East and have thus attracted the ire of would-be terrorists is our need for foreign oil.  Again, i’m no expert but i’m under the impression that we’re also importing a decent amount from places like Russia and Venezuela, two countries that aren’t real hot on us these days.

So it appears to me that the biggest cause of foreign relations headaches for our government is the constant need for access to oil and dealing with opec countries.  If we could drop this one burden, we’d have the ability and strength to deal much more effectively with stuff we’d like to do as opposed to needing to do (maybe focus on piracy, genocide, hunger, whatever).  It appears that everyone is on the same page politically that America needs energy independence but i’m not aware of much action on that front.  In presidential debate 2, Brokaw asked a question about whether the answer was a Manhattan Project style approach or lots of little independent operations that might come up with the solution.

My uncle and I talked a lot about it the next day and agreed we’d like to see a Manhattan Project effort level with this.  Its something that would really benefit the country and could do a lot to get Americans back to work on a major initative.  Most importnatly, we think its something that Americans are ready for.  We are in the middle of an unfortunately ugly political atmosphere right now and lots of people (especially blue collar folks in southern illinois) are worried about bleak economic prospects, and it would be great for the whole country to pitch in on (even if only on an emotional level) something that would benefit all Americans.

guns

Since my arrival in Illinois I’ve done a lot of thinking about guns which have gone to reinforce my already existing thoughts…

Guns are fun to shoot.  People who have guns like them a lot, and that shouldn’t be a problem.  I understand gun control advocates who feel that eliminating guns in America will end a lot of violence.  This is probably true but is also unfeasible and isn’t going to happen.

However I feel that at this point in America’s 230+ year history a different angle must be taken to the situation.  People need to accept the fact that guns are part of America’s cultural fabric, and that through simple custom as much as constitutional interpretation they are the reality of what the US is as a nation. Millions of Americans like to hunt, sport shoot, and collect guns.  They grew up with guns in their hands and to them guns are a tradition, a right, family heirlooms, and part of who they are as individuals.  I fully appreciate that an antique shotgun handed from grandfather to grandson is something to cherish.

People don’t like guns because of the violence issue, and I’m no expert, but my understanding is that people with legal, registered guns aren’t actually the problem here.  I’m opposed to gun violence as much as anyone but its the guns bought illegally on the street that are racking up body counts.  I would be interested in hearing why there aren’t better penalties for the types of gun use that actually are problematic.

Why not have a discussion about harsher punishments for posessing an unregistered firearm?  How about for illegal concealment?  I think that if getting caught in Baltimore with a piece you bought on the street came with a 5 year mandatory minimum (maybe something else but you get my drift), it might change the way criminals make their decisions about tooling up. I don’t know what kind of punishment a gun charge earns you these days but I’d be interested to see information on increasing it enough so that potential offenders take serious notice.

Let’s stop locking up homeless guys for 2 vile possession charges and make the repercussions for carrying illegally so severe that its not worth it to walk around armed?  Maybe this idea could help all Americans concerned about gun violence while also reassuring safe and legal gun users that the man isn’t coming after them. Instead of passionate but misdirected policy, let’s consider a more focused and effective approach.

Fear about gun regulation is a serious issue in many places (including in rural Illinois).  I’ve met more than a few people who appear to be single-issue voters and their fears about Obama’s gun control is enough to put them securely in the McCain camp.

Baltimore at Indy

This weekend I’m driving to Indianapolis to see the Ravens play the Colts.  Obviously should be a good game between two teams with potential, and the sting of close losses to Pittsburgh and Tennessee combined with the anger Baltimoreans feel about the Colts move in 1984 should give the Lewis, Flacco & co. some inspiration.  I’d like to see the ravens get above .500 again.

Also: Flacco is legit.  He’s holding his own and minimizing mistakes as a 22 year old signal caller in the NFL.  He’s gaining confidence and learning the system better all the time.  Expect him to be around a while.

The midwest part I

You may know that right now I am living on my family’s farm in south central Illinois for the fall.  I am working for my uncle through the end of the crop harvest in November attempting to learn about the family business, connect with some roots a little better and hang out with a great and hilarious bunch of conservatives.  As an Obama supporter I am constantly under verbal attack but the experience has been great so far.

One of the themes to be covered over the next few months will be differences between urban east coast and rural midwest cultures and hopefully some good anecdotes.   To give some context, I was recently warned by Fox news viewers that they heard that if Obama wins in november to watch out because his poor relatives in Kenya might move themselves into the whitehouse and just live the life off of American taxpayers.  Out here that is considered a rational reason to support McCain.  Probably one of the funniest things i’ve ever been told.  However back east it’s something that might merit you a slap across the face.  I’m definitely gaining an appreciation for the different political climates that exist around the country.

In the beginning…

Welcome to the dawn of an era.  Inspired and encouraged by Slev and duPa, I am beginning a blog.  This is the forum you will have heard so much about.  I will use it to share my wisdom and deliberations on a variety of topics ranging from politics, travel, the baltimore ravens, and various other life experiences.  Hold onto your hats…