Call Me Uninformed

Now, Call Me “Ill”informed!

Last week I saw something completely new to me on National Public Television. That happens fairly frequently on NPT. Nevertheless, this segment floored me! I did not know that so-called “carbon credits” are actually being traded, you know, like bushels of corn. The financial show was interviewing the “Head Con Artist” of the “Chicago Climate Scheme”.(Actually, the Chairman of the Chicago Climate Exchange.)

Apparently, keep in mind that all this was established via political and arbitrary means, certain limits on CO2 gases emitted into the atmosphere have been established. Through this gobbledygook of some method such a percentage will be; you are allowed thus; trees absorb this amount; you plant so many; you buy this; you sell this; you are allowed so many credits; some participate, some don't; invest in sustainable; and finally it goes to the very socialist Millennium Development Goals. Wow! What a hoax!

To prove my point, emissions trading principles are based on proposals by the Technocracy movement of the 1930's. Technocracy proposed a system of Energy Accounting, or emissions trading, to promote “balanced and harmonious” development throughout the world. Doesn't that sound a lot like “can't we all just get along”. The thirties in the United States were a period when we came the closest to communism in our history. Nonetheless, we still ended up with many socialist programs as a trade off.

There are critics of the methods, mainly environmental justice NGOs and movements and anyone with common sense. They level accusations of failures in accounting, dubious science and the destructive impacts of projects upon local peoples and environments as reasons why trading pollution rights should e avoided.

But wait! If this hucksterism continues, we can make a fortune! Anyone living in serene surroundings like Montana or Colorado, etc. fax me all the clean air you can find. Don't worry, we can fake it just like the “greenies”. I'll then bag it, sell it for $10.00 each and split the proceeds with you and the Sun Gods of Outer Mongolia. Doesn't it make as much sense as trading so-called “carbon credits”?

Robert Wilson

Guest Commentator

Changing the Complexion of the Presidency

What If Obama Wins?

From Black Power Radical Politics and African American Identity by Jeffrey O.G. Ogbar, “The two most significant organizations in the Black Power movement, The Nation of Islam and the Black Panther Party- though by no means the only important organizations leading to the rise of radicalized black nationalist discourse, symbolism, and activity of the 1960s- were essential in shaping the contours of the Black Power era. This book has built on this thesis and grows around this interpretive framework, while also giving attention to other organizations. The rise of radical politics and African American identity owe a great deal and may have been inextricably tied to the Nation and the Panthers.”

Assuming the above is accurate, and it seems easy to do so, we might be able to extrapolate some influences on the “New President's” thinking and direction for the country. We've heard ad infinitum about Reverend Jeremiah Wright. From his harsh rhetoric we can establish that he has a parallel agreement with the rantings of Louis Farrakan, leader of the Nation of Islam. He even awarded him a lifetime achievement award. So called “black liberation theology” pioneered by Wright seems to parrot the Nation of Islam's separatist persuasion, but it was conveniently stripped from the website of his church. Obama has tried to distance himself from Rev. Wright, but considering their lengthy association, can anyone really think that the private telephone in the oval office will not have participation by both?

If a lasting relationship with Rev. Jeremiah Wright, including being a 20 year member of his church, basically was to endear Obama's presence and bona fides in the black side of his birthright, what has he done to ingratiate himself to the liberal stalwarts. Well, at least locally in Chicago, it has been to maintain a “friendship” with William Ayers and his wife, Bernadine Dohm. With this couple's current positions it might not flag danger. However, we must look to some of their history. They were once active members in the Weather Underground. This organization was linked to bombings in the United States in the 1960s and only by improper FBI surveillance were they not tried for related charges. If this, even limited fraternization, is a test of judgement, it appears to be a failing grade. Will they perhaps be on a conference call with Wright and the “New President”?

Of course, the guesses can be endless of who might also be in on these lively conversations. Should we include Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson and Obama's wife, Michelle? Will Senator Mitch McConnell and Senator Jim Inhofe be in the loop? Will they be on separate calls or all on one, as candidate Obama has promised all inclusiveness? We really don't have a clue at this point. That scares the hell out of some of us!

Mark Harris