Warrior or Wimp?

“Conservation is not for wimps, it is for warriors. Not every American will put on the uniform of our Armed Forces, but every single American can help secure our energy future and secure our nation against the petro-countries.”

- Rep. Zach Wamp (R-TN)

You got that, America?!  Do your part in the War on Terror!  Conserve energy!

Okay, it’s a little over the top.  But, hey, whatever it takes to get Republicans onboard with progressive energy policies is A-OK with me.

Of course, Rep. Wamp isn’t proposing anything nearly so dramatic as his rhetoric.  Too bad.  If Wamp were serious about treating energy policy as part of the War on Terror, he might get a little ambitious about it.  He might join the call for fundamental changes that will result in long-term security -- both economically and militarily. 

For example:

Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen (D) joined Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn in announcing that Nissan and the State of Tennessee are forming a partnership to promote zero-emission vehicles, including electric vehicles, in Middle Tennessee

Gasoline-free cars will be in Tennessee in less than two years.  Hey, Rep. Wamp -- why not lead the charge to make them the industry standard in ten?  That would require a warrior, not a wimp.

Instead, Wamp toes the line on GOP energy policy.  Their ten year plan?  Off-shore oil drilling. 

At best, off-shore drilling may provide some tiny fraction of relief at the gas pump in seven to ten years.  In other words, we won’t see any benefits for another two presidential elections.  Yet, it’s the centerpiece of the Republican plan.  Why?  Because it polls well.  It’s a wedge issue that divides Blue Dog and progressive Democrats.  It’s good politics.  And that’s all it is.  It won’t eliminate one Middle East dictator from the equation.  I doubt they’ll even notice.

If you want a warrior on energy, you need a Democrat.  Otherwise, you’re stuck with Congressman Wimp.

- Calvin Rye