Are we warming to a power grab?

Last update: November 10, 2009 - 5:05 PM

Are we warming to a power grab?

Recent studies indicate any greenhouse effect may have been offset and negated by a recent lack of sunspots.

For years, I've written that variations in solar output and activity might have something do with the temperature. Makes sense.

Though many say the globe has been cooling for seven years, noticeably for the past several, still, Congress is trying to pass cap-and-trade to combat global warming, which some argue hasn't happened since the first couple of years of the millennium.

In the absence of warming, all that is left, it would seem, is agenda, at the moment. It took the movement too long to gain momentum and now the conditions have changed and climate change reversed.

As for alternative energy, there are lots of reasons to switch, such as oil is not renewable on any reasonable timeframe, or not wanting dependence on foreign oil, or just being against pollution and smog. Any number of reasons.

Why warming? It seems there is a lack of flexibility. Tax business for energy in this economy? Disincentivize travel? Increase gas prices intentionally?

For 15 years they have thought this must be dealt with internationally, and now, is the ulterior motive that they still want to use it as an excuse to strengthen global governance and lessen independence even though many say the warming is not happening?

RYAN MOLDE

EDEN PRAIRIE

Loss of freedom? No, a loss of sense

Michelle Bachmann's latest inflammatory assertion that universal health coverage equates to loss of freedom is simply untrue.

Unlike in this country, millions of people around the world enjoy both a broad range of personal liberties and equal access to medical care. Just ask the citizens of Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Germany, Sweden, New Zealand, Norway, France, etc.

Is she truly that ignorant of world civics, or simply so desperate that she'll say anything in her attempt to block health care reform?

PATRICK WHITE

PLYMOUTH

Taxes for health bill don't add up

So the health bill is taxing medical device manufacturers, drug makers and insurance providers to pay for the public health option. This means that our health insurance will become more expensive so the public option can become less expensive. The result?

Private insurance downsizes, public insurance up-sizes, and the funds from the private insurance decrease so a new fund source will eventually be needed.

But wait, drug makers and device manufacturers will also be taxed. After the public option has grown (or with Medicaid or Medicare now), this will mean that money goes from manufacturers to government. Government will then give "insurance" money to people. The people will then pay the manufacturers for their product.

Round and round it goes, with a hefty administration fee tossed in every round.

These are taxes that don't work.

STEVE CARLSON

SHOREWOOD

Coaching the morally challenged

Tubby and Tim must be about half nuts. It's hard enough to coach a Division I basketball or football team, as well as recruit and maintain academically fragile athletes, but riding herd on a bunch of ethically and morally challenged players must be exhausting. Besides, it's hard to dribble and shoot with handcuffs on. One solution might be to merge the Athletic Department and the Law School.

EDDIE RYSHAVY

PLYMOUTH

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