Opinion

Letters to the Editor

Governor Doyle recently established an energy task force to research possibilities for renewable energy.

Currently, two percent of Wisconsin’s energy comes from renewable sources. The task force has found that we, as a state, have the ability to raise that number to 10 percent by the year 2015.

I believe this goal must be made mandatory. Not only do coal, oil and other non-renewable sources contribute to air and water pollution; they are finite resources. The ever-precarious situation in the Middle East and the possibility of drilling for oil in Alaska notwithstanding, the world will eventually run out of oil. Additionally, renewable energy makes more economic sense: once equipment is paid for, energy sources like wind and the sun are free. Clean bio-waste energy is similarly savvy, since people will be creating waste infinitely.

Wisconsin is a great state. It is a beautiful, friendly, down-to-earth place to live, and I believe increasing our percentage of energy from renewable sources will only add to these characteristics. I urge Governor Doyle and his energy task force to make their 10 percent goal mandatory.

Katie Hamblin

khamblin@wisc.edu

In about 30 days, the Bush administration may succeed in pulling off the biggest cover-up in American history. They may get another four years to complete their silent attack on the environment without ever having to answer for their horrible record for the past four years. If you think I’m a conspiracy nut, consider the following: Go to www.lcv.org, the website for The League of Conservation Voters. Click on the Presidential Report Card and read why Bush got the first F of any President. Click on National Scorecard and see how your representatives vote on environmental issues. Look up Kerry’s environmental record. Compare the average voting records for Republicans and Democrats. Go to www.nrdc.org, the website for Natural Resources Defense Council and click on “the Bush Record.” Or, get a copy of “Crimes Against Nature” by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. He’s their lead counsel when they file lawsuits against polluters and the Bush administration on the public’s behalf. He gives the history of the “wise-use” movement — started by Joseph Coors of Coors Brewing — and the origin of the corporate takeover of the federal government that threatens our environment, our public lands and our health. Go to www.sierraclub.org, the website for Sierra Club, and click on “Politics and Issues”. Then click on “W Watch” to see what Bush has done for four years, or “Vote Watch” to see what the Republican dominated Congress has done. Go to www.opensecrets.org, the website for The Center for Responsive Politics and find out who’s giving and who’s getting money. Use the Internet to organize protests around the country and a massive protest in Washington in October to “out Bush” and let the rest of the country know what’s been going on. Hurry.

Erin Mathis

trackchica1600@yahoo.com