Energy 
Bluntly stated, we still need fossil fuels, and until we achieve a 60% to 70% energy equivalence (alternative versus fossil) we can’t consider scaling back fossil fuel usage, if you like modern conveniences. However, the fossil fuel industry really needs to be seriously policed, and not by their own. Presently, oil, coal, nuclear (not quite as much), and natural gas get what they want, when they want, and how they want it. From exploration, to building, to extraction, to refinement, to distribution, and all other aspects of “their products and services.”
Leaks, spills, ruptures, explosions, system failures, cave ins, meltdowns, crashes, contamination, loss of wildlife, destruction of ecosystems, corruption, and … earthquakes?? Oh my!
We need to recapture the regulatory agencies not doing the job of the people, and engineer another moon shot type of project, by way of researching potentially clean(er) and/or safer alternative energies. At present, the agencies entrusted to police fossil fuels are run by those within their industries, have had their budgets significantly slashed (no inspectors or counsel), or both. They also have a hand in whether or not alternative energy has a chance.
The Keystone pipeline is a great example of what could be a nice addition to North America’s energy landscape, but it will most assuredly foul many points along its path, and almost all of the oil will be bound for foreign shores. If it were to happen, the path needs to be completely different (bypassing all waterways and aquifers).
Our tax dollars should be poured into research and development focusing solely upon alternative energy solutions. R & D that is government run and controlled (no more no-bid contracts or outsourcing), however, inviting the basement inventor (a kitchen sink approach), and scientist alike to help solve a global problem. Additionally, a goodly percentage of the fossil fuels extracted from American holdings, and those that pass through our nation, should stay in the American market. Yes, the people need a subsidy for a change, instead of the fossil fuel companies.
Agriculture
For you and me, there’s nothing wrong with “old” farming techniques like saving seeds for the following season, rotating crops, using less chemicals, and employing other soil preservation methods. For you and me, there’s nothing wrong with non-GMO seed stock, grass fed cattle, or humanely raising livestock. For you and me, water and honeybees are a necessity. For you and me, seasonal produce is NOT the end of the world. You and I understand cross-pollination, and the inability to stop it from field to field. However, for Monsanto, Dupont, Dow Chemical, Cargill, Nestle, Smithfield, Walmart, Tyson, McDonald’s and a handful of others, conceding on all of these points means giving up control over our food production, packaging, and distribution. Meaning the loss of the profit and power provided by that control.
Other
Since we’ve suggested the reallocation of funds, how about adding a ton of money to NASA’s budget? It would then be a true moon shot, or mars shot, or next solar system over shot! It certainly couldn’t hurt to get many of us off of our fragile planet. The really cool thing about this approach is that hundreds, and hundreds of thousands, would become interested in math and science again. That has to be good, right? Think about it. If hundreds, and hundreds of thousands, of highly educated people apply critical thought to very serious problems, they might actually get solved. Oh well, one can dream. 🙂
Wrap Up
Of course, there are other processes that are a part of the discussion (and the whole), such as the power of lobbying, and the heinous effects of Citizen’s United. Talk about money reigning supremely! Sadly, this brings us full circle, as once again the regulatory agencies are on the side of the giant corporate entities due to their capture. So, take heart Mr. and Mrs. Average Middle-Class America, while you think your elected officials are safeguarding “we the people,” the only entities being protected are those in big industry (yes, banking, high finance, and Wall Street are an industry).
We as a nation should consider these issues an imperative,
but monied interests have a wholly different agenda.
Note: We understand that there are many, many other issues that could have been mentioned, like Fukushima, but our intention was to focus on our own backyard. Definitely a world of serious problems.
