Throwin' down on Matheson
Congressman Jim Matheson must be feeling put upon. Utah's sorta/kinda Democrat figured he was safe way out East in Washington, "where no one can hear you sell out." Those chumps back in Utah aren't going to keep that close an eye on you, right? Besides, you're the only Democrat they've got and the only trick to getting re-elected is to act like a Republican.
So barely Blue Dog Matheson has been doing his best to derail Obama's American Clean Energy and Security Act.
But accountability has finally paid a call on Jim Matheson. VoteVets.org, which bills itself as "the leading progressive, pro-military organization of veterans, dedicated to the destruction of terror networks around the world," has put out a helluva TV spot featuring flags, guns and Chris LeJeune, an Iraq War Veteran from Utah, who skewers Matheson's pro-coal energy stance.
Meanwhile, Ashley Anderson, an activist from monkey wrencher Tim DeChristopher's growing environmental group has been bird dogging Jim around the Capitol and firing up a phone tree back home that delivers calls to the congressman every time Matheson does good — or bad. DeChristopher said today that Matheson was noticably haggard in recent debates on the clean energy bill.
So barely Blue Dog Matheson has been doing his best to derail Obama's American Clean Energy and Security Act.
But accountability has finally paid a call on Jim Matheson. VoteVets.org, which bills itself as "the leading progressive, pro-military organization of veterans, dedicated to the destruction of terror networks around the world," has put out a helluva TV spot featuring flags, guns and Chris LeJeune, an Iraq War Veteran from Utah, who skewers Matheson's pro-coal energy stance.
Meanwhile, Ashley Anderson, an activist from monkey wrencher Tim DeChristopher's growing environmental group has been bird dogging Jim around the Capitol and firing up a phone tree back home that delivers calls to the congressman every time Matheson does good — or bad. DeChristopher said today that Matheson was noticably haggard in recent debates on the clean energy bill.
He knows that we are watching him. He knows he can't pull the wool over our eyes.If video is a drag for your Web connection, here's an exerpt from the VoteVets.com script:
LeJeune: Billions in Middle East oil profits have helped fund the
same terrorists we're fighting. By building an American clean
energy economy, we can lower energy costs, create thousands of jobs,
cut our dependence on foreign oil, and keep America safe. You can
help protect America.
Call Congressman Matheson, and tell him to support the
American Clean Energy and Security Act. Because, our national
security starts at home.
4 Comments:
Who knows, maybe one of these days Smilin' Jim will look in the mirror and realize "Hey! I'm a Democrat! Maybe I should start acting and voting like one, instead of a Rethug-lite?" Nah.
Yeah, because if its not your way, its not right! Balance here people, balance. This is our resource. Why should we pay to have it imported when we can produce it here? Did you use a phone or an emial to contact this congressman? How did you do that? Power? From where? Did you pug into a "currant" bush? Oh, wait - did you use a phone - made of plastic? A toxic battery enclosed? The computer - with plastics, batteries, metals, etc? Come on, get over yourselves and save your self-righteous indignation. Democrats are not the only ones that care for the environment. Just be reasonable so you don't look like such fools.
So run Jim out and try to get a Rocky elected to that seat. I think the repubs in the district would welcome that strategy. Also, be sure you preach to the right wing about how rotten they are with their "idealogical purity" and how they need a "big tent."
And good luck replacing HALF of the electricity in the U.S with unicorn dust in the next few years. BTW, the ad "skewering" Matheson doesn't say a thing about coal. You might want to watch it.
We need clean energy, clean air, clean water, clean land and energy independence. We also need to encourage energy efficiency and technologies such as ground source heat pumps.
We may not agree with each other re: CO2 cap/trade, taxes, or our effects on climate.
We do need more renewable energy. Coal is reportedly being removed fast enough in Utah that it could last only 15 to 45 years for use in Utah at current rates.
Many existing coal source locations could shut down soon, and we have increased risk of other mining collapses if they don't.
We will need more electricity to offset a reduction in the use of foreign oil, and we can't afford to just rely on coal.
How much oil and gas is untapped in Utah and can we get it without hurting our state treasures?
Do we have existing dams that we could add hydro power to, without putting more land underwater?
What percentage of the energy we make should be exported? How close to a balance can we get?
It has been pointed out that renewable energy will help the state's economy in places that coal, or gas won't. Renewable energy being added to the mix will increase the life of the Utah coal economy.
Having goals to rely on renewable energy and energy savings to make up the increased demand on power is good.
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