Green Genius

US Sen Barack Obama is taking control of the environmental issue at its very core---the manufacturing practices of US automakers. While we can talk all day about recycling and changing lightbulbs, the car manufacturers (30%) and power companies (40%) make up a full 70% of global warming-related activities.

Obama is showing strong, practical leadership in insisting that US automakers get in line with their European counterparts, and start making some headway on getting fuel efficiency standards on all US autos in the 40mpg + range in the coming years. He believes the federal government has two roles to play---first, obviously, by enacting and enforcing regulations on GM, Ford, and Daimler-Chrysler, but giving them tax incentives and employee healthcare benefits to spur the transition.

Obama's plan has been endorsed by the green giant of California, Arnold Schwarzeneggar, who has ignored his pals in the GOP in his quest to make California the greenest state. We've been spending all this time in the media trying to figure out Obama's racial identity, and I think we've discovered it---he's green.

Two Things Brought Me Back to Life This Week

And they both came from the John Edwards camp. First, on Tuesday, Senator Edwards rolled out the most ambitious plan for cleaning up our environment and changing the way Americans consume the world's resources and pollute without end, in an effort to eliminate global warming-induced climate change. And he picked a great time to roll out his plan, as The People's Hero, Al Gore, was testifying before Congress. One redneck rep from Texas, upon hearing Gore's testimony, described it as "an all-out attack on fossil fuels and nuclear power." EXACTLY! I'M GLAD YOU GET IT, JERK! Check out the Edwards plan (I thought of calling it Gore Junior, but there's nothing junior or light about it at http://www.johnedwards.com/about/issues/energy/new-energy-economy/

But overshadowing Edwards' incredible plan for greening America, and rightfully so, was yesterday's horrific revelation that the Edwardses are dealing with a recurrence of Elizabeth's breast cancer. Knowing first-hand what it's like to live with a chronic illness, I think it's amazing that they are facing it with their heads held high, relying on the support of each other and the millions of us who wish them well. They are setting a great example for their children and for all of us.