Mole's Progressive Democrat: Progressive Democrat Newsletter Issue 265

I want to return to a theme I have discussed many times: the value of alternative energy. It is a solution that helps local economies, is more efficient than power resources that require mining and long-range transport of materials, it reduces carbon emissions and it reduces pollution in the air and water we depend on. And almost anyone in the country can purchase green energy. I should note that if you purchase green enery it doesn't mean that the actual electrons that come through your wires were produce by alternative energy, but it does mean that the money you pay funds green energy production. Which is pretty much what we need to do as consumers.

Solving our energy needs while creating local jobs, reducing carbon emissions and reducing pollution is something that has to come BOTH from the top down and from the bottom up. You and I have to be part of the bottom up aspect of this change. Hopefully Obama is starting to lead from the top as well.

From last week, here is Obama's weekly address where he announces some important initiatives:

I should note that this is EXACTLY the kind of thing Obama needs to be doing for America. I'd say he has been a tad slow to do it and he needs to do much more of this kind of initiative, but at least he is doing it. And in the long term it will have a very positive effect on our economy and energy use.

This issue, in the spirit of Obama's energy-focused approach to our economic recovery, I highlight some of the local things you can do to help stimulate LOCAL (that means local jobs and greater efficiency) and CLEAN energy initiatives (less pollution and carbon emissions) with only minimal cost to yourself. Joy and I switched to all green energy many years ago. It is really one of the most important actions you can take both for the American and world environment, but also for the local economy in your area. Look in the local focus sections for suggestions.

I also want to return to and expand on something I said last newsletter: some of the reasons we should be really happy to have Obama in the White House. Last week I highlighted jobs with this graph: (see also this Daily Kos diary)

Well here's another graph we need to keep in mind when we think about the nation's deficit and the claims that Obama is responsible for the deficit getting out of hand. This shows definitively that BUSH'S TAX CUTS FOR THE RICH is the biggest part of the deficit as it now stands: (see also this daily kos diary)

(Isn't it about time to repeal those tax cuts for the rich? It's the best way we can cut the deficit)

Now look at these headlines:

Obama's FDA Quietly banning antibiotics in livestock production (This is HUGE, and something that I have been fighting for for years)

Obama Goes Radical, Appoints Berwick (an excellent sounding appointment made over the Republican's heads)

Obama Administration to Cover PTSD for ALL Veterans...About time!

Look, there are still plenty of things I wish Obama would do more of or faster or whatever. But these are some real and very important changes that I have been waiting for for years. Job creation, investment in solar energy, ending the misuse of antibiotics, and getting some effective appointments in government. Maybe not enough of any of these, but at least things are heading in the right direction. I feel like I am getting my money's worth with these.

Here is this week's newsletter:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Republicans Don’t Want Indians to Vote In South Dakota

Clean Energy, Progressive Groups Urge Media to Revisit Bogus "Climategate" Reports

Continued from last week: BP Fined for Lying...and more suggestions on where to gas up

From a little over a month ago: Senator Al Franken: Help me help Jack and Joe

New York Focus: Green Power Switch

Court slaps down BloomKlein on school closings...I cannot understand how Bloomberg thinks closing schools will solve any problems. All it will do is make the remaining schools even MORE over crowded. It makes as little sense as closing hospitals, which does nothing but overburden the surviving hospitals, driving them under.

Bloomberg broke his MTA promises...not surprising. Bloomberg is not known for keeping his promises to lowly citizens like us

Hydrofracking may endanger New York's water supply

New York SD-42: David Sager signs on to reform agenda

NYC Focus: Joel Klein is Goddamned Liar

Brooklyn, NY Focus

Manhattan, NY Focus

Queens, NY Focus

Bronx Focus: June 29 Democracy for New York Fundraiser/Meet and Greet for Charlie Ramos, jr. for State Senate: