ARE WE ANGRY ENOUGH TO FIGHT BACK???

See the op-ed in today's Boston Globe about the abuse of taxpayers $$ in MA. These are the people who think they know better than we how to manage our $$, our families, our health, our eating habits, our children. And look at their track record. The Big Dig in Boston costing more than 50 TIMES the $$ it was sold to taxpayers thanks to mis-management and greed. Think of this when the politicians propose a solution to our problems--no thanks, will solve on my own.

THE EPA IN OVERDRIVE--AGAIN

The EPA is at it again in a major grab for power. In a document released Fri., they lay out thousands of carbon controls to shackle us with including our lawnmowers, farmers, garden equipment--everything with an engine including dirt bikes and snowmobiles. Nothing in society is exempted. They will likely want a new Federal Dept of Engines--with a big staff to track down all our offenses--come into our garages, houses, on our boats, chase us down on our scooters to strike us with their big stick. The report is in excess of 538 pages--our tax $$ at work. Scan the report at Advance Notice Proposed Rulemaking
Go right to page 11 of the .pdf and read the concerns expressed by the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, Transportation and Energy. then go back to page 8 to read the concerns of OMB.

They even have provisions to control "enteric fermentation" (cows farting). Do we want the EPA causing more havoc on unproven science? Soaking up more of our $$. We don't have the good sense to look at what we should be doing to improve the environment? Give me a break!!!

HIDDEN COSTS OF NANNY STATE-GIVE US A BREAK

Every time the Nanny State issues a new dictate, it costs us more $$.

• The wasted time of politicians debating and enacting the foolish legislation
• New bureaucracies to oversee it
• $$ spent for enforcement
• More time in litigation and lawsuits

Why are the costs of government soaring on all levels? This ridiculous legislation contributes to the runaway. And when our states and local governments are squeezed already, Congress enacts more "nanny legislation" and leaves it to the locals to enforce--adding to our overhead and taxes. Let's let them know we have brains and better judgment than they do--stay out of our daily lives.

WE DON'T HAVE THE SENSE TO DECIDE HOW FAST TO DRIVE?

Interstates were built for 70 mi per hour. Anyone can choose to drive slower to conserve fuel, but to mandate it? Again? The memories of the 70's are still fresh in some of our minds. It was a total fiasco when the government tried it then, but they never give up trying to "manage our lives". So if I commute 60 mi per day, it costs me about $14 a day at 70 mph. Say I can save 3% per year by cutting down--that's about $210 per year at $4.50 gal. But I have added about 20 minutes a day to my commute--83 hours per year, better than 2 work weeks!! What can't I do with that time?

• I cannot be with my family
• I cannot do my work
• I cannot run errands
• I won't spend it on the cellphone (but many will increasing traffic accidents)
  

If I have to pay child care, at $300 per week for two children, I have spent an additional $600+ to save $210???????? Something is wrong with this thinking. Plus my children have lost 2+ weeks of precious family time with their Mom and/or Dad.

But, as usual, Congress, riding in their limousines, think they know what is best for me and my family and don't want to give me the brains to figure out what I should do. They are so out of touch with what is happening in this country to people who work.

They are gung-ho about more cosmetic and ridiculous actions to meet the fuel economy challenges. Mandating 60 mi per hour maximum speed limit.

Gasoline Savings and Speed Limit Reduction Act of 2008
H.R. 6458 Introduced July 10, 2008 by Rep Jackie Speier (D-CA)
To establish a national maximum speed limit of 60 mi per hour on highways, and 65 miles per hour on portions of the National Highway System located outside of an urbanized area. Read the bill
Contact her office

Senator Warner (R-V) introduced S.3266 "The Immediate Steps to Conserve Gasoline Act" which would also lower the national speed limit to 60 mi per hour. Read the bill Go to Section 3(a)
Contact his office

Contact these bill sponsors and let them know we have the good sense to know what trade off works for our individual situations. We can always, and some do, choose to drive slower to conserve fuel. But again they want to take away that choice.