The U.S. Senate has again failed to pass a bill that would extend solar tax credits to build new power plants. In direct reactions, I've seen it asked on the net: "Are they stupid?"

No. They're not stupid. They're bribed. 100% in the pocket of the oil companies. And why wouldn't they be? Junkets to warm, sunny places, nights with escorts, free suites. Guarantees of lucrative speaking engagements after their terms are over, campaign contributions, perks-a-plenty... and all they have to do to get it is act like they usually do.

If we had put the billions of dollars — borrowed or otherwise — into solar that we did into the Iraq war, we wouldn't even be having this discussion. Instead, we'd be talking about how the middle east had gone (or is going) back to camels because oil was only being used (and RE-used) for lubricants, and most plastics were now a bio-product.

But the lunatics that comprise the deluded body politic here in the USA put an oil company person in both the president's seat, and the VP's seat; now it's supposed to be a surprise that we're not investing in solar? Wonders will never cease, that's all I can say.

We had a chance to put a greenish guy in there with Gore; we didn't do it; so we get to suck hard on that oil teat. It's worth every penny, and every vote, we paid for it. Get used to the expensive taste of it, too. We're behind the curve there; it's only going to keep going up. But that won't excuse us from driving to work, shop, school, etc. No, life goes on or life goes downhill. Fast.

Maybe... in 20 years or so, we'll actually have electric cars. My bet is we'll still not have any significant nuclear, solar, or other non-oily power sources for them, though. Oil makes too many elected and rich people wealthy and powerful. No room for us solar types.

In the meantime, I have to wonder: Just how are we going to be paying that Iraq war bill Bush the Lesser ran up for us? You think we're going to do that out of our fuel budgets? I don't think so. Nope, we're gonna cut down on things we can control. The fun stuff. I predict a lot of long faces.

Well. Perhaps next time, we'll get smart enough to vote out the incumbent. No matter who they are. They're all on the take. Send a message.

Nah. Who am I kidding? Only me.