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Producing more domestic energy would create good jobs and bolster local economies in a wide variety of energy-producing regions that effectively “export” their product to the rest of the country. While countless jobs are engaged in the actual energy-production process, they are a small fraction of the full workforce that benefits. For instance, before the first barrel of oil is pumped out of the ground, entire industries are hard at work creating the equipment and providing the services used in drilling, production, and the long chain of supporting industries that brings energy from inside the earth to the consumer.
The ripple effects into the non-energy sectors of the economy are commensurately important. If instead of sending hundreds of billions of dollars overseas we can send them to our own energy-rich centers, the nation as a whole will experience the economic benefits that we currently see other countries enjoying at our expense.
OBAMA’S FAILURE
Unfortunately, the first three years of the Obama administration have witnessed energy and environmental policies that have stifled the domestic energy sector. In thrall to the environmentalist lobby and its dogmas, the President and the regulatory bodies under his control have taken measures to limit energy exploration and restrict development in ways that sap economic performance, curtail growth, and kill jobs.
The Obama administration’s energy policy has been simply incoherent. For instance, it has blocked off-shore drilling in U.S. waters while applauding increased drilling off the coast of Brazil. Similarly, it has blocked construction of a pipeline that would bring Canadian oil to the United States, knowing full well that the result would be Canadian oil flowing to China instead. And it has pursued numerous regulations that would drive up energy prices while destroying millions of jobs.
As the Obama administration wages war against oil and coal, it has been spending billions of dollars on alternative energy forms and touting its creation of “green” jobs. But it seems to be operating more on faith than on fact-based economic calculation. The “green” technologies are typically far too expensive to compete in the marketplace, and studies have shown that for every “green” job created there are actually more jobs destroyed. Unsurprisingly, this costly government investment has failed to create an economic boom.
MITT’S PLAN
As president, Mitt Romney will make every effort to safeguard the environment, but he will be mindful at every step of also protecting the jobs of American workers. This will require putting conservative principles into action.
Significant Regulatory Reform
The first step will be a rational and streamlined approach to regulation, which would facilitate rapid progress in the development of our domestic reserves of oil and natural gas and allow for further investment in nuclear power.
• Establish fixed timetables for all resource development approvals
• Create one-stop shop to streamline permitting process for approval of common activities
• Implement fast-track procedures for companies with established safety records to conduct pre-approved activities in pre-approved areas
• Ensure that environmental laws properly account for cost in regulatory process
• Amend Clean Air Act to exclude carbon dioxide from its purview
• Expand NRC capabilities for approval of additional nuclear reactor designs
• Streamline NRC processes to ensure that licensing decisions for reactors on or adjacent to approved sites, using approved designs, are complete within two years
Increasing Production
The United States is blessed with a cornucopia of carbon-based energy resources. Developing them has been a pathway to prosperity for the nation in the past and offers similar promise for the future.
• Conduct comprehensive survey of America’s energy reserves
• Open America’s energy reserves for development
• Expand opportunities for U.S. resource developers to forge partnerships with neighboring countries
• Support construction of pipelines to bring Canadian oil to the United States
• Prevent overregulation of shale gas development and extraction
Research and Development
Government has a role to play in innovation in the energy industry. History shows that the United States has moved forward in astonishing ways thanks to national investment in basic research and advanced technology. However, we should not be in the business of steering investment toward particular politically favored approaches. That is a recipe for both time and money wasted on projects that do not bring us dividends. The failure of windmills and solar plants to become economically viable or make a significant contribution to our energy supply is a prime example.
• Concentrate alternative energy funding on basic research
• Utilize long-term, apolitical funding mechanisms like ARPA-E for basic research
Gov. Romney Believes We Must Become Truly Energy Independent For Our National Security.
"We need to initiate a bold, far-reaching research initiative - an energy revolution - that will be our generation's equivalent of the Manhattan Project or the mission to the moon. It will be a mission to create new, economical sources of clean energy and clean ways to use the sources we have now. ... It will be good for our national defense, it will be good for our foreign policy, and it will be good for our economy."
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We must become independent from foreign sources of oil. This will mean a combination of efforts related to conservation and efficiency measures, developing alternative sources of energy like biodiesel, ethanol, nuclear, and coal gasification, and finding more domestic sources of oil such as in ANWR or the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).
"Republicans should never abandon pro-growth conservative principles in an effort to embrace the ideas of Al Gore. Instead of sweeping mandates, we must use America's power of innovation to develop alternative sources of energy and new technologies that use energy more efficiently."
"And, there’s more on my agenda for the coming year. I’ll work for a program that gives seniors a better choice to age in their homes. I’ll propose higher standards for police candidates. We should combat gang violence by providing legislation and funds for witness protection. We will create a long range state energy plan that includes conservation, renewable generation, and sites for new facilities. I will propose that at long last, we reform our state employee pension program. And, I will propose that we put meaningful work requirements in welfare and that we insist that absentee fathers—not taxpayers--are held financially responsible for their own children."
Governor Mitt Romney, 01-18-2006, 2006 State of the Commonwealth speech
“High energy prices have put a strain on older homeowners and young families alike. This deduction was designed to help people make it through the home heating season, and I’d like to see 100 percent of those who are eligible receive this tax break.”
“If we do nothing, the high cost of energy will go even higher and residents and businesses will have to pay more. By taking control of our energy future, we’ll save hundreds of millions of dollars and continue growing our economy.”
“We have estimated that these four steps will save Massachusetts’ residents and businesses more than $575 million over the next 10 years. The choice is clear – we can sit back and watch costs continue to rise or we can put in place a plan that makes Massachusetts a model for energy usage.”
"We're using too much oil," Romney said. "We have an answer. We can use alternative sources of energy -- biodiesel, ethanol, nuclear power -- and we can drill for more oil here. We can be more energy independent and we can be far more efficient in the use of that energy."
Governor Romney, Waterloo Courier, September 29, 2006
“Energy consumers have long recognized natural gas as a clean and efficient source of power, but our ability to supply this fuel has not kept pace with demand. These new terminals will allow us to safely expand gas supply without undue harm to the environment or to the fishing industry that is Gloucester’s lifeblood.”
“As a state, Massachusetts and its people have led the way in pursuing energy efficient programs for our homes and businesses. This year, it’s especially important for consumers to know that winter doesn't have to burn a hole in their wallet. Families can save hundreds of dollars by following some common sense tips.”
“Heating costs shouldn’t burn a hole in your pocket. It’s important that we take every measure possible to ensure that Massachusetts stays warm this winter,” Romney said. “In addition to providing relief from high energy bills, we face a long-term energy challenge and the legislation we are signing today puts in place incentives and standards that promote energy efficiency over the long run."
“The potential for economic growth in Massachusetts extends even further through implementation of this plan. More efficient use of energy resources will keep manufacturing costs down, allowing local businesses to stay competitive in the world marketplace.”
“We are grateful President Bush recognizes the need to release these emergency funds now. Given the severity of the weather this winter, along with increasing energy prices, this is certainly good news for the people of Massachusetts and the nation.”
“The Trust Fund has been growing for years, and I believe now is the time to refocus its assets in such a manner that it can become a major economic springboard for the Commonwealth by focusing on job creation in the renewable energy sector."
“The design of 601 Congress Street incorporates cutting-edge, energy-saving materials and architecture. Some of which has not been used in the United States in over twenty years.”
"“As demonstrated yesterday, the energy and telecommunications fields are vital to our way of life. Paul’s firsthand knowledge of the challenges facing these industries is unmatched. He will provide continuity and steady leadership as we work hard to make Massachusetts one of the most stable and competitive markets in the country.”
11-22-2005, ROMNEY SIGNS LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE ENERGY PRICE RELIEF AND INCREASE CONSERVATION
10-07-2005; ROMNEY AND U.S. ENERGY SECRETARY BODMAN JOIN TO PRESENT EASY WAYS TO SAVE ENERGY THIS WINTER
Romney supports regulation of greenhouse gas emissions, primarily through voluntary measures He issued a 72-point Climate Protection Plan. His staffers spent more than $500,000 negotiating the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI--pronounced "Reggie"), which Romney praised in November 2005, saying "I'm convinced it is good business." As plan details were being worked out, Romney pushed for a cap on fees charged to businesses who exceed emission limits citing concerns of increased consumer energy costs. He stated: "New England has the highest energy rates in the country, and RGGI would cost us more." This ongoing disagreement eventually led Romney, in December, 2005, to pull out of RGGI and Rhode Island Governor Donald Carcieri quickly followed suit.
In 2003, Romney appointed environmental advocate Douglas I. Foy (former president of the Conservation Law Foundation) to head the state development office. Foy resigned in February of 2006 after Romney announced he would not seek re-election.
Romney opposes the controversial Cape Wind offshore wind farm proposal because of its visual detriment to Nantucket, saying that Nantucket "is a critical location for the state, and placing wind turbines there would be detrimental."
Governor Mitt Romney supports drilling in ANWR. He said this on Chris Mathews' Hardball; “I think we ought to have more oil. We ought to develop more sources of oil so that we can increase our supply. But the last thing I want to do is suck it all dry as quickly as we can. I want use less of it.” He also answered "yes" when asked specifically asked if he supported drilling in ANWR.
The US "must use every energy asset we have" and "develop alternatives that help our nation" on "the road to energy independence."
For too long, America has been entangled with and dependent on foreign suppliers of oil. As long as America imports much of our oil from unstable regions and countries around the world, our national security and economic prosperity is threatened. Because Energy independence is crucial to our economy and our national security, we must establish it as a top administration priority, and lead the U.S. to a future with affordable and secure Energy.
CHALLENGE: For too long, America has been entangled with and dependent on foreign suppliers of oil. Since the 1970s, Americans have endured and been vulnerable to economic shocks caused by our reliance on foreign oil. In recent years, the price of oil has tripled, putting pressure on the American economy. As long as America imports much of our oil from unstable regions and countries around the world, our national security and economic prosperity is threatened.
GOVERNOR ROMNEY: "We use about 25 percent of the world's oil supply to power our economy, but according to the Department of Energy, we possess only 1.7 percent of the world's crude oil reserves. Our military and economic strength depend on our becoming Energy independent – moving past symbolic measures to actually produce as much Energy as we use." (Governor Mitt Romney, Rising To A New Generation Of Global Challenges, Foreign Affairs, July/August 2007)
GOVERNOR ROMNEY: "The United States must become Energy independent. This does not mean no longer importing or using oil. It means making sure that our nation's future will always be in our hands. Our decisions and destiny cannot be bound to the whims of oil-producing states." (Governor Mitt Romney, Rising To A New Generation Of Global Challenges, Foreign Affairs, July/August 2007)
The Romney Plan: Achieve Energy Independence Through Innovation
Provide Presidential Leadership. Because Energy independence is crucial to our economy and our national security, establish it as a top administration priority, and lead the U.S. to a future with affordable and secure Energy.
Invest In Research. Dramatically increase federal spending on research, development, and demonstration projects that hold promise for diversifying our Energy supply and increasing our Energy efficiency, such as:
Basic research in key technologies like improved Energy storage
Bringing clean Energy technology to market through commercialization of large-scale renewables and advanced nuclear technologies
Improved smart-grid technology for power distribution
Clean, efficient uses of existing fossil fuels, e.g. clean coal, coal-to-liquids, carbon sequestration
Increase Focus On Energy Security. Shift federal priorities to emphasize issues of Energy security, particularly at the Department of Energy.
Promote Nuclear Technology. Accelerate construction of new nuclear power plants in order to ensure that nuclear power continues to be a part of a robust, cleaner, and reliable Energy mix.
Increase Domestic Production. Pursue our domestic sources of Energy, drawing from our broad and diverse base of options, including opening ANWR to oil and natural gas development.
GOVERNOR ROMNEY: "I want to initiate a bold, far-reaching research initiative – an Energy Revolution, if you will. It will be our generation’s equivalent of the Manhattan Project or the mission to the Moon. This will be a mission to create new, economic sources of Energy, clean Energy. We will license our technology to other nations and of course we will employ it here at home. It will be good for our national defense, it will be good for our foreign policy, it will be good for our economy." (Governor Mitt Romney, Remarks At The George Bush Presidential Library Center, 4/10/2007
GOVERNOR ROMNEY: "This kind of Energy independence will also mean pursuing ample domestic sources of Energy: more drilling offshore and in ANWR, nuclear power, renewable sources, ethanol, biodiesel, solar, wind, and full exploitation of coal – both solid and liquid." (Governor Mitt Romney, Remarks At The George Bush Presidential Library Center, 4/10/2007
Einstein said, “You cannot solve a problem with the same mind that created it.” Similarly, we won’t improve our country until we improve our level of public debate. On these pages I outline how we can automate conflict resolution and cost-benefit analysis and solve our problems at a level higher than how they were caused.
To start, we will break our problems down into their sub-components, including beliefs, supporting, and weakening evidence, and arguments. This will allow thousands or millions of us to evaluate each part of an argument and evidence one at a time. We will group beliefs by topic and sort them by their positivity, strength, and level of specificity. This will prevent duplication and allow us to focus on one issue at a time.
The Idea Stock Exchange (ISE) proposes a groundbreaking framework for tackling complex issues, resolving conflicts, and fostering informed decision-making. Here's a detailed breakdown of its key features:
Evidence-driven: Prioritizes verifiable data and logical reasoning, ensuring well-informed conclusions.
Dynamic Ranking System: Inspired by Google's PageRank, it evaluates arguments based on the strength of their evidence, dynamically adjusting as new information emerges.
2. Multi-faceted Evaluation Metrics:
Cost-Benefit Analysis: Assesses proposed solutions by examining potential costs, benefits, likelihoods, and impact.
Argumentative Strength Assessment: Categorizes arguments based on logical consistency, evidence, relevance, and significance.
Maslow's Hierarchy Integration: Aligns the evaluation with fundamental human needs for a broader perspective.
3. Sophisticated Scoring and Ranking Protocols:
Precision Scoring Formula: Combines argument scores with evidence assessments to determine argument validity.
Evidence-Based Ranking System: Leverages algorithms to rank solutions based on predicted costs and benefits, with dynamic updates based on new information.
4. Uniqueness and Redundancy Scores:
Equivalency Score: Identifies similar arguments using semantic similarity metrics and machine learning, coupled with community feedback, to reduce redundancy and develop unique scores.
"Better Ways of Saying the Same Thing": Helps users find alternative expressions of the same idea, enhancing clarity and reducing duplication.
5. Logical Fallacy and Argument Evaluation:
Fallacy Detection: Implements algorithms to identify and flag potentially fallacious arguments, promoting rational discourse.
User-Contributed Evidence Assessment: Allows the community to contribute evidence supporting or weakening arguments for collaborative verification.
6. Technological Integration and User Interaction:
Database Tools: Proposes building tools to map conclusions, assumptions, and their relationships for deeper understanding.
Interactive Interface: Users can actively participate by submitting evidence, voting on argument strength, and suggesting alternative viewpoints.
7. Promoting Quality Debate:
Separating Argument Types: Distinguishes between truth, importance, and relevance arguments for a more nuanced debate structure.
Encouraging Constructive Dialogue: Aims to shift focus from emotional responses to evidence-based reasoning, fostering meaningful discourse over sensationalism.
8. Community-Driven Evolution:
Open-Source Development: Encourages community involvement in refining and evolving the platform, ensuring its adaptability and relevance.
Additional Considerations:
Data Quality and Bias: Implementing robust measures to ensure data accuracy and mitigate potential biases in algorithms and user contributions.
Transparency and Explainability: Providing clear explanations of scoring methods and decision-making processes to build trust and understanding.
User Engagement and Education: Fostering active participation and educating users on the platform's functionalities and responsible use.
We are a political party that organizes all the ideas and arguments by subject, and lets them battle in a survival of the fittest death-match.
We are a political party that supports candidates that promises to make their decisions based on online cost benefit and idea evaluation algorithms. They just have to use a forum that ties the strength of their conclusion to the strength of their assumption, so that when you strengthen or weaken an assumption you also strengthen or weaken conclusions based on the assumption.
We have had the technological ability to create a world based on logic for too long. It is about time we build a rational political party based on the assumption that we support plans, conclusions, activities, and policies that can gather evidence based support, and that we don't do things that don't stand up to analysis.
We will conduct open, online, cost/benefit analysis of each issue. It is about time.
Welcome to the website for the best political party of all time, and the future of reason based decisions making.
"No concept you form is valid unless you integrate it without contradiction into the sum of human knowledge."
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