U.S. President-elect Barack Obama insists on the need to develop new forms of energy
“In the 21st century, we know that the future of our economy and national security is inextricably linked with one challenge: energy,” Obama told a news conference. “All of us know the problems that are rooted in our addiction to foreign oil. It constrains our economy, shifts wealth to hostile regimes and leaves us dependent on unstable regions.”
“To control our own destiny, America must develop new forms of energy and new ways of using it. And this is not a challenge for government alone— it’s a challenge for all of us.”
What about Climate Change Mr President-elect?
“We will make decisions based on the facts, and we understand that facts demand bold action,” Obama said.
What about the carbon footprint of your inauguration?
The President-elect forgot to mention that Disa orchids will be flown in for his inauguration from New Zealand within 24 hours of being picked!
The total bill for Mr Obama’s inauguration, including cost of the security, which will be paid by the taxpayers, will probably exceed the $160million [Figure revised according to the media estimates on January 20, 2009.] At a global average of 584g of CO2/GDP dollar, the inauguration carbon footprint on cost basis alone would be 93,400 metric tons [MT] of CO2.
[But, hey, that’s nothing compared with the trillion-dollar bailouts being handed out to any bank/corporation large enough to blackmail the state!]
As for the additional CO2 created by an estimated 2 million people swarming Washington DC for the ceremony, add another 44,000 MT. By January 21, 2009, the inauguration carbon footprint will have exceeded 137,400 MT of CO2.
U.S. President-elect [do as I say, don’t worry about what I do] Barack Obama looks on as Steven Chu, director of Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, speaks after being introduced as Obama’s Energy Secretary during a news conference in Chicago, December 15, 2008. Obama also named former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chief Carol Browner (R) to head a new council to coordinate White House energy, climate and environment policies, and Lisa Jackson (2nd-R), chief of staff for New Jersey’s governor, to run the EPA. REUTERS/Stephen J. Carrera. Image may be subject to copyright.
Ordering orchids from New Zealand for the presidential inauguration is a callous disregard for the environment; it also rates high, “Scale F,” on the Adolescents Social Insensitivity scale
See:
– The Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III (MCMI-III)
– The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) – [published by the American Psychiatric Association]
– The mental disorders section, International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD)
Related Links:
EDRO 