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August 13, 2008
The Way the Wind Blows
Thomas Friedman catches the essential hypocrisy of John McCain when it comes to alternative energy. McCain talks a good talk about supporting the development of wind and solar technologies, but when it comes to his own job as a Senator, he can't be bothered to vote on bills essential for clean energy development.
Senator McCain did not show up for the crucial vote on July 30, and the renewable energy bill was defeated for the eighth time. In fact, John McCain has a perfect record on this renewable energy legislation. He has missed all eight votes over the last year — which effectively counts as a no vote each time. Once, he was even in the Senate and wouldn’t leave his office to vote.
“McCain did not show up on any votes,” said Scott Sklar, president of The Stella Group, which tracks clean-technology legislation. Despite that, McCain’s campaign commercial running during the Olympics shows a bunch of spinning wind turbines — the very wind turbines that he would not cast a vote to subsidize, even though he supports big subsidies for nuclear power.
As Friedman outlines in his column, the tax credits are essential for the continued development of alternative energy sources. But McCain couldn't be bothered to vote, even though a huge solar project in his home state of Arizona — and the 4000 green jobs that go with it — needs the credits to continue.
It takes more than pictures of pretty wind turbines to make real progress on energy independence. And John McCain has proven by his actions that he doesn't care at all. He's just another Republican beholden to the oil and nuclear industries. Don't let him fool you.
Posted by jnfr at August 13, 2008 07:19 AM