Author: Jack

Back in 2005, the U. S. Senate and House passed a National Energy Policy, and it was signed by President George W. Bush. Its stated purpose was "To ensure jobs for our future with secure, affordable, and reliable energy." There hasn’t been an updated National Energy Policy since 2005. That old policy, though, all 550-pages … Continue reading A National Energy Policy

It is amazing to me how little the Inflation Reduction Act has to do with inflation reduction. The name of the bill has to do with politics, not the actual content of the bill. Why do politicians do that sort of deception? They just can’t seem to help themselves. Some news channels are now calling … Continue reading Energy and the Inflation Reduction Act

My first hope for America is for a leader to appear or emerge or rise from our tears and fears. Mitt Romney has scooped me on this one. In the Atlantic article described in my previous post (America is in Denial, July 2022), he writes “The only cure for wishful thinking is leadership. Winston Churchill … Continue reading Fears and Hopes for America: Part 2 – Hopes

There’s a lot to be afraid of for America. Consider: Inflation is plenty bad enough already, but will it get worse, how long will it last, and , will it be followed by recession? That combination could wipe out the savings and optimism of middle and poor Americans.             Will the war in Ukraine ultimately … Continue reading Fears and Hopes for America: Part 1 – Fears

 I grew up in Ohio, in the middle of the middle class. Father a very small business man, mother a part-time grade school teacher. I don’t know how I learned my mild to moderate distrust of government. I can’t remember that such a thing was ever discussed at home or school or with friends. It … Continue reading Guns and Distrust

I did not expect to be living through a war in my ninety-second year. World War 2, Korea, the Cold War, Vietnam, Iraq, etc., were enough already. At least I won't be drafted into the Army for this one. For us in the U.S., employing sanctions and weaponry, it doesn't seem much like a real … Continue reading The War and Its Possibilities

President Biden has stated that the goal for the U.S. to reach 'net zero' greenhouse emissions is 2050. Biden's goal includes being half way there by 2030. What 'net zero' means is that if there are any greenhouse emissions from oil, gas, coal, or cows anywhere in the U.S., they will be offset by greenhouse … Continue reading Net Zero Emissions

The Republican and Democratic National Committees are responsible for nominating the persons who will campaign for President of the United States. It's by far their most important function. In a democracy with a two-party system, it's extremely important that the best, most capable people possible are nominated. Judging from the Committee websites, however, nominating a … Continue reading The Next President

There are millions of vaccine deniers; no doubt there are also millions of climate change deniers -- probably many of the same people. This entry in Jack's Journal explains my personal journey from climate change skeptic to believer. Perhaps it will help others make the same trip. Until four or five years ago, I was … Continue reading Climate Change Or ????

Writing in the New York Times (January 13, 2022), David Brooks asserts that "America is Falling Apart at the Seams."             To illustrate the point, Brooks points to increasing motor vehicle deaths during the pandemic, and he notes that altercations on airplanes have 'exploded', the murder rate is 'surging', drug overdoses are increasing, Americans are … Continue reading Falling Apart