Let the private sector do the job

By Published by The Editorial Board

Published: August 10, 2008

To the editor:

In this day and age — in an effort to jump-start a dozing government — to whom does the American taxpayer turn? A government so blatantly inept that it still collects taxes and continues to spend our monies, yet leaves town at a time when very important matters need solid answers.

The continuous and negative drum beat of the Democratic Party heard over the last seven and one-half years coupled with the Republican Party’s leadership lacking the political will have left our government in a shambles. Our energy policy — or rather, the lack of an energy policy — is a solid example.

During World War II, we had “Rosie the Riveter.” The industrial might of our great country was unleashed and challenged with the motto, “We Can Do it All.” Unfortunately, the majority leadership in the House of Representatives and Senate these days has laid our country out for the pickings. The desire to lead is trumped by long, drawn-out scripted speeches that dance around the subject but lead to nowhere. They stuff archives with a lot of talking points and speeches that gain nothing, teach our children it’s OK to just talk but accomplish little, deny their responsibility and go on vacation with major and significant matters left swinging in the wind. Our industrial might requires leadership. We need individuals with fire in their bellies and a brain on their shoulders who get results, not an intellectual Bravo Sierra.

I believe we must encourage individuals with bright, industrial minds to delve into all facets of the field of energy and, piece by piece, lay out a program that will put America on the path of independence from oil. It is doable, but we first must take off the handcuffs from those who are willing to step forward and get the job done. Once the participants are released to get on with a sound energy program, the partisan politicians, lobbyist and special interest groups should step aside without fanfare.

Jack Welch, T. Boone Pickens and Lee Iacocca come to mind as strong, knowledgeable individuals who, in diverse industrial fields, have proven their can-do attitude. With the polarizing politicians out of the picture and no longer micromanaging losing efforts, the private sector will stand up and take charge. We simply do what we do best. Establish a goal and go for it. All facets of a comprehensive energy program will be explored.  Those showing promise would be pursued until considered unfeasible. Yes, and somewhere in a garage another Bill Gates will show up and provide a silver bullet to help in the venture. With the right attitude, we can overcome our energy problems. The citizens can open their minds and get on with the solution. They know the tools of their trade and can get the job done.

However, how do we get the politicians to understand a status quo is not a favorable solution for our nation? Let’s take care of our country first then move on.

CARL R. SHAW
Danville