How do we get politicians to fix the energy crisis?!?

Question

Ok, now that I've made my screaming subject, let me ask this intelligently (and thereby limit my responders to maybe four or five brave souls)... we suffer from an energy crisis in our nation's power grid, weakened infrastructure, insufficient highways, limited mass transit, and a lessening of basic public services (when was the last time you saw a new library open?). These aren't 'hot' issues, but they're serious and not being addressed. These problems have been growing for decades, so please keep the "I hate Bush" comments out of this. The real problem is, politicians don't seem to care because they're only worried about immediate results for their constituents. My question is, how do we get them to care? Does anyone know a way to bring these problems to a national level and make them part of the debate? Are there lobbyists or other groups who work to fix this? I'd really like to know.

Answer 1

First, let me compliment you on keeping away from partisan politician bashing.

Obviously, I don't have an easy answer for you, but something I would suggest is that you focus on LOCAL politics. Many energy issues (e.g. the number of refineries in a state) and most public transit issues are local issues. That's why San Francisco has the amazing BART and Los Angeles has the decidedly less amazing RTD.

Local politicians are more accessible. They're more immediately beholden to their constituents. And, it's much easier to get local media attention for demonstrations, etc. Consider the success of the bus riders strike that took place in LA several years ago. They really had an impact.

So, my first suggestion is to get educated on local politics: find out who your representatives are, find out what propositions may be in the works, and then start getting on mailing lists and message boards. Usually, message boards have partisan affiliations but that's okay.

Second, pick your battles. You've mentioned some pretty broad problems. You can make the biggest difference by choosing one or two causes and pursuing them. If you want to see more funding go to libraries, then start looking into what programs exist to raise money for libraries in your area. Heck, pick a library and go talk to a librarian, find out what they need there. One place to start is the Gates Foundation. Their Library Project is more about getting computers into libraries, but it's a starting point. Organize a fundraiser or a book drive. Try working with literacy programs. Start small. Once you have a success, you can build on that.

Too often, I think we're taught to look to politicians to fix problems. The bigger and more centralized government gets, the tougher it is to get anything done. That's why working at the Federal level isn't ideal.

Which brings me to my last suggestion which you may not like: consider the private sector. Obviously, this isn't an option when it comes to building highways. But if there's a neighborhood that is being underserved by mass transit, why not come up with a business plan and try to get investors or a grant?

When you work within your community or an underserved community, you have a better chance of seeing real change, of creating a legacy of personal responsibility and investment by local residents, and of creating a positive example that can be replicated and expanded upon.

Just my opinion. Good luck.

Answer 2

I think that you are looking to the wrong place for a solution. It is not Government's job to 'fix' the energy crisis. However, they can make it easier for the free market to do so. By removing excessive regulation and (if you must) give incentives(tax breaks) for the utilities to do so. The Utilities (who know their job better than anyone) can do it much more cheaply and efficiently. Individuals solve problems not government. I think George Carlin said "CONgress is the opposite of PROgress". Do not place these in realm of government.

Answer 3

For one thing, the government is not the only solution. Many problems could be solved by the private sector if the government would get out of the way.

However, if you want to get politicians involved, you have to play their game. By nature, they only care about 3 things: power, getting elected, getting re-elected. All you have to do is show them how supporting these programs will help them get more power, and help them get more votes. It's as easy as that.

Answer 4

What if politicians' big donors were from big oil? Why would they hurt their donors? When the price of oil gets high enough, companies like BP will 'all-of-a-sudden' discover new technologies and new energy sources to take up the slack. It's only a crisis if YOU can't afford it.

Answer 5

Start pressuring your local city & county represenatives - they are elected for a reason. Write, call & email your elected senators. They are the ones tha can request more federal monies to help with state issues such as energy.

Answer 6

Call your congressman, or start a group to incourage people to do the same. They wont cange anything till we make enough noise for them to hear. I dont trust the Lobbyests because they all have some kind of agenda. Start your own and pass it along.

Answer 7

you could start by making your point at the next election putting you self forward as a party candidate, others will join you and support you, it taken the green party many years to prave the way forward in Britain today

Answer 8

stop allowing energy to be traded to the public. Stop subsidizing big oil. Then, nobody gets rich off of it.

Answer 9

stop working
stop spending
stop paying taxes

you have to make the machine stop. that's what capitalism is. this machine of war and taxes and expanding state power. you have to starve it to make it stop

Answer 10

PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NOT POLITCIANS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Every time politicians try to fix something, they break it worse.

PS: Try breaking you paragraphs into smaller bits.

Say after library (my town library is doubling it's size for the second time in 15 years).

Also at "out of this." and "care."