For too long national security and environmental priorities have been seen to be in conflict.

The implications of the attacks on New York City and Washington DC on September 11th, 2001 appear "off the radar" for many Americans. Many have forgotten or are unaware of the February 23rd, 1998 fatwa of Osama Bin Laden, et al, which reads in part…”On that basis, and in compliance with God's order, we issue the following fatwa to all Muslims: The ruling to kill the Americans and their allies -- civilians and military -- is an individual duty for every Muslim who can do it in any country in which it is possible to do it….” Our nation has mortal enemies who will use any means possible to do us harm, and if possible, destroy us. Our continued dependence on imported oil makes the United States extraordinarily vulnerable to economic disruption. This fact is not lost on those who wish to harm the United States. The growing instability of the Middle East and Nigeria and hostile regimes in countries like Iran and Venezuela, and current events in Bolivia and elsewhere provide prime opportunities for our enemies to systematically exploit our vulnerability.

Decreasing our dependence on fossil fuels is equally necessary for environmental reasons. For too long national security and environmental priorities have been seen to be in conflict. Our national security needs require that the United States exploit every available avenue toward Energy Independence and address the issue of global warming. Specifically, we must:

Bring renewable energy sources on line as rapidly as possible
Bringing renewable energy sources on line as rapidly as possible will require: (a) policies which provide tax and other financial incentives for the building and use of renewable energy sources, (b) policies which provide tax and other financial disincentives for the use of fossil fuel for power generation (as has been done by the state of California with January, 2006, approval of the California Solar Initiative (CSI), a comprehensive $2.8 billion program that provides incentives toward solar development over 11 years.), (c) a review of environmental regulations and programs such that, policies which are counter to bringing on line renewable energy sources as rapidly as possible, e.g., the decommissioning of dams which provide hydroelectric power and obstacles to building additional hydroelectric power generation, are eliminated, (d) a recognition that there is no one “silver bullet” which will provide energy independence for the United States. A variety of existent technologies, upgrades and refinements of existent technologies, nascent technologies and yet-to-be-developed technologies will all play an important role. The appropriate technology(s) for different regions of the country will have to be developed and implemented. For example, here in Florida, solar power will probably play a key role in our future power generation, while this would probably not be true in the Northeast.

Significantly and continually upgrade the emissions and fuel economy standards on all vehicles sold in the United States

These are necessary steps, which will provide one of the basic necessary national responses to global warming and reduce our dependence on imported oil. Whenever we have legislated more stringent standards, the marketplace has responded with more fuel-efficient and less-polluting vehicles.

In today's world, America can't ignore al queda or global warming. That's why I am now a "Green Hawk."

I discover I am a Green Hawk

I am a 64 year 0ld American, who in the post 911 world has come to believe that National Security and Environmental issues such as energy independence and global warming are the Paramount issues facing our country, In the words of the New York times columnist, Thomas Friedman, I am a "Green Hawk." Read his article http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/15/magazine/15green.t.html?ex=1334289600&en=77253fd58f161a95&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss&pagewanted=all&pagewanted=all

It has been the case for the past several years that if I find myself in a conversation with several liberals and conservatives, I can manage to drive them all nuts because my best judgement on an issue is not automatically liberal or conservative. My opinion will depend on the issue under discussion.

I care that the United States be able to defend itself. We certainly don't want to become someone Else's province. Similarly, whatever foot dragging and denial we have had on environmental issues, our environment would be raped if we were someone Else's province.

My basic premise is that National Security, energy independence and global warming

My basic premise is that National Security, energy independence and global warming are closely linked issues, which must be urgently addressed simultaneously. Public policy should reflect this.

NATIONAL SECURITY & ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

My country has enemies who use every weapon at their disposal from suicide bombers and flying airplanes into buildings killing thousands of innocent people, to attacks on oil workers, shipping, etc, around the world.

My country needs to decrease its dependence on Middle East oil and bring alternative, clean and renewable domestic energy sources on line as rapidly as possible.

My country needs to work with other nations around the world to address global warming.

My country needs to address all of these issues immediately, simultaneously, and tenaciously.

This is why I blog!

Dr. Sparks Lunney
Naples, Florida USA