It seems that you are honestly committed to change and not simply supporting the party line no matter what they decide. Some elephants would be wise learn from that kind of independent, critical analysis.

I too am committed to re-framing the energy debate. Along that line, I would be remiss not point out that there are some here who will ignore the positive contributions that nuclear energy has made - and has yet to make - in helping wean our dependence on fossil fuels. I find myself coming here often to help debunk some of what appears to be closed-minded railing against anything having to do with the use of the atom, regardless of whether it’s for peaceful or malevolent purposes.

Thanks for the breath of fresh air, and I thanks for taking the high road - even when I didn’t.

Our job is to create the bottom up change that this country needs so that we can be pushing our leaders to take more, not less ambitious stances. I guess I’m more interested in re-framing the whole debate on energy than denouncing poor decisions I see.

Hmmm… I guess Obama can do no wrong. He’s right to oppose it last week, and he’s still right when he changes his mind? Quite a reverse double standard you have going isn’t it?

The politicians aren’t movements, they follow where our communities lead. Frankly, U.S. based movements and communities haven’t been as strong as the corporations for many many years. Otherwise we wouldn’t have crises such as economic disparity, the Iraq war and climate change.

The past 30-40 years we’ve let them get away with murder [literally] because we think change comes when we elect new politicians. Hardly. Now we are overwhelmed with dirty energy, privatized wars, home foreclosures and a global economic system based on the teachings of Milton Friedman and the Chicago Boys. [Check out Naomi Klein's "The Shock Docrine" and her regular articles in the Nation to get the skinny on that.]

Obama thinks bombing Iran and offshore drilling are good ideas. Get ready for the New New Democrats and their version of the Shock Doctrine.

“When is he going to help turn that inspiration towards doing something more concrete for the country than helping him get elected? Nov 5th?”

I don’t think this is something we can keep from happening, and find it best just to assume this will come, and prepare for it.

The more important point here is that neither drilling or inflating tires is an inspiring message of how we’re going to end our energy crisis. Investing massively in alternatives, public transportation and energy efficiency technicians and stronger, healthier communities will end our energy crisis and involve everyone in the solution. We don’t need to tell everyone to inflate their tires, we need to involve everyone in the energy effort (like the war effort of our grandparents).

Obama has been so good at inspiring people to get involved in leadership positions in his campaign (hosting house parties, training youth as organizers, creative fund raising efforts, etc). When is he going to help turn that inspiration towards doing something more concrete for the country than helping him get elected? Nov 5th?