May 22nd, 2009 by
Jason Deans As if the United States had not learned its lesson from the recent mortgage crisis, the introduction of a cap and trade policy would create a similar problem—a flawed system abundant with Wall Street manipulation and lacking in benefits for the economy or the climate.
The proposed cap and trade policy would require utilities, industry, and anyone else who emits large quantities of CO2 to obtain emissions credits for the carbon they emit – either by purchasing the credits, or in many cases by giving them out for free to favored industries. Those who emit les carbon than others could sell or trade their “emissions credits” in a complicated Wall Street-like system, allowing buyers of these credits the “right” to emit more carbon. Implementation of this policy would be lengthy and expensive, and new markets for the emissions trade as well as new regulators to monitor them would be a costly necessity.
Cap and trade will likely not reduce CO2 emissions, and will only encourage more of the market meddling and manipulation which so famously helped land the US in its current economic state. If Congress is serious about reducing emissions, there are other solutions recommended by economists. It’s true that we need to get serious about climate policy, but we need to do it correctly.
Further, the Waxman-Markey bill that some in Congress are pushing for cap and trade policy will only further Washington’s massive pork spending problem, encourage closed-door dealings and does not provide any serious level of transparency or accountability.
The Waxman-Markey pork bill should not pass and should not be supported by our representatives and senators in Washington. It is my great hope that they will recognize the dangers in this bill and demand more transparent, accountable and solid climate policy.
April 29th, 2009 by
Jason Deans Just saw that my letter to the editor was published today…
Offshore Riches.
In response to the April 6 opinion piece “Illusions of riches off N.C.’s coast,” I disagree that the argument for increased offshore exploration is a scam.
The vast majority of Americans are in favor of expanding domestic energy production, including the development of oil and natural gas reserves in the Outer Continental Shelf. It’s easy to understand why. Not only could these offshore resources help protect us from astronomical price run-ups like the ones we saw last summer, but they could reduce our reliance on overseas oil and bring money and jobs back home.
A recent study by the American Energy Alliance estimated that permanently lifting the ban on OCS production would, over the next 30 years, create almost 31,000 North Carolina jobs, pump an additional $8.4 billion into our state economy and generate $691 million in tax revenue.
The story’s the same across the country. The total increase in U.S. economic output would amount to over $8 trillion. That could play a big role in getting our nation back on track.
It’s important that North Carolinians be not only aware but also involved in discussions about offshore drilling. It’s a potential economic boost sitting right off our shore.
March 18th, 2009 by
Jason Deans What is more interesting is that NCSU is tied for 18th but lacks the ability to consistently compete with UNC and Duke or any of the other top 25. At some point the administration needs to ask the athletic department a few very tough questions. Mediocrity can’t be accepted.
Forbes: UNC is most valuable college basketball team - Triangle Business Journal:.
March 5th, 2009 by
Jason Deans This has to be one of the least intelligent bills to be introduced in a long time.
Bill would send sports at low-performing schools into sudden death :: WRAL.com.
February 25th, 2009 by
Jason Deans Maybe he got a thrill up his leg.
Following President Obama’s first address to Congress on Tuesday night, an MSNBC host or producer was caught muttering “Oh God” on the air as Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal walked toward the camera to deliver the GOP response.
MSNBC Introduction for Gov. Jindal: ‘Oh God’ - Presidential Politics | Political News - FOXNews.com.
February 23rd, 2009 by
Jason Deans Sir Walter Raleigh enjoys the reputation of a silver-tongued explorer, a swashbuckling courtier, a dashing symbol of North Carolina topped off with a plumed hat.
It’s a biography more flowery than a sonnet, and an international group of scholars hopes to rescue Sir Walter from his own mythology.
Let’s debunk the big myths first:
1. He led the Lost Colony and brought England its first puffs of tobacco. No, Sir Walter never set foot in North America, let alone the Outer Banks, and he served only as tobacco’s first PR man.
Read more: Sir Walter, we hardly knew you - Local & State - News & Observer.
February 20th, 2009 by
Jason Deans Check out this article I wrote on how to save on Child Health Insurance in NC. If you’ve been looking for a way to lower your health insurance premiums and provide your kids with great health insurance - read this article then request a free, no obligation quote for child health insurance. We have some very good plans from BCBS that can save you some dough.
November 26th, 2008 by
Jason Deans I’ve neglected my blog for too long now.
I thought a post about the the Pack’s glorious victory Saturday would be an appropriate way to kick things off. And before you Carolina fans say “Just wait until basketballs season” - well - just dont say it. Let us enjoy our week of fun. After all - we have to “play” twice in basketball. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to remind us then. Enjoy the photo - it was posted over at StateFans Nation
October 29th, 2008 by
Jason Deans Unbelievable. I think this all but makes it official. The world series is being delayed to Obama can run his 30 minute “ad”.
The Obama campaign bought time on CBS, NBC and Fox for $1 million per network. In Fox’s case, the deal means pushing back the start time of a potential World Series Game 6 to 8:35 p.m., a condition that was approved by Major League Baseball.
Read all about it here…
