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Thursday, August 07, 2008

Editorial: Congress Could Use a Pep Talk



      If you go to American Rhetoric online, you can hear President Harry Truman say something to the “Do Nothing” 80th Congress that President Bush ought to seriously consider saying to the lackluster 110th, if it adjourns today without voting on an energy bill: “I am ... calling this Congress back into session!”
       In July 1948, Truman was fuming over the failure of Congress failure to act on rising prices, a housing crisis and energy costs. Sound familiar?
       For weeks, Congress has been deadlocked on crucial energy bills in both the House and Senate. Chances of resolution before the August recess look slim.
       Members of the 110th Congress need to hear a clear message from the American people: If you are thinking of coming home without an energy bill, don't bother to schedule campaign rallies and picnics. Voters have lost patience with procedural combat over offshore drilling and attempts to end worldwide oil speculation.
       What they want is more domestic oil production and real progress on alternative energy.
       Bipartisan action is needed — today — to give working Americans relief. Opening up U.S. reserves would send a signal that we intend to do something other than hand wringing in the face of tight supplies, calming speculative frenzy.
       Extending tax credits for wind and solar industries is crucial. If Congress allows the credits to expire, many companies — including Schott Solar, which plans to build a large-scale manufacturing plant in Albuquerque — will have to rethink their plans.
       If Congress heads out of town without bringing an energy proposal to a vote, President Bush needs to listen to some history at www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/harrytruman1948dnc.htm.
       “Give 'em hell,” Mr. President.
       

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