X10 has created “CO2” featuring C$, Run Rhymz, and P Nasty in an effort to overturn VT Governor Douglas' veto of H520 ,a bill towards cutting Vermonter's energy bills and cutting green house emissions, CO2 is to inform people about the dangers of global warming around the world and in Vermont.

[via YouTube, here; posted by Hartmannstudios (June 27, 2007); length: 3:13 minutes/seconds]

After viewing, one can take action, here [via VPIRG].

Spread the word!

( – promoted by odum)

The Deerfield Valley News has published the second in a series of articles on the planned “western Reception Center”, part of the Entergy Nuclear evacuation plan. 

After 9/11, when one of the hijacked planes flew down the Hudson past Entergy's Indian Point reactors, Selectboards in the Emergency Zone began asking for an additional center so people west of VY wouldn't be expected to evacuate toward the reactor.

As you've likely heard by now, Senator Leahy has subpoenad documents from the President and Vice President's offices. As you probably have also heard, the decider and the fourth branch of government have, predictably, pretty much repeated Cheney's oft quoted admonition to our senior Senator delivered in the Senate Halls some time back. Leahy has since responded:

This White House cannot have it both ways.  They cannot stonewall congressional investigations by refusing to provide documents and witnesses, while claiming nothing improper occurred.

“Increasingly, the President and Vice President feel they are above the law — in America no one is above law.”

From a moral standpoint, perhaps. From a legal or procedural standpoint, perhaps not.

First off, they can say whatever they want. We're well past the point where it's realistic to believe that anyone in the White House thinks that anyone in the public puts any credence in what the say anymore. I doubt even the 20-some percent of lingering die-hard supporters in the polls actually believe him, they just support his “whatever-it-takes” approach to their shared agenda.

As far as being above the law, well, that just depends, doesn't it? Are we talking academically or practically? The fact is that these are legislative subpoenas that may or may not be endorsed by a judge. When it comes to subpoenaing the Executive Branch, a supposedly co-equal branch of Government, the court's involvement is likely to look different. It's easy to imagine if the matter goes before this Supreme Court (with its unrestrained Bushite judicial activism), the court is likely to say “forget it.” They'll likely tell the Legislature that they won't support a non-Judicial subpoena over a claim of executive privilege, and if the Legislature wants to force action, they have their two Constitutional options: the pursestrings, and of course, impeachment.

(With impeachment “off the table,” that frees up the Executive quite a bit, eh?)

All this reminds us that, when the rubber hits the road, much of the functioning of our government depends on an honor system. With Bush and Cheney willfully scrapping both the “system” and “honor,” it creates more than a little quandary for the Legislative Branch, now struggling for some semblance of relevence.

Today ActBlue marks its 3rd Anniversary. Seriously, 3 years? I know- time flies.

Back in 2004, our founders Matt DeBergalis and Benjamin Rahn thought they could build something that would change Democratic fundraising- making it, well, more democratic. The two of them, living off of savings and limited investment, set out to build a platform that would end up changing our Party. Working out of their homes, they built the first generation of ActBlue.

This innovative, secure, and groundbreaking way to give money to Democrats was launched in June of 2004 before the end of the fundraising quarter. The earliest adopters, the blogosphere, helped push $250,000 into federal campaigns that summer. Printing $1 million in checks out of Matt’s living room by the end of 2004 was an accomplishment for the start-up. ActBlue caught the eye of Democratic campaigns, organizations, and establishment investors and it was time to grow.

And grow ActBlue did. You can see it for yourself in the numbers.

Total Raised for Democrats through ActBlue: $24,167,741

# of fundraising pages on ActBlue: 4,204

# of people contacted in just 3 weeks via ActBlue’s new Spread the Word tool: 3,751

# of active entities in ActBlue’s directory: 3,739 (will grow towards 10,000 this cycle)

# of candidates and committees receiving funds to date: 1,725

# of states where ActBlue is active for state level activity: 23 (24 soon)

# of people behind the ActBlue curtain: 6

# of months until ActBlue outgrows its 600 sq foot office: 1
  (that’s over $40,000/sq.ft. of productivity!)

There a lot of talk about investing in lasting infrastructure for the Democratic Party. ActBlue returns over $20 in aid for Democratic candidates for every $1 in investment. We have more ideas under the hood than you can shake a stick at, limited not by our creativity, but by time and investment.

ActBlue is an investment in our Party. ActBlue is an investment in a Democratic future.

So, in honor of our 3rd Anniversary, will you invest in ActBlue?

http://www.actblue.com/page/investinactblue

With your help, the future will be more than just bright- it will be Blue.

So I offer a toast: the undiscovered country . . . the future. Here’s to turning 3.

In a recent comment on the H.520 situation, one GMD writer wrote…

Why bother? Now, I hear that Douglas has said he won’t even meet.

This is pathetic.

For what it is worth, I don’t think we should give up…even now…I think given the right attitude, we still might find a way to save it. What if we had, say, John Wayne at the head of the party?

It might go like this:

FromThe Hypothetical Herald

MONTPELIER, VT—  Senate President Pro-Tem Peter Shumlin drew his sword and threw away the scabbard this morning.

“We are going all out on H.520” said Shumlin.  “We may not override the Veto, but we are going all out, and when we’re done, the people are going to wonder why Governor Douglas hates the environment so much.”

“We’ve done everything we can to find common ground.  We’ve even offered to protect the Governor’s precious tax break for big energy.” said the President Pro-Tem.  “But the time for compromise has now passed.  And this bill will be a reality in the next session of the Legislature.”

Unidentified sources have indicated that the Democrats are putting together a war chest of contributions raised from party members to fly certain legislators home from vacation for the special session on July 11.

One Democrat who asked not to be named said he had been told in no uncertain terms that he needed to vote for this bill.  “They told me if I didn’t vote to override, I’d spent next year as the junior man on the shit-shoveling committee.”  Democratic Leaders would neither confirm or deny that they were enforcing party discipline on this issue.

But that’s just my opinion.

(Okay, I've acccepted this is more than a one diary issue). A long time ago there were two bills; a renewable energy bill and a building efficiency bill. Over a wild and wacky session, these bills joined together into what came to be known as the global warming bill. Advocates in each chamber joined together on the new hybrid bill, whose efficiency element was going to cost a little money. To fill this gap, there was first the fuels surcharge – which got (thankfully) dumped as being too regressive. After fits and starts, and in the 11th hour, came the new funding source; the legendary tax that primarily targeted Vermont Yankee.

So advocates moved forward, re-energized. What they didn't realize was that the old bill was gone, and what was in its place was more complicated. By appending the Yankee tax, they tapped into a surprisingly deep and wide resevoir of frustration and energy from the many on the left who have felt that VY has been given a sweetheart deal at the expense of Vermoners' environment and safety. As such, what had been a global warming bill to some was now a Vermont Yankee bill to others (and to some it was equally both).

Fast forward to the mistake in timing that was this week's decision to put the funding source back on the table (instead of holding that card until the veto session) in order to call Douglas's thin bluff at taking the issue seriously. The truth is that no matter when they would've pulled this card, the reaction on the left would have been similarly angry/frustrated/confused.

As a proponent of the global warming bill from early on, I've always looked at it AS a “global warming” bill, and have only just come to understand that many saw it otherwise. To those that saw it as a VY bill, this move is utter capitulation (and I'm not talking about the predatory Greens with their own anti-Dem agenda, such as Colby-boy), leaving those of us more firmly in the global warming camp wondering why people are talking as though the bill has been compromised. But with the narrative on the Dem leadership that's in full circulation; that they run away from controversy and cave upon meeting conflict, it's the capitulation argument that rings true for people.

A lot of lessons here. The big one is that Legislative Leadership should get out more and listen more (as should I, frankly). If they (we) had, they might have realized what they were really doing in plugging into the simmering, untended political lesion that is Vermont Yankee. It's clear that the VY tax couldn't be added as casually and modularly as one might add a sales tax increase, and that reality is just now dawning on those in leadership, as well as folks like me.

The other lesson is that Dem leadership better not give an inch on the global warming elements of the bill in the upcoming veto override session. I'm told both the House and Senate intend to hold firm this time. If they know what's good for them, they'll stick to that.

And when will the Vermont press call him on it?

 Here's what Douglas said on VPR this morning:

(Douglas) “I made it very clear that there are two objections to the bill that they presented to me. One is the unfair tax on Vermont Yankee, and the second is creating an untested and extensive bureaucracy, without really understanding what its mission is and without any track record.”

He won't stop saying it, but it's still a lie.

First, the bill says that energy efficiency programs will be  

provided by the energy efficiency utility appointed by the board under subsection 209(d) of this title and operating in accordance with section 209  of this title.

In other words, the services would be operated by Efficiency Vermont. Efficiency Vermont is not a bureaucracy, it's not part of state government, it is an activity of the Vermont Energy Investment Corporation, a nonprofit corporation in Burlington, Vermont. 

Second, he calls this organization something that doesn't understand its mission and has no track record. 

Let's take a look at the record. Efficiency Vermont has been in business since 2000.

The combined lifetime economic value of all Efficiency Vermont investments since 2000: $207 million.

The lifetime economic value of Efficiency Vermont investments made in 2005: $37 million.

Through energy efficiency investments made since 2000, Vermont is now using 5% less energy than the state would have used.

In 2005, the cost of saving electricity with energy efficiency was approximately 3.6 cents per kWh. That's almost two-thirds less than the 9.6 cents per kWh that utilities would have paid for a comparable electric supply.

Gov. Douglas's own Public Service Department has evaluated the savings claims of Efficiency Vermont, and has found that they are valid. Efficiency Vermont has been recognized around the world, and has been honored by Harvard's Kennedy School of Government for its activities. In fact, I attended the press event at the State House when Douglas spoke eloquently about Efficiency Vermont's award.

So isn't there someone in state government who will tell the truth? 
 

( – promoted by Jack McCullough)

From the Barre Montpelier Times Argus

June 27, 2007

…highs yesterday in the region were around 90 degrees, with 91 recorded in Montpelier…

Unfortunately, the arrival of hot summer weather also has brought in some unhealthy air.

… the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a warning Tuesday advising that unhealthy ozone levels and air quality across New England can aggravate asthma and other lung diseases, and make people more susceptible to respiratory infection and other breathing problems.

Adults with respiratory problems and children are especially vulnerable.

DAMN- Just think of what the H.520 Headline could have been….

From The Paper In My Mind

MONTPELIER, VT– Senate Majority Leader Peter Shumlin and Speaker of the House Gaye Symington braved near record high temperatures and an EPA health warning to castigate Governor Douglas for his obstruction of The Energy Bill.

“On a day when our children, who should be swimming, are warned to stay indoors, we call upon the Governor to recognize that we have a big problem” said Shumlin as he stood under the blazing summer sun.

“Because protecting a tax break for big business is more important to Governor Douglas”, added Symington, “I am disappointed to say that we are probably not going to be able to pass a global warming bill this year.”

“But we’re sure as hell going try”, growled Shumlin…

But, as far as I know, as of 8:23 PM tonight, that didn’t happen.

I’ve been gently taken to task by some in my assertion that the Democrats “Caved” on H.520 by offering to surrender the funding mechanism (a perfectly equitable tax on Vermont Yankee) for H.520- the Energy Bill.

So I will rephrase my point…

DEMOCRATS MADE A STUPID STRATEGIC DECISION AND LOST GREAT OPPORTUNITY

Now, we probably won’t only not get an energy bill, but the Governor won’t get tagged with the responsibility.

I am very, very, very disappointed.  I’m still a Democrat, but I’m a disappointed one…and I kind of hope they can find away to make it up to me, and, more importantly, to themselves, soon.

When Democrats were swept back into power in 2006, Rush Limbaugh said:

“But the way I feel is this: I feel liberated, and I'm just going to tell you as plainly as I can why. I no longer am going to have to carry the water for people who I don't think deserve having their water carried”

Liberals enjoyed his admission that he'd been basically spewing hot air and that he knew the Republicans were full of it.

But after reading that Vermont Democrats have caved in to Governor Big Jim Douglas and Big Business, letting THEM frame the debate on the energy bill rather than forcing them to support Government Subsidy and Defend Global Warming.. I kind of know how he felt…

…the only difference is….I believed.

crossposted at Rip and Read >

Well, you know what they say…it’s all fun and games until somebody looses an “aye”.

Vermont Democrats have talked tough, but at the last minute, they ducked and swerved on H. 520. The picture at left shows my present opinion of Democratic Leadership. (And yes, I suppose some of my fellow bloggers are entitled to watch me eat a piece of humble pie at the blogger’s barbecue.)

First, in an excess of politeness, they decided NOT to move the July 11th veto session until later in the year to give themselves more time and more votes to override the Governor’s Veto on H.520.

From the AP (via Boston.com):

Symington had said the day before that she was contemplating delaying the
July 11 vote until September to accommodate some lawmakers that said they
couldn’t make it to the Statehouse that day.
But Republican legislators
wanted the session held July 11, as scheduled.
“I’ve had a commitment from each and every one of the 49 Republicans to be there on July 11, but I know that Democrats don’t have a full slate,” said House Minority Leader Steve Adams, R-Hartland.
Symington said she decided not to change the date after speaking with the minority party caucuses.

That’s what I like about Democrats…we’re so NICE! We speak to the minority and make things convenient for them….and I’m sure, positive in fact, that the Republicans would do the very same for us…they are such decent folk. (Careful, dear reader, or some of my dripping sarcasm will fall on your shoe.)

Now, after talking tough and even bringing AL GORE into the act…Vermont Legislators turned tail and dropped the tax on Vermont Yankee at the last minute…maybe, they begged Governor “BIG JIM” Douglas….you’ll like us better now, please, sir, please?

And of course, the Gov. smiled and said, “No. I don’t like you any better than I did before. I’m STILL going to Veto your bill. And now, I’ve taken your measure and found that you, despite your numbers, are lacking in strength, in determination, and will power.”

And I’m sure we Democrats will growl, and show our tiny little yellow teeth, and then go cower in a dark hole somewhere.

This was a clear case of what we should do (H.520- combating global warming, promoting exciting new Vermont businesses, not giving Nuclear Power a cheaper tax rate than wind energy) and what we shouldn’t do…

As a friend of mine just put it: “Sometimes, you have to draw the line and just stand there…win or loose.”

Sometimes, it’s the Heroic Last Stand (the Alamo, Masada, Roland and Rear-Guard) that gives others the courage to carry the fight to victory…but Vermont’s Democrats have refused to do that. They have decided to play it very safe…

…and that makes me very sad, very sorry, and frankly, very much less likely to lick a stamp or write a check the next time around.

PS- My friend just added one more insightful comment: I find it ironic that they are caving in on this on a day when we are expect to reach near record temperatures.”  Well said.

(As usual, SPS writes a great diary that should generate discussion. My own feeling, though, is that we’re past the point where its possible to meet all 3 of his listed conditions for leaving responsibly. – promoted by odum)

June 2007 will likely be seen as the turning point in the Iraq war due to three events that fundamentally alter the political calculus surrounding the conflict:

1) The destruction of the Shiite Shrine in Samarra ended any real hope of reconciliation between Sunni and Shia in Iraq in the near term.  The mosque is the equivalent of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre or the Wailing wall for shia.  

2) The utter collapse of the Palestinian Authority.  Why is this important?  There was always a chance that  the Iraq conflict could be addressed through a regional solution that would give Palestine final status (and Golan back to Syria) in turn for regional support of US aims in Iraq.  Now, there is no one to discuss final status with on the Palestinian side.

3) Sen Lugar's speech on the Senate floor on Monday.  Lugar is the elder statesman in the GOP on foreign affairs.  His breaking with the White House will provide cover for moderate GOP republicans to split as well.  I suspect some time after labor day at least one or more of the Prez candidates will break with Bush as well.    

Taken as a whole these three events make the status quo in Iraq completely unteneable, both domestically and internationally.  For the peace movement, I think the last point is especially crucial.  The sustained pressure has had a major impact on domestic thinking.

Sadly, I think we are reaching Act III in a five-act Shakespearean tragedy.  We still have to figure a way to end the war in a way that prevents three things:

1) Genocide.

2) Safe haven for Al-qaeda or other terrorist groups

3) regional war (Iran, Turkey, Saudi, Syria etc) .

Not exactly lofty idealistic goals, but important ones.  As we continue to oppose the war, we should all be keeping an eye on those three points.  We need to end the war responsibly.