Back to the permanent recession

Analysis at The Oil Drum suggests that $85/barrel oil puts the economy into recession.  At this hour, oil is trading above $89/barrel, and it has been hovering in the mid- to high-$80 range awhile.  Now that the census figures are trickling out, the south is poised to increase their number of Congresspeople.  Of course, that means that once state legislatures have redrawn their electoral district maps, we will see more republicans in the House.  I don’t think I need to remind anyone who stops by here (anyone? hello?) how damaging republican priorities (I wouldn’t call them policies) are to our future.

More of the same

What to say after a hiatus?  Ever since the IEA report confirming peak oil, discussions have focused on what do to next.  Beats me.  I’ve been trying to focus on that for quite some time, and the report doesn’t change that.  I remain convinced that a strong, central response is required. 

Now that Obama has shown his true stripes on economic policy, which should neither be called democratic nor stimulative, we’re in trouble.  The way to fix things is not to weaken the federal government in influence or money.  The fix comes with honesty – and frankly, community organization of the entire country.

So long, Congressional Panel on Global Warming

Take that, earth. Boehner's pulled the plug.

Michael Steel, a spokesman for the incoming House majority leader, Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio, said the decision was consistent with a Republican pledge "to save taxpayers' money by reducing waste and duplication in Congress." Steel said that the select committee was created "to provide a political forum to promote Washington Democrats' job-killing national energy tax."

Thanks.