As we debate the merits of wind, wave, and other energy alternatives, we need to be aware of the types of issues that face the electric grid and those who manage its various components.
How will different generating sources impact the grid and distribution system? What are the synergies between consumer demands and supplier capacity? What about the potential impact of electric automobiles?
In the coming years, as we, Rhode Islanders, attempt to improve our energy infrastructure,here are some of the issues we will be facing.
If Rhode Island is to work its way out of the current economic crisis, political leaders and the general public are going have to take responsibility for finding solutions to Rhode Island's energy needs. Without reasonably priced and dependable electricity to attract and keep businesses here, other efforts will suffer. The public needs to educate itself about the issues in order to make the hard decisions that will be called for in the next 5 years.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
How the Governor opposes the Lively Experiment
Rhode Island was founded on the basic principle of a separation of church and state. This was, and is, the foundation for the Lively Experiment which is Rhode Island.
There is a supreme irony that Roger Williams who fled Massachusetts Bay Colony to avoid religious persecution at the hands of the Puritans and founded Rhode Island on this principle of separation, would find today that Massachusetts has taken the lead in recognizing the separation. Three years ago, Katie Zezima reported in the New York times: Rhode Island Couple Wins Same-Sex Marriage Case
Since then Rhode Island has yet to recognize the validity of any same sex union. It is both disappointing and insulting, as a Rhode Islander and a follower of Roger Williams' principle, to see the following headline in the national news.
R.I. Gov. Vetoes Same-Sex Funeral Rights, Bill Allows Same-Sex Partners Same Right as Spouses to Plan Funerals
There are strong religious arguments for and against homosexuality. But there is no justification for a political partisan state official to ban or support an activity by a citizen on solely religious grounds. This is especially true here in Rhode Island where the constitution and tradition are founded on acceptance and tolerance of diversity,
When the Governor, elected by all of the people, denies the basic civil rights of some of the people based on a personal religious prejudice, isn't he violating his oath of office. Or is he acting as a tool of a particular church or religious body? That is what Roger Williams fled from in the Bay Colony. Now RI gays must go to Massachusetts to find the freedom that Roger Williams sought to establish here.
In a time of economic crisis such as Rhode Island faces today, petty bigotry is not helpful in promoting economic recovery, nor creating a business friendly environment. Would the Governor ban an employer bringing in much need jobs from moving into the state, if he knew that the owners of that family business happen to be a committed gay couple?
Is there any difference here between "high taxes" and "don't ask, don't tell" as a disincentive to business. Isn't the very ownership of the "family" company placed in legal limbo, if one or the other gay partners die??
The purpose of marriage is twofold: Procreation and nurturing. Sex and sexual orientation apply only to the former. Humanity is the test for the latter.
Marriage is a religious and civil act. Let religion decide what the procreative purposes of marriage for its followers. But let's make certain that the State supports the social and public purposes of marriage as a nurturing institution for individuals regardless of their beliefs.
The Lively Experiment is based on the concept of religious liberty, or, in Roger Williams' terms, "soul liberty."
There is a supreme irony that Roger Williams who fled Massachusetts Bay Colony to avoid religious persecution at the hands of the Puritans and founded Rhode Island on this principle of separation, would find today that Massachusetts has taken the lead in recognizing the separation. Three years ago, Katie Zezima reported in the New York times: Rhode Island Couple Wins Same-Sex Marriage Case
Since then Rhode Island has yet to recognize the validity of any same sex union. It is both disappointing and insulting, as a Rhode Islander and a follower of Roger Williams' principle, to see the following headline in the national news.
R.I. Gov. Vetoes Same-Sex Funeral Rights, Bill Allows Same-Sex Partners Same Right as Spouses to Plan Funerals
There are strong religious arguments for and against homosexuality. But there is no justification for a political partisan state official to ban or support an activity by a citizen on solely religious grounds. This is especially true here in Rhode Island where the constitution and tradition are founded on acceptance and tolerance of diversity,
When the Governor, elected by all of the people, denies the basic civil rights of some of the people based on a personal religious prejudice, isn't he violating his oath of office. Or is he acting as a tool of a particular church or religious body? That is what Roger Williams fled from in the Bay Colony. Now RI gays must go to Massachusetts to find the freedom that Roger Williams sought to establish here.
In a time of economic crisis such as Rhode Island faces today, petty bigotry is not helpful in promoting economic recovery, nor creating a business friendly environment. Would the Governor ban an employer bringing in much need jobs from moving into the state, if he knew that the owners of that family business happen to be a committed gay couple?
Is there any difference here between "high taxes" and "don't ask, don't tell" as a disincentive to business. Isn't the very ownership of the "family" company placed in legal limbo, if one or the other gay partners die??
The purpose of marriage is twofold: Procreation and nurturing. Sex and sexual orientation apply only to the former. Humanity is the test for the latter.
Marriage is a religious and civil act. Let religion decide what the procreative purposes of marriage for its followers. But let's make certain that the State supports the social and public purposes of marriage as a nurturing institution for individuals regardless of their beliefs.
The Lively Experiment is based on the concept of religious liberty, or, in Roger Williams' terms, "soul liberty."
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