SOLAR ENERGY - NOW IS THE TIME

Good morning.

I have a habit of picking on the Ocala Star Banner whenever I get a chance.

I also think that credit should be given for good Journalism. The Banner’s Editorial page editor (Brad Rogers) seems to “get it”.

The editorial this past Sunday (7-13-08) the Banner takes Congressman Cliff Stearns to task for not helping the State of Florida become a leader in solar energy research.

The Banner writes that Stearns opponent in November Tim Cunha, will push to make the University of Florida, which is in the sixth district, a leading research center for the development of solar energy. We think this is a great idea and goal, as Florida should be the leader in Solar Energy. After all, we ARE the Sunshine State.

The Banner points out, “Stearns, as he did in a recent op-ed article in the Star Banner, touts his commitment to solar power enhancement, as well as his membership in the Congressional Renewable Energy Cacus”

Sounds good, doesn’t it? But Read on. “But we’re not aware of any major inititive he is pushing that resembles the goal spelled out by Cunha.”

The editorial goes on to talk about a bill that Stearns voted against, that would have done a great deal to promote solar energy. But yet, Stearns voted against it.

The Banner doesn’t leave their link up forever, but a copy of the editorial is available at Mr. Cunha’s web site. http://www.timcunha.com/node/65 and will also be available at www.stearnsmustgo.com

As usual, the Congressman tries to make it look like he is supporting an issue, but takes NO ACTION to do the job he was hired by us to do.

What does Stearns want us to do? In a town meeting at Marion Oaks a few years ago, he said that we “should build cars that run on coal” Are you kidding me? My family and my wife’s family were from West Virginia. We have seen first hand what coal mining does to the environment, not to mention the heath of miners. This is NOT the answer. The answer lies squarely on “Technology”. This includes hydrogen fuel, solar energy as well as nuclear. You would think that someone with a degree in Electrical Engineering would understand that.

Supporting Solar are you? Please Mr. Congressman, show us ONE bill that you have introduced in Congress that supports Solar Energy. Just one. Yes, you vote on bills, you jump on the bandwagon of someone else’s bills. Maybe that’s why you are called the “do-nothing Congressman”

best to everyone