SOLYNDRA
Clean-energy sector still producing jobs
There’s a been a lot of fallout in the news about the failure of solar panel manufacturer Solyndra, which was backed with government-loan guarantees.
Despite this bad news, the clean-energy sector continues to grow and produce jobs at a promising clip.
So, how do we stimulate jobs in clean tech without risking taxpayer money?
Put a steadily rising fee on carbon-based fuels, and private investors will flood the market with capital to start and expand businesses in wind, solar and other emerging technologies.
This will allow the marketplace to choose the winners and losers.
Will energy costs go up because of the fee?
Of course, and that’s why revenue from the fee should be returned to all households.
It’s a job-creation program that also addresses climate change without increasing federal spending.
That’s what we call a triple-win.
Steve Valk, Atlanta
FEAR
Public education being dismantled by firings
I applaud Leonard Pitts’ beautifully reasoned piece (“How Americans really face fear,” Opinion, Sept. 15).
Fear is a commodity today’s new crop of politicians are expertly exploiting: fear of Muslims, fear of illegal immigrants and fear of government.
Organized religion is not the cure. What might be the social cure for this fear?
Alleviating poverty and strengthening public education would help.
Instead, we are being cast further into poverty, and public education is being dismantled by the widespread firing of teachers.
Only fear can keep a poor, uneducated public fearful — and it doesn’t cost a thing.
Fran Rosen, Whitesburg
ALCOHOL RESPONSIBILITY
Pledge your support of designated drivers
Friday is “Global Be(er) Responsible Day,” when Anheuser-Busch employees around the world will be out spreading the word about the importance of alcohol responsibility.
I’m looking forward to visiting area retailers to remind people about the importance of always using (or being) a designated driver.
Through wholesalers, retailers, law enforcement and many other partners, we’ve made great strides in reducing drunk driving and underage drinking.
But there’s more to do.
On Friday, join us — and show your friends you care by pledging your support of designated drivers at Budweiser’s Facebook page.
Dan Kahn, senior brewmaster, Cartersville brewery, Anheuser-Busch
