We’d Like Our Leaders To Bring Us a Sane Energy Policy — But There’s a Catch

It’s the 52nd anniversary of the publication of Catch-22, Joseph Heller’s brilliantly satirical anti-war novel.  The story revolves around a bomber pilot who tries to get himself dismissed from World War II by virtue of insanity, but encounters a regulation stipulating that only sane people ask to be removed from areas of danger.  Thus the phrase “Catch-22” has come to mean any dilemma that resists solution due to the nature of the dilemma itself. 

Unfortunately, this applies perfectly to the situation we face in government.  Wouldn’t it be great if our leaders were uncorrupted men and women of integrity, who worked diligently and honestly to achieve real good for their constituents?  Of course it would.  And there are people like that – but very, very few in government.

The way one gets into a high-level government position is by accepting huge campaign contributions – money that comes with a price: loyalty to the people who wrote those checks.  As I say, there are many honorable people in our great country who simply refuse to play that game.  In politics, there’s a name for such people: losers.

If you want a wonderful example, check out U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK), 80% of whose campaign contributions come from Big Oil.  So what exactly does Inhofe do in the Senate, you ask?  He sponsors legislation that ensures that the oil companies maintain their monopolies in the energy industry.  His prize was his work that prevented the U.S. Navy from even experimenting with biofuels.

Most of the garbage we see like this is run-of-the-mill corruption.  In while this is certainly the case here, it’s more that; it’s treason. In essence, Inhofe’s job, and he does it well, is taking money to prevent the Navy from protecting you and me — now and in the future.  There are places around the world where behavior like this gets you rounded up and shot.  But here in the U.S., it brings you prestige and the accolades of your peers.

We’d sure like to do something about this.  But there’s a catch.