I am in total agreement with Mr. Hofmeister on two important points. First, We need to fund and develop alternative forms of energy and support domestic production. Second, we need to get the decision making out of the hands of politicians with agendas and work toward the development of a true energy plan and infrastructure for the future.

I lived in China for three years from 2003-2005. Whether you believe in the Global Warming or not, the damaging effects of hydrocarbon pollution is a very real concern. China’s skies were always hazy. In fact, my daily Yahoo weather information in the town I lived in was either, clear, rainy or hazy. “Hazy” meant pollution. And, sadly, this was the forecast about 3/4 of the time. While in China, I had two elderly uncles (my wife is Chinese) die of leukemia. I began to notice a very alarming rate of leukemia and intestinal cancer among friends and acquaintances. I knew in my heart it was from the air and the water. While in China, I developed pneumonia. My doctor told me that it is not uncommon for foreigners who stay any length of time in China due to the pollution.

We need to become proactive and take these decisions out of Washington and into the hands of the people. This is what Hofmeister is proposing. I don’t know if China will be able to effectively deal with these problems. But, I know America can if we work together.