annoyed at politicians...

Why have I suddenly become so opinionated with my political beliefs?

I think that it's probably because of my son. I've been a father for a year now, and every day, I find myself wondering what he will inherit.

Certainly no fortune. I'll be lucky if I don't have to work until the day I die. Probably not snow. We don't get much of that these days. Pollution? Debt? Ridiculous medical bills?

I have to say, I'm at a loss.

So when I tune into the Gubernatorial debates last night, I can't make it two minutes without wanting to strangle both candidates.

DRILL, DRILL, DRILL! That's all I heard. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I had to change the channel I was so mad. I may have let slip a colorful metaphor or two.

I really think that in order to solve all of our political, environmental and economic problems in this state and country, we should really drop everything and drill...everywhere. Of course, there's just oil lying at the bottom of every drinking well, right?

Placing oil derricks off the Outer Banks is a brilliant idea, isn't it?

Take a look at the top 100 oil and natural gas fields in the US. NONE of them are in NC.

This is almost farcical. It's all a distraction. Both political parties and most major news outlets seem hell bent on focusing our attention on the most insubstantial issues of this election (Governor of NC and President of the US).

Punditry aside, I don't understand why we aren't hearing more about sound policy. Why aren't we hearing details of this New "Green" Economy?

Most of my friends know my political leanings, but where is the charge to the people? NOW is the time for all great men (and women) to come to the aid of their country.

This is the space race of our generation. If we fail to capitalize on the technology of a greener world, we will no longer be a super power. We will be the world's biggest consumer. (Until China takes that title as well.)

When will people realize that if we invest in a green infrastructure, the jobs and education and opportunities created by that inertia will more than carry our economy AND free us from foreign oil AND will help us stay on the moral side of foreign conflicts.

I'm tired of the fluff, and you should be too!

We must demand substance. We must demand details. We must demand objectivity.