Obama’s Plan, Clean Coal and Science

For those of you looking for the Cliff Notes version of Obama’s proposed budget plan, here’s a summary from the LA Times.

The Times also ran an editorial saying Obama’s plan does finally acknowledge that we’re fighting a couple of wars, but may be relying on rosier economic projections than most forecasters are making. (FWIW, the Times qualifies this point by saying “all presidential budgets are prone to do” this.)

Meanwhile, the Obama administration would like to see more clean, domestic energy sources being developed. The coal industry is spending major bucks to convince people that “clean coal” is a viable option. But the Coen brothers (Joel and Ethan, who make those great films) beg to differ. And they’ve created a TV spot about it. I normally hate commercials, but I’d keep my mute off for that one. The spot is being run on a few cable stations and can also be seen on http://www.thisisreality.org/.

Finally, Joel Stein bemoans the fact that science can be manipulated, misused and, generally, misinterpreted to support various political agendas. No, all that’s natural is not good for us (arsenic is natural). All that’s not natural isn’t necessarily bad, either (I can think of a few pharmaceuticals that have saved my life). It’s just not that simple. Oh, well. Who said any of this was easy?

The Top 20 Greatest Questions

According to BBC magazine, these are the top 20 of the “101 greatest questions of all time.”

Is the safest place to stand outside in a thunderstorm really the number one greatest question of all time? I think the second question about twins’ fingerprints is more interesting, anyway. But I think there are greater questions than these. Just not ones to which we have ready answers.

The Right to Counsel in Civil Cases

This LA Times op-ed makes a compelling argument that indigent people should have the right to an attorney in civil cases, as well as criminal ones.

No mention is made of a constitutional basis for this right (the Sixth Amendment guarantees a criminal defendant “assistance of counsel for his defense”). However, it does seem to be in the interests of justice to guarantee people without means competent legal assistance in civil cases.

There are many types of cases that Legal Aid bureaus (at least, around Maryland) won’t handle. I believe divorce and child custody matters may be among them. These are cases that go to the heart of people’s lives. Figuring out how to work out separation and custody issues is complicated enough when you’re personally involved in the matter, and dealing with the legal system as a layperson on top of that must seem overwhelming.

That’s why I support pro bono organizations, such as the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service. Groups like this that arrange for attorneys to represent low-income clients for free or reduced fees help pick up the slack in the Legal Aid system. But these groups do require volunteers. Attorneys pressed for time on their paying cases or having a hard time collecting from clients (it happens!) may cut back or eliminate volunteer work altogether (substituting cash donations toward groups like MVLS, so they can feel like they’ve done something to support pro bono efforts).

I was intrigued to see that, according to the piece, in “most of the developed world, the right to civil counsel is well established. In Britain, for example, indigent civil litigants have been entitled to representation since 1495, in the reign of Henry VII. In much of the rest of Europe, the right dates back to the mid-19th or early 20th century.”

In the U.S., many people who most desperately need legal help are those without money. So let’s put up or shut up on this whole “equal justice for all” business and throw some much needed support toward Legal Aid.

Green Business and Economic News

The economy may be in a slump, but according to a recent survey and some studies, consumers still want to buy “green” products.

This is interesting when you consider that “green” products often cost more. Whatever the reason and however they’re paying for it, it seems that even in a recession, consumers are increasingly willing to put their money where their mouth is when it comes to making environmentally-responsible purchases.

And in other “green” business news . . . it looks like “green power” has become a family business . . . The Family, that is.

Full Speed Ahead on High Speed Rail

The big economic recovery bill that Congress recently hammered out has authorized $8 billion to be spent on high-speed rail.

The high-speed rail provision was apparently a last-minute addition and was included at something of a cost to other programs (school construction, modernizing the country’s electric grid) that Obama supported.

Even so, Obama was a champion for high-speed rail during his campaign. It was part of his vision for revitalizing the Midwest and “rebuilding America.”

To give you some idea what a massive expenditure this is and the difference between this administration’s support for high-speed rail versus the last one’s, consider this passage from the article: “[F]ormer President George W. Bush signed a bill authorizing up to $1.5 billion for high-speed rail through 2013. Obama’s commitment in the same period will be eight times that.”

For more information about these provisions of the “Stimulus Plan” and a map of future high-speed rail lines, click here.

Truly Criminal

This is really horrible and this is really horrible and bizarre in more ways than one (both via Confessions of an Idiosyncratic Mind).

Regarding the second story, I can almost hear the woman singing, “Let’s get physical . . . physical. I want to get physical . . .” (Okay, I’ll admit it. I’m sick.)

And a Green Friday the 13th to You

Grist reports that Los Angeles has come up with a solar energy plan that would install solar panels on rooftops and in parking lots around the city and require LA’s energy utility to produce 400 megawatts of solar power by 2014. This plan is being put to a vote and has some enthusiast supporters, such as actor Ed Begley, Jr. However, concerns about the plan’s cost and timing have been raised.

Meanwhile, across the pond (the Atlantic pond, of course), England’s energy and climate change secretary, Ed Miliband, would like to see every home in the U.K. get a “green makeover” by 2030, to reduce carbon emissions and cut energy costs.

And what’s this about the oil industry wanting to work with President Obama on the problem of global warming? Apparently, they acknowledge that it might be a problem now. Can’t imagine why they didn’t do so during the last administration . . .

Finally, a look from Grist at who gets a thumbs-up and who gets the finger when it comes to the environment this week.

Not Just Another Show Tune Singer

Now here’s something you don’t see ever day. A most unusual talent demonstrated by a contestant at the Narcissus Pageant in Hawaii.

It’s more than just dexterity and rhythm. Wait for the very end. It will surprise you.

If Michael Phelps Could Only Have a Do-Over

I’d don’t really have anything to add to this. I think it pretty much speaks for itself, for me and for many other people who don’t think Michael Phelps’ personal life is anyone else’s business. (via the Heavy Metal Librarian)

Plenty Dollars, No Sense

Joel Stein’s latest column about a rapper named Plies is (as usual) funny–but also a sad, sad commentary on how totally clueless some celebrities can be. And how seriously misplaced many people’s values are.