Putting America Back to Work

Although restoring the solvency of our financial structure is vital, it should be balanced with a greater or equal infusion of Federal funds to kick start American productivity. Not unlike the New Deal formula, the Congress and the White House should directly support the many new technological breakthroughs that are simply awaiting an infusion of start-up capital. Furthermore, by linking this funding support to the creation and training of expanded levels of skilled workers will help put more of us back to work.

Additionally, the Congress should mandate a phased program that exerts a dramatic change in the automotive industry. This mandate is financial in nature that operates in two critical venues. First, Federal fleet automobile procurement establishes design requirements that call for compact hybrid and/or fuel cell powered vehicles. In this regard, design and development costs are the shared responsibility of the auto manufacturers and the Federal government. Secondly, the initial design, development and production contracts are well-monitored incentive contracts that reward multiple efficiencies in the entire process. This initial boost sets the stage for a rebirth of our automobile industry and a major source of nationwide employment opportunities.

In conjunction with the above efforts, the White House directly interacts with state governments to encourage legislation that establishes vehicle size and drive-train requirements that directly implement the widespread use of hybrid and fuel-cell powered vehicles for both government and private use. To ease this mandatory transition, state governments along with Federal participation will offer attractive, up-front rebates on the purchase of these vehicles. The overall goal is a complete transition to this type of transport within a twenty year period.

The petroleum industry is not excluded from this transformation. The very process of turning crude oil into a variety of petroleum products produces hydrogen as a by-product. Despite, first reactions, the demand for these petroleum products, including gasoline, will rise. The key difference, however, is that this demand can be essentially met by the use of our own petroleum resources. Yes, there will still be some dependence on "foreign oil" but it will be extremely limited. This will introduce a significant and important change in America's international standing and independence.

Calling for greater Federal participation in cost sharing implies a proposed greater tax burden on the public. This is true, but how that tax burden is managed as to private and corporate participation is another major change that must come. Regardless, in all cases the tax revenues under this concept are constructive and directly help open doors of opportunity for individuals and businesses throughout this nation. The burden ceases as we all realize we are each helping to rebuild America, and in doing so we are restoring our own personal futures.

Lastly, to make this work, we-the-people must change our priorities. Instead of boosting our egos and social status, in part, by the cars we drive, we will redirect these needs. We will do so in ways that still elevate our own morale, but contribute directly to an entirely new and expanded sense of national pride. The last time this happened was during WWII. Now, we must do it again, but this time, for the long term.