Rarely do I agree with Thomas Friedman – New York Times Opinion writer, who got rich off of the late-‘90s bible and free-trade proclamation “The Lexus and the Olive Tree”. But, as I read today’s tirade against the political-symbolic-environmental significance of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as the VP on the GOP ticket, I was struck by this statement from Friedman :
Why? Because renewable energy technologies — what I call “E.T.” — are going to constitute the next great global industry. They will rival and probably surpass “I.T.” — information technology. The country that spawns the most E.T. companies will enjoy more economic power, strategic advantage and rising standards of living. We need to make sure that is America. Big oil and OPEC want to make sure it is not.
If U.S. domestic policy is looking for ‘Real Energy Independence’ shown throughout the Xcel Center on red signs, then we need a lot more than calls for “Clean Coal” or the promotion of T. Boone Pickens’ ideas .
For more on the rise of the grassroots – from Los Angeles and Boston, in particular – on green jobs, and the green economy, see:
- SCOPE’s Green Jobs Campaign in Los Angeles
http://scopela.org/article.php?id=140
- “Green Cities, Green Jobs” (April 2008)
“A Greener Future for Los Angeles: Principals to Ensure and Equitable Green Economy” (May 2007)
“Green Buildling Manufacturing in Los Angeles County”
“Job Implications in Los Angeles’ Green Building Sector”
all reports available online at www.scopela.org
- Boston Green Justice