The U.S. Senate recently passed their version of the Energy Bill, offering more of the same, along with the excuse that increasing auto fuel efficiencies, particular for the exempt SUVs couldn’t be increased without damaging the economy. And the bulk of the U.S. $250 mm tax breaks to the mostly rich, not to mention over U.S. $200 mm for a war in Iraq based upon the flip-flop excuses of Bush & Co?

There is a concerted effort by intelligent rational people (and governments) to bring a commitment from the U.S. at the upcoming G-8 conference. There is also a big effort for increased U.S. funds to eliminate poverty in Africa – Live Aid. A U.S. $2 bb contribution is a very small portion of the U.S. $ 40 mm we spend on arms and “defense”.

What sad priorities we have.