McCain on the Environment
May 13, 2008 2 Comments
Although it was lightly covered in the media, John McCain made a speech on Monday which I believe was of even greater importance than Obama’s speech on race. In this speech, the first of the series he plans on the environment, McCain laid down the gauntlet and (hopefully) took the first steps towards reclaiming the environment for conservatives.
The speech is brilliant, his proposals reflecting over a decade of leadership on environmental issues. This much is true: The John McCain that so many Progressives and Centrists rooted for in 2000 is back. He challenges not only the establishment but makes it clear that he will lead on environmental issues if elected. He has a huge edge on both Democrat contendors on this issue and hopefully he will be recognized for it as the election season progresses.
We reserve judgement on Sen. McCain’s other ideals until a later time, but on the environment, The Big Stick is proud to endorse his plan.
Here is a brief excerpt from his speech:
In the coming weeks, I intend to address many of the great challenges that America’s energy policies must meet. When we debate energy bills in Washington, it should be more than a competition among industries for special favors, subsidies, and tax breaks. In the Congress, we need to send the special interests on their way – without their favors and subsidies. We need to draw on the best ideas of both parties, and on all the resources a free market can provide. We need to keep our eyes on big goals in energy policy, the serious dangers, and the common interests of the American people.
Today I’d like to focus on just one of those challenges, and among environmental dangers it is surely the most serious of all. Whether we call it “climate change” or “global warming,” in the end we’re all left with the same set of facts. The facts of global warming demand our urgent attention, especially in Washington. Good stewardship, prudence, and simple common sense demand that we to act meet the challenge, and act quickly.
The rest can be found here.
Hello, Progressive Conservative.
I like the idea of the GOP under the leadership of McCain.
I have to wonder how the old guard neo-cons in Congress will react to him. Hopefully, they will embrace him as they see their own popularity ebb.
The GOP has been in need of a management turnover for some time.
Should have been McCain in 2000.
Given his age it really makes me mad when I think how much more he could have accomplished if he had been given the chance in 2000.