In response to the very poignant cartoon in Sunday’s (Feb. 3) newspaper, I would like to commend you for bringing the subject of climate change and the lack of action around the world to light. However, there is a relatively simple solution that could help to solve the climate crisis, reduce carbon emissions, and stimulate the economy with grassroots wealth creation. That solution: carbon fee and dividend.
Simply, this program would involve federal legislation that would levy a fee on the source of carbon dioxide and the fee would steadily increase to encourage carbon emitters to switch to cleaner energy alternatives. The fee collected would then be returned to consumers to offset any increase in energy costs. The long-term result would be the transition to a clean energy economy and dramatic reduction in carbon pollution, a primary cause of global warming and climate change.
Recently I and a few others met with Rep. Steve Womack to discuss this option to confront climate change and provide the mechanism to wean the U.S. from imported fuel sources. The U.S. can keep the billions of dollars sent to foreign countries.
Rep. Womack’s response?
That’s silly.
We need to let him know it’s not silly, but a rational and fair solution to an ever-increasing problem.
SHELLEY BUONAIUTO
Fayetteville
IT’S WOMEN’S BUSINESS No matter what pretty language is used in Senate Bill 134 (no abortion after detection of fetal heartbeat), it requires the insertion of a transvaginal probe. The very fact the language in the bill is intentionally vague seems to indicate a discomfort with the process by the people writing the law.
With all the issues facing the country and the state of Arkansas, you chose to start by inserting government in between women and their physicians, who are vastly more qualified to make decisions regarding their health.
Where is the urgency to address child hunger in this state? Where is the expansion of medical benefits for the working poor? Where is legislation to increase the number of good foster homes and to increase adoption of the state’s numerous hard to place children: minorities, sibling groups, handicapped?
Bill 134 purports to be about saving human life.
If the Arkansas Senate is so passionate about saving lives, work on extending health care, protecting SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), and the social safety net.
If every adult and child in this state had access to adequate food, shelter and medical care, it would save many more lives than outlawing abortion.
Outlawing abortion and opposing social programs is hypocrisy. Stop calling it pro-life.
CARLA MARTIN
Fayetteville
Opinion, Pages 5 on 02/06/2013