Romm's solution is based on the false premise that nuclear energy is carbon/greenhouse gas free. This is propaganda from the nuclear industry. The fact is that nuclear energy is fossil fuel dependent.

A significant amount of the greenhouse gases and CO2 produced in the Ohio Valley region and subsequently the eastern U.S. comes from the enrichment of uranium that is used as the fuel for nuclear reactors. Uranium is enriched at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant at Paducah, Ky and at the Portsmouth OH plant in Ohio, both on the Ohio River. The process at Paducah alone uses more electricity daily than the city of St. Louis...all of it produced by two huge coal fired electric plants nearby. The same is true at Portsmouth.

Moreover, when the U.S. banned the production of CFCs in response to the growing ozone hole in the upper atmosphere, the only exception made was for uranium enrichment. Uranium enrichment now accounts for over 95% of CFC releases in the U.S.

And this doesn't even take into account the fact that nuclear reactors are heavily dependent on large amounts of fresh water for coolant. A problem already becoming self evident in the Atlanta GA region of the southeast where the choice is coming down to water for nuclear generated electricity or for drinking.

Despite his credentials Mr. Romm has not done his homework. To suggest nuclear energy as a solution to our energy woes without taking into account the entire process including the problems incurred from mining, enriching, dwindling supplies of uranium and intractable wastes produced by nuclear energy is just as short sighted as continuing down the path we're already on.

Even if it was unintentional.

If there were any justice, Firefly would receive a Buffy as well.

No one here has pointed out what, given Repub history, I believe to be the obvious. The fix is in on the election. And the Democratic Party doesn't seem to be doing anything to circumvent what is fast becoming another stolen election.

It's the only rational explanation as to why both McCain and Palin continue to pander outright lies at every turn with impunity. They know they have nothing to lose. It also explains why they continue with the constant gaffes in interviews, speeches, cancellation of debate, etc. They know they have nothing to lose.

"They've already stolen 2008; Rove has already fixed the 2008 election."

http://www.brasschecktv.com/page/430.html

RFK Jr. "Votes are being stolen, now, by hundreds of thousands"

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/9/24/01946/7406/888/608305

In this paragraph shouldn't you have said "...the repeal of "Glass-Steagall" instead of : "...the repeal of Gramm-Leach-Bliley"? Otherwise it doesn't make sense.

"Barry Ritholtz of The Big Picture points us to the American News Project, which dug up Dorgan's Senate speech opposing Gramm-Leach-Bliley. The question of whether the repeal of Gramm-Leach-Bliley contributed to the current credit crisis is hotly contested by politicians and economists, but Dorgan's warning holds up pretty well, nearly ten years later."

Mike Madden didn't do his homework.

I have many, many films I've loved but given the criteria:

"The Beast"...there are many films with this title but the one I'm referring to stars Jason Patric as a Russian tank driver during the Russian occupation of Afghanistan. It is topical in that it is a cautionary tale as to what happens when foreign armies try to invade and occupy Afghanistan. You can almost feel the grit and taste the dirt.

Also, "The Journey of August King" which ironically also stars Jason Patric as well as Thandie Newton in one of her first roles. The film's setting, which unfolds slowly and languorously, is during the early years of the nation in North Carolina. The plot revolves around an escaped slave, Newton, and the man, Patric, who must decide during his journey whether to turn her in or risk everything to save her. The last line of the movie is one of the most poignant ever.

According to a film review at the time by James Berardinelli:

The Journey of August King is as close to a flawless motion picture as is likely to be produced by the film industry (independent or mainstream). Featuring strong acting, realistic set and costume design, an intelligent script, solid directing, and evocative cinematography, every facet of this movie is impressive. It is a thoughtful, emotionally-rich production that explores its title in both a literal and a metaphysical sense. In the process, the audience experiences both of August King's journeys: the one he takes through the mountains of western North Carolina and the one his soul makes from loss to salvation.

Not mentioned in this article is the actual amount of the tax itself that is the basis for the claim that there will be a billion a year in tax revenues.

If the bill passes, there will be a $50 per ounce tax on the retail level. Imagine if there were a $50 retail tax on a pack of cigarettes. It would create a blackmarket. Taxes only work if they are low enough to avoid creating blackmarkets.

Given the fact that cannabis can grow wild in all 50 states and that it doesn't take a lot of expertise to grow your own, no one is going to buy pot with $50 tacked onto the retail price per ounce.

The imagined billion dollars a year tax revenue for the state is wildly overinflated.

Excellent analysis! However, your last sentence should be edited..."That standards in start contrast to David Gregory, Charlie Gibson, Brian Williams...."

Maybe it should read..."That stands in stark contrast..."

Keep up the good work Glenn.