Government’s ‘green’ dictates create resentment I grew up in a low-income household where frugality was more a necessity than a lifestyle. As an adult, I understand the sacrifices my mother made to make me a better person. But I resent it intensely when my government chides me for not buying the right automobile or light bulbs. Government Motors just introduced the Volt, an electric hybrid with a range of 40 miles that requires a six-hour recharge, for only $41,000. There is no demand for this vehicle. For $41,000, this taxpaying unit could buy a 2011 Ford Focus, a new Yamaha Vino 125 scooter and a Schwinn Cruiser bicycle for every day of the week and still have over $20,000 left in my pocket. My “fleet average” well exceeds the Volt’s 50 MPG estimate without that pesky recharge time. If government would simply get the hell out of the way, entrepreneurs will find alternatives to oil that are economically viable – and don’t use batteries manufactured in South Korea from raw materials controlled by China. David Frick
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Supreme Court decision provides very good cover Re: “Administrative alternatives = stealth amnesty,” Editorial, Aug. 5 This editorial laments in passing that the Environmental Protection Agency is “hiding behind a misguided Supreme Court decision” to “declare carbon dioxide a “pollutant” [and start] what amounts to an end run around Congress with a major revision of the 1970 Clean Air Act.” It is hard to imagine better cover to hide behind than a recent, on-point Supreme Court opinion. Eric Malinen
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Changing, conflicting data used to close school Re: School closing was neither fair nor transparent,” July 20 Per its strategic governance, the Fairfax County School Board must “assure that the community’s values…are reflected….through a transparent process.” Assertions made by School Board members that the process to close Clifton Elementary was “transparent” demand examination. After a May Board review, FCPS staff made change after change to the data. The community repeatedly requested background information that was never forthcoming. Just minutes before the July 8 vote, staff reported that the school’s wells are “not an issue.” Staff also predicted “a decrease in enrollment to…298,” even though one year earlier, staff forecast student increases between 369 and 396. Which is it? Staff also said that 59,000 square feet was needed for 312 students at Clifton Elementary, but only 58,000 square feet would be needed for a new school with 550 students elsewhere. Transparent? You be the judge? Peter M. Gugino
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