Eliminate Subsidies to the Fossil Fuel Industry for the Sake of the Polar Bear

Eliminate Subsidies to the Fossil Fuel Industry

Apparently, we still subsidize the oil industry, see Triumph of the Drill to the tune of about $5 billion per year.  Of course, the oil companies help the Republicans (mostly) with campaign contributions and so the subsidies stay in place.  It is an example of the trend we see in American politics were the rich and powerful help each other make more money at the expense of the ordinary American.  International subsidies to the fossil fuel industry run about $5 trillion a year.  

What are the effects of the subsidies to the oil industry:

1. One, of course, it helps keep the republicans in power.
2. It gives a financial advantage to the fossil fuel industries compared to green power (they get less subsidies), and
3. It leaves America less incentive to go to green power.
4. It makes global warming more profitable.

Free Trade or Power

As Americans we say we believe in free trade, capitalism, etc. but then give one of the most powerful industries in the world subsidies to make them more profitable and powerful.  Why, simple, it helps other powerful people stay in power.  

If we want to be honest Americans, we have to say that we do not really value free market capitalism.  We value power.  Sad.

Global Warming

By supporting the fossil fuel industry with subsidies we are in effect subsidizing global warming.  To make it clearer,  we are saying we want more global warming.  We say to the polar bear, screw you.

Note: This is one of the 7 Steps to Reduce Global Warming.