A call for clean energy

Do you want to live through gas rationing, more of an increase in oil prices and days when the gas stations have run out of gas? Our parents in the 1970s lived through this not once, but twice, during two energy crises. If we do not think today, we may deal with this tomorrow. The energy decisions we make today do have long-term consequences.Before I discuss our energy decisions, I must also give a brief background about both of the energy crises in the 1970s. In 1973, the United States supported Israel during the Yom Kippur War. In response, OPEC, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, imposed an embargo on oil to the U.S., the result being Americans could only fill up on gas on certain days of the month and price controls were put in place for gas. Eventually the embargo was lifted. However, in 1979, after the Iranian Revolution, the new regime under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini produced less oil than the Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s regime. This caused gas prices to go up, and long lines for gas appeared once again.There can be only one way to prevent more energy crises like the ones in the 1970s. That is energy independence. Through the use of alternative energy and nationally produced fuel, we can achieve energy independence. In addition, energy independence will create new jobs for our economy. We should not have to rely on oil from other countries, because it affects our economy.If we do not develop the alternative energy technology we need today, we put ourselves at the risk of experiencing another energy crisis. I am a member of Clean Energy for UMD, and we support implementing clean and efficient energy practices.Daniel BerdakJuniorHistoryClean Energy

Lend a hand

Sometimes I experience things that make me realize what is wrong with the world, or at least the United States. Last week, I had one of these experiences.It all went down at the South Campus Dining Hall’s late night. I had a few nachos and a taco in the inconveniently oversized to-go box. I was standing in line at one of the cashiers when I overheard two guys talking. The paraphrased conversation went something like this: “Wow. I still have more than $1,000, and the focus date is tomorrow. I’m going to have to spend a lot of money tomorrow.” (I think the guy’s balance was $1,035.) So I say to the guy, “Hey, man. I’m way under. Do you want to help me out?” Response: “I’d rather not.”What the hell. How many cookies can you buy during the dining hall’s hours? In the sanctified words of Family Guy’s Peter Griffin: You. Grind. My. Gears.If you are reading this, you jugheaded buffoon, I hope you realize you are a moron.What I really want to say is that we, the future of the United States, need to learn to share. Share your toys. Share your newspapers. Carpool. And if you are in a situation in which you can help someone, help.

Joel GlesierSophomoreEnglish and music