actually Tom, I was far ahead of the curve in switching over to the energy efficient bulbs. I didn't need government telling me they were a good idea. I would wish we were in a country where babysitting is not required but look around you every once in awhile. There are times when leadership must play tough love with the uneducated masses for the greater good. In some cases it's a slippery slope but it's usually pretty obvious when the laws have nothing to do with common sense.

When the issue is national survival and yes, I truly believe our energy usage is directly tied to that, the mandate is essential and there's no time to wait for the slow and natural evolution brought about by market forces.

So I take it by your Libertarian outlook on this issue that alcohol sales should be unlimited, no age restrictions. I'm certain then that no building codes should ever be in place. Your neighbor ought to be able to erect a plywood shack next to your $500,000 home, no questions asked. In a totally free market, it's all part of your risk. Oh wait, in a truly government free world you can just shoot him.

Don't play this game with me where the outlawing of sodas is on a par with something like a restriction that actually immediately saves consumers energy and money. Are you that blind that you can't see a clear distinction between something frivolous and something that makes perfect sense?

Why don't you fess up to your true motivation. You're just pissed because your party didn't come up with a great idea. Why in the hell do you want to be part of a country if all you care about is yourself? It's not a question of left or right. It's all about being a good neighbor.

Art