There are and will always be high-minded studies pointing out the "need" to cut energy consumption and switch means of production. There will always be token programs to urge, promote and force cutbacks in usage.

In the bigger picture, though, in a "democracy" the monied, lobbying interests will always win based upon what is cheaper in the short run. The lobbying interests are those which are in existence now, generating money from what they are doing now. They want the status quo, only bigger.

Their battle cry is "We can't afford it!" for any change. That we've ALWAYS afforded those changes and grown is ignored. That we will have to afford changes in the energy system and the only question is how much of the planet we have left when we do is ignored. We will put off finding a solution until they have completely wasted the planet doing what they are doing now. Fact of life.

Western democracies don't have the guts to take a longer view, and do what may be somewhat more expensive. We do what's cheapest NOW, and the future can take care of itself. More directed economies and societies can, sometimes, impose changes not based upon what's best in the long rather than the short run.

A perfect example is that of Workers Compensation. Employers complained bitterly about any institution or improvement in those programs. Only when workers became able to sue and collect damages for on-the-job injuries did employers go for Workers Compensation, and then fought for the protection of limiting legislation. Safety programs became more effective only as injuries and deaths cost more.

No one cared until it got expensive. Just because it was "right" wasn't enough impetus to get those programs instituted.

Heard a lady the other day on a right-wing, fundamental Christian radio talk show. She was complaining about the proposed increase in gas mileage, was saying that her husband was retiring, they had worked and scrimped all their lives to buy their dream Suburban and tow their trailer around the country, and now if the lefties had their way the companies wouldn't be able to make Suburbans!!! Their dreams of a lifetime were on the verge of being dashed by cruel, unfeeling left-wing radicals who couldn't see there was enough gas at every pump for everyone in line. And the moderator was taking her seriously.

It's sad, and that's the way it tends to work in capitalistic democracies. (I'll manage to irritate everyone with that remark.) The lonely "buck" may have stopped at Harry Truman's desk because all the rest of them were greasing the system.

Arf