INTRODUCTION

The National Scene is a virtual book whose chapters are spread out on the internet in the form of Hubpages (blog articles). The purpose of this Table of Contents is to organize the virtual chapters into intelligible sections and to give you a very brief precis of their content.

As content is added to the web it will be reflected here in this Table of Contents. You can reach these chapters by clicking on the hyperlinked chapter headings below.

I. ENERGY

The discussions in this section are relevant to the U.S. domestic energy picture, as well as its unintended consequences. Issues include, but aren't limited to, national security risks, wealth transfers, renewable energy sources, untapped fossil fuel resources and national policies and plans. Cost and practicality issues may also be discussed in any given chapter

A. Where's The National Energy Plan A brief discussion of the fuel sources involved U.S. energy consumption. The growth of the proportion of fuel imports to domestic supply is discussed as is the failure of the renewable energy sector to either expand its share or to keep pace with increased demand.

B. Will The Real ANWR Please Step Forward A slightly sarcastic expose' on the issue obfuscation employed by some who are opposed to drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

II. POLITICS

Commentaries on politics at the national and sometimes international level. Occasionally, we will include an introduction and/or review of books which touch on important topics.

A. The Sarah Palin Incident A brief discussion of the treatment of the Republican candidate for Vice President at the hands of women and the general state of politics in 2008.

B. Connect The Dots The Prologue (quoted) from a work by Francis Pennyworth, Jr. dealing with the middle east and its intertwined and confused historical relationships. This book introduces the reader to the middle east players and points out the open and obvious events which many times have a way of running under the radar, unnoticed by the very people who will be affected the most.