$14 billion more for Detroit? Seriously?

1. 82

   Jewelsposted 14 years ago

   I see such a large window of opportunity here if there are enough gutsy people prepared to have a go.
   
   Don't stop manufacturing, just manufacture something else more viable, economical, eco-friendly.   I've said it before about the electric car.  This is just an example of one avenue to take in changing what is not working.
   
   See how California is tabling the legalization of marijuana mainly to tax it and raise revenue.  Arnold apparently will not support it.  Some will disagree, but putting the legalization of a mind altering drug over an alternative and more eco friendly generator of electricity seems a bit off center to me.  What would create more jobs?
   
   Is there a creative brains trust working to solve and move forward, turn from beating dead horses to being creative.  Why is loyalty to badly administered businesses so apparent? 
   
   I don't understand?  I understand corruption, but I don't understand why it can't be done.  I know I'm an idealist, but really and truly, don't these alternatives make sense?  Help me understand, I'm desperate for common sense.

   replyreport
   1. 0

      pgrundyposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I'm totally on the same page Jewels. I don't understand why we can't just start building something we need right now. Right here at our house, we need cheaper electricity. Why not manufacture affordable wind generators or affordable photovoltaics? People would definitely buy those even if they had to scrimp to come up with the cash.

      replyreport
      1. 84

         kerrygposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Pssst
         
         It's nice to know that American ingenuity is still in play.

         replyreport
         1. 95

            Amanda Severnposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            That is a totally fantastic invention! The potential is enormous. If every building had one, and even if it only generated a proportion of the required energy, it would be such a huge step in the right direction. If only they would stop building cars to sit in giant storage parks, and start building these instead!

            replyreport
2. 0

   pgrundyposted 14 years ago

   Incredibly cool!

   replyreport
3. 82

   Jewelsposted 14 years ago

   And why is ingenuity not supported?   I'm wondering if the human conditions' conditioning on change is such that it's like pulling teeth.  Really we ask for it because we don't like the status quo. Yet to actually change and go in another direction seems to be like fingernails on a chalkboard.
   
   So "Change, Yes We Can!"  Is the old clinging on for dear life?  Is idea of change different for different people?  The whole wave of excitement has petered out after the election and it's great people are patient while the new incumbents get their act together.  But do you get the impression that solutions are out of reach?  Is there a defeatedness being put in the mix?  Or is it good ol' complacency returning?  What's the current feel of the common US citizen?
   
   There is something "off" with these bailouts, as if those waiting to be saved are not quite sure about their place in the bigger scheme of things.

   replyreport
   1. 0

      pgrundyposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I agree. If a guy can invent one of these little gizmos at home out of spare parts, why can't I go buy one at Menards? I don't understand that.

      replyreport
4. 60

   Eric Graudinsposted 14 years ago

   Small generators like this would have limited use in putting power back into the grid.
   There are plenty of innovative companies doing wonderful things. Unfortunately, most of them are ignored by investors. For example:
   
   An Australian company named Dyesol makes solar cells, and has developed a coating for steel panels that turns the entire outside of a building into an electricity generating system. Even when it's cloudy. This is
   Another one, Ceramic Fuel Cells,  has developed an efficient fuel cell system for generating electricity from natural gas.
   It's a small unit that sits in your house, and feeds electricity back into the grid. I understand that this proven system is soon going into tens of thousands of homes in Germany.
   The potential of this invention is massive, as it means that power generation and power transmission infrastructures can be significantly scaled down.
   
   Other technologies like geothermal energy can provide abundant, clean power.
   
   A fraction of the funds that are being shovelled into worthless bailouts could transform our lives by supporting new emerging technologies like these.
   
   cheers, Eric G.

   replyreport
   1. 84

      kerrygposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I'm sure it would, but frankly, every little bit helps, and if something like this could be implemented on a wide scale I think it would encourage further innovation that produces greater results.
      
      Your other examples sound very interesting as well. Any chance of a hub going into greater detail about some of these ideas?
      
      I'm also intrigued by the solar shingles I've heard about - another idea that seems like it could make a significant difference if implemented on a wide scale.
      
      
      
      Amen to that! I was pleased to see (comparatively) so much money going to alternative energy in the stimulus package, but it could have done so much more.

      replyreport
5. 59

   Josh Fruscianteposted 14 years ago

   We should just let these companies die a natural death.They are doing poorly because of poor business decisions. Serves them right, look at the ethics of their CEO's. We should not give any more money to these filthy pigs. Some Americans will have to be out of a job... that is good old fashion Capitalism for you.. survival of the fittest.

   replyreport