Mark tries to seed alarm that we are all about to die from: global warming, the Deepwater Horizon spill, or now solar flares. Next month it might be giant killer frogs. Whatever the threat to humanity, Mark’s answer for crises real or imagined is the same: Hand him cash to develop his phony energy machines that are perpetually “potential candidates, on the horizon, opening a door to …” status.

And you are right. It won’t be easy. However, every firm that faces a long-term power shortage has a vested interest in grid free power. The same is true for the homes of the wealthy as well as those who are not.

Massive power shutdowns are catastrophes for everyone.

“Why would anyone fight it?”

Because there is a lot of money in the oil business. This money runs parts of the country, such as the political sector. I’m not arguing with the fact that its a great alternative energy source. I just wanted to say it’s not going to be easy to transition to green power.

My biggest question is… since it is mentioned that the technologies will come from “American companies”, does that mean Sharp Solar is out of the race? Or are Sharp’s solar panels “American” since they own a manufacturing plant in the US? Basically, if you have American workers making products for Americans in America, is it “Un-American” because the company originated in Japan? Or is it the opposite? Is this not the best example of American culture, with foreigners coming together in a melting pot of internationalism? Just a thought.

Now note the potential impact of solar flare activity. A new eleven year sunspot cycle has begun.

Two solar threat events missed earth so far this year. According to NASA, if either had hit the geomagnetic field, 130 million Americans could lose power for protracted periods of time – perhaps several weeks – at a cost the first year of between $1 trillion and $2 trillion.

Similar to the combined cost to date of both wars!

See: http://www.aesopinstitute.org

The steps necessary to rapidly reduce dependence on the power grid can accelerate development of inexpensive, decentralized, green systems.

This opens a politically workable way to accelerate the development of cheap green power.

We need to focus on that objective. Why would anyone fight it? There is likely to be widespread support for what needs to be done.

Cheap green power can supersede the fruitless debate over climate change.

And effectively fight Global Warming, goose the economy, generate lots of jobs and reduce dependency on oil and unstable areas of the globe.

See Moving Beyond Oil, and Running on Water, on the same Aesop Institute website.

Both outline low cost alternatives that can power automobiles and trucks. Even better, future versions can become power plants when suitably parked. No wires needed.

Such vehicles may pay for themselves as investments!

Imagine what could be accomplished by calling attention to the little recognized threat of massive power failures due to solar flares!

Rise to the challenge!