Comments on: Tom Udall tells energy secretary the labs needs diversification http://newmexicoindependent.com/23488/tom-udall-tells-energy-secretary-the-labs-needs-diversification New Mexico news and politics Fri, 02 Sep 2011 18:15:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: peasegrn http://newmexicoindependent.com/23488/tom-udall-tells-energy-secretary-the-labs-needs-diversification#comment-21081 peasegrn Tue, 31 Mar 2009 09:31:21 +0000 http://newmexicoindependent.com/?p=23488#comment-21081 Mr. Udall indulges in an unsubstantiated litany of LANL's contributions to our "national security" in this self-serving plea to the new Secretary. Unexamined are the many ways that nuclear weapons, and our congressional delegation's blind commitment thereto, make us less secure, not more.<br><br>Like so many apologists for a lab which receives upwards of 80% of its budget for weapons-related activities, he cannot bring himself to face the obvious: People who want to work on alternate energy related science are already doing so, at other competent facilities around the country.<br><br>He would do well to consider redefining just what constitutes "national security". Is it perhaps being able to care for our sick, feed those less fortunate among us, educate our children, light & heat our homes?<br><br>He is, in essence, asking for money to rehabilitate weapon's scientists. As a nation, we have other priorities, and he should see that. <br><br>LANL in particular, but the other national labs as well, should be permitted to compete for grant money on various energy related research projects with other labs, but not receive the handouts various NGO's and the NM delegation is contemplating. We can't afford more welfare for millionaires.<br><br>Peter Neils, Albuquerque Mr. Udall indulges in an unsubstantiated litany of LANL's contributions to our “national security” in this self-serving plea to the new Secretary. Unexamined are the many ways that nuclear weapons, and our congressional delegation's blind commitment thereto, make us less secure, not more.

Like so many apologists for a lab which receives upwards of 80% of its budget for weapons-related activities, he cannot bring himself to face the obvious: People who want to work on alternate energy related science are already doing so, at other competent facilities around the country.

He would do well to consider redefining just what constitutes “national security”. Is it perhaps being able to care for our sick, feed those less fortunate among us, educate our children, light & heat our homes?

He is, in essence, asking for money to rehabilitate weapon's scientists. As a nation, we have other priorities, and he should see that.

LANL in particular, but the other national labs as well, should be permitted to compete for grant money on various energy related research projects with other labs, but not receive the handouts various NGO's and the NM delegation is contemplating. We can't afford more welfare for millionaires.

Peter Neils, Albuquerque

]]> By: DDetweiler http://newmexicoindependent.com/23488/tom-udall-tells-energy-secretary-the-labs-needs-diversification#comment-21082 DDetweiler Tue, 31 Mar 2009 08:53:42 +0000 http://newmexicoindependent.com/?p=23488#comment-21082 The main connection i see between our "energy crisis" and "national security" is that, as in any healthy financial plan, it's time to rebalance our portfolio. If we don't have the money to get energy efficient and energy clean, and if the NNSA budget is bloated (both of which i hold to be true), then it's time to pass funding from LANL & Co. to green jobs initiatives. That way we can put more people to work at lower average salaries, minimize jobless claims, and grow industry with a constructive future for our children. It makes economic sense. It makes moral sense. I maintain that our national security rests in harnessing the free energy we have at home rather than trying to bully everybody with bombs. The main connection i see between our “energy crisis” and “national security” is that, as in any healthy financial plan, it's time to rebalance our portfolio. If we don't have the money to get energy efficient and energy clean, and if the NNSA budget is bloated (both of which i hold to be true), then it's time to pass funding from LANL & Co. to green jobs initiatives. That way we can put more people to work at lower average salaries, minimize jobless claims, and grow industry with a constructive future for our children. It makes economic sense. It makes moral sense. I maintain that our national security rests in harnessing the free energy we have at home rather than trying to bully everybody with bombs.

]]> By: ecimino http://newmexicoindependent.com/23488/tom-udall-tells-energy-secretary-the-labs-needs-diversification#comment-21083 ecimino Tue, 31 Mar 2009 06:43:12 +0000 http://newmexicoindependent.com/?p=23488#comment-21083 It's obvious that the Labs mission will change rapidly with the budget cuts that will be needed in order to adjust economic stability in the nation and in this state. This includes taxing the top 10% to give back to the bottom 90% in the form of renewable energy, education and health care. This will, of course, include LANL and Sandia Labs budget crunch and laying off workers in the pork barrel projects that still operate under cold war mindsets and programs. Our bankrupted nation and the ideology that supported nuclear weapons manufacturing is collapsing. <br>What does that mean for New Mexico? <br>What it has meant for the past ten years at least is that New Mexicans carry the risks of nuclear weapons development in the degradation of the environment including contaminated air and water and the health effects. In addition, it risks our local security and targets us because of the failed foreign policy that has strained our relations with others. Our educational system has many good people struggling to keep students interested long enough to graduate from high school when the focus should include college bound and vocational training similar to that of the educational system in Germany. <br> Our delegation failed miserably on the Stimulus package, where New Mexico will only be entitled to .08% of the total Stimulus amount. Where were Senators Udall and Bingaman?<br>I should not have to remind you that New Mexico has one of the highest numbers of people living in Poverty ranking 3rd from the last of the poorest of states.<br> Since this depression began more and more people are going hungry as was reported in this past Sunday's Abq Journal. Record numbers are now requesting assistance and people cannot make it through the month with enough groceries. People are going hungry. The economic situation is dire for many people in New Mexico.<br> Udall's request for Lab diversification is shameful because it will not, cannot come from the Labs to raise the economy from the bottom up for real economic stability and growth we need. It never has and never will. The request is laughable it the situation facing New Mexicans were not so severe. <br> Many artists thought that the roll-out of the stimulus package would include a WPA program that helped artist in the 30's and 40's in New Mexico but that didn't happen nor have we heard from our politicos about plans to stimulate this local economy in the number of ways that are possible. <br>Instead what we have seen is top down business-as-usual status quo by giving in tax subsidies to already powerful corporations. What we have seen is Renewable Energy projects that ship energy out of New Mexico not into it or give us dirty energy on our new "Smart grids", not so smart. <br>What we see is that our congressional delegation marginalizing the people of New Mexico instead of lifting them up with programs and projects that will vitalize the economy. Vitalization does not come from making nuclear weapons or in nuclear storage. <br> Last week we saw Vestas the large Danish Firm set up shop in Denver. There are no solutions to our needs coming from our elected officials. Mr. Greg Mello is right about the amount of time and energy you, two, put into the Labs and the comfortable contractors with their campaign contributions and lobbyist who have bought and sold your skins. If you put in as much time to the things that will lift the poorest in this state, with education, health care and renewable energy we all will be better for it. <br> Nuclear weapons is not our future, it is and has been the Neoliberal ideological death wish for the past 60 years. Our new green revolution is with the people and we need you to work for us. Turning our country into a corporate nuclear state is not our vision for the future of New Mexico and our Country. Why don't you try getting our state a couple of billion dollars to start renewable energy and water conservation programs that will retrofit homes and businesses? What is the matter with you? You must think we will go quietly into the night. <br>I am outraged at this congressional delegation and its inability to raise up economically its people, to the failure to meet the challenges of hunger and education in this state. In the face of climate change and the impacts this will have on our state we should be the leaders especially with your committee posts. <br>I look forward to your response with effective actions that turns our current circumstance around and leads us away from this dysfunctional nuclear dependence. <br>Sincerely<br>Elaine Cimino It's obvious that the Labs mission will change rapidly with the budget cuts that will be needed in order to adjust economic stability in the nation and in this state. This includes taxing the top 10% to give back to the bottom 90% in the form of renewable energy, education and health care. This will, of course, include LANL and Sandia Labs budget crunch and laying off workers in the pork barrel projects that still operate under cold war mindsets and programs. Our bankrupted nation and the ideology that supported nuclear weapons manufacturing is collapsing.
What does that mean for New Mexico?
What it has meant for the past ten years at least is that New Mexicans carry the risks of nuclear weapons development in the degradation of the environment including contaminated air and water and the health effects. In addition, it risks our local security and targets us because of the failed foreign policy that has strained our relations with others. Our educational system has many good people struggling to keep students interested long enough to graduate from high school when the focus should include college bound and vocational training similar to that of the educational system in Germany.
Our delegation failed miserably on the Stimulus package, where New Mexico will only be entitled to .08% of the total Stimulus amount. Where were Senators Udall and Bingaman?
I should not have to remind you that New Mexico has one of the highest numbers of people living in Poverty ranking 3rd from the last of the poorest of states.
Since this depression began more and more people are going hungry as was reported in this past Sunday's Abq Journal. Record numbers are now requesting assistance and people cannot make it through the month with enough groceries. People are going hungry. The economic situation is dire for many people in New Mexico.
Udall's request for Lab diversification is shameful because it will not, cannot come from the Labs to raise the economy from the bottom up for real economic stability and growth we need. It never has and never will. The request is laughable it the situation facing New Mexicans were not so severe.
Many artists thought that the roll-out of the stimulus package would include a WPA program that helped artist in the 30's and 40's in New Mexico but that didn't happen nor have we heard from our politicos about plans to stimulate this local economy in the number of ways that are possible.
Instead what we have seen is top down business-as-usual status quo by giving in tax subsidies to already powerful corporations. What we have seen is Renewable Energy projects that ship energy out of New Mexico not into it or give us dirty energy on our new “Smart grids”, not so smart.
What we see is that our congressional delegation marginalizing the people of New Mexico instead of lifting them up with programs and projects that will vitalize the economy. Vitalization does not come from making nuclear weapons or in nuclear storage.
Last week we saw Vestas the large Danish Firm set up shop in Denver. There are no solutions to our needs coming from our elected officials. Mr. Greg Mello is right about the amount of time and energy you, two, put into the Labs and the comfortable contractors with their campaign contributions and lobbyist who have bought and sold your skins. If you put in as much time to the things that will lift the poorest in this state, with education, health care and renewable energy we all will be better for it.
Nuclear weapons is not our future, it is and has been the Neoliberal ideological death wish for the past 60 years. Our new green revolution is with the people and we need you to work for us. Turning our country into a corporate nuclear state is not our vision for the future of New Mexico and our Country. Why don't you try getting our state a couple of billion dollars to start renewable energy and water conservation programs that will retrofit homes and businesses? What is the matter with you? You must think we will go quietly into the night.
I am outraged at this congressional delegation and its inability to raise up economically its people, to the failure to meet the challenges of hunger and education in this state. In the face of climate change and the impacts this will have on our state we should be the leaders especially with your committee posts.
I look forward to your response with effective actions that turns our current circumstance around and leads us away from this dysfunctional nuclear dependence.
Sincerely
Elaine Cimino

]]> By: ecimino http://newmexicoindependent.com/23488/tom-udall-tells-energy-secretary-the-labs-needs-diversification#comment-21084 ecimino Tue, 31 Mar 2009 06:41:36 +0000 http://newmexicoindependent.com/?p=23488#comment-21084 It's obvious that the Labs mission will change rapidly with the budget cuts that will be needed in order to adjust economic stability in the nation and in this state. This includes taxing the top 10% to give back to the bottom 90% in the form of renewable energy, education and health care. This will, of course, include LANL and Sandia Labs budget crunch and laying off workers in the pork barrel projects that still operate under cold war mindsets and programs. Our bankrupted nation and the ideology that supported nuclear weapons manufacturing is collapsing. <br>What does that mean for New Mexico? <br>What it has meant for the past ten years at least is that New Mexicans carry the risks of nuclear weapons development in the degradation of the environment including contaminated air and water and the health effects. In addition, it risks our local security and targets us because of the failed foreign policy that has strained our relations with others. Our educational system has many good people struggling to keep students interested long enough to graduate from high school when the focus should include college bound and vocational training similar to that of the educational system in Germany. <br> Our delegation failed miserably on the Stimulus package, where New Mexico will only be entitled to .08% of the total Stimulus amount. Where were Senators Udall and Bingaman?<br>I should not have to remind you that New Mexico has one of the highest numbers of people living in Poverty ranking 3rd from the last of the poorest of states.<br> Since this depression began more and more people are going hungry as was reported in this past Sunday's Abq Journal. Record numbers are now requesting assistance and people cannot make it through the month with enough groceries. People are going hungry. The economic situation is dire for many people in New Mexico.<br> Udall's request for Lab diversification is shameful because it will not, cannot come from the Labs to raise the economy from the bottom up for real economic stability and growth we need. It never has and never will. The request is laughable it the situation facing New Mexicans were not so severe. <br> Many artists thought that the roll-out of the stimulus package would include a WPA program that helped artist in the 30's and 40's in New Mexico but that didn't happen nor have we heard from our politicos about plans to stimulate this local economy in the number of ways that are possible. <br>Instead what we have seen is top down business-as-usual status quo by giving in tax subsidies to already powerful corporations. What we have seen is Renewable Energy projects that ship energy out of New Mexico not into it or give us dirty energy on our new "Smart grids", not so smart. <br>What we see is that our congressional delegation marginalizing the people of New Mexico instead of lifting them up with programs and projects that will vitalize the economy. Vitalization does not come from making nuclear weapons or in nuclear storage. <br> Last week we saw Vestas the large Danish Firm set up shop in Denver. There are no solutions to our needs coming from our elected officials. Mr. Greg Mello is right about the amount of time and energy you, two, put into the Labs and the comfortable contractors with their campaign contributions and lobbyist who have bought and sold your skins. If you put in as much time to the things that will lift the poorest in this state, with education, health care and renewable energy we all will be better for it. <br> Nuclear weapons is not our future, it is and has been the Neoliberal ideological death wish for the past 60 years. Our new green revolution is with the people and we need you to work for us. Turning our country into a corporate nuclear state is not our vision for the future of New Mexico and our Country. Why don't you try getting our state a couple of billion dollars to start renewable energy and water conservation programs that will retrofit homes and businesses? What is the matter with you? You must think we will go quietly into the night. <br>I am outraged at this congressional delegation and its inability to raise up economically its people, to the failure to meet the challenges of hunger and education in this state. In the face of climate change and the impacts this will have on our state we should be the leaders especially with your committee posts. <br>I look forward to your response with effective actions that turns our current circumstance around and leads us away from this dysfunctional nuclear dependence. <br>Sincerely<br>Elaine Cimino It's obvious that the Labs mission will change rapidly with the budget cuts that will be needed in order to adjust economic stability in the nation and in this state. This includes taxing the top 10% to give back to the bottom 90% in the form of renewable energy, education and health care. This will, of course, include LANL and Sandia Labs budget crunch and laying off workers in the pork barrel projects that still operate under cold war mindsets and programs. Our bankrupted nation and the ideology that supported nuclear weapons manufacturing is collapsing.
What does that mean for New Mexico?
What it has meant for the past ten years at least is that New Mexicans carry the risks of nuclear weapons development in the degradation of the environment including contaminated air and water and the health effects. In addition, it risks our local security and targets us because of the failed foreign policy that has strained our relations with others. Our educational system has many good people struggling to keep students interested long enough to graduate from high school when the focus should include college bound and vocational training similar to that of the educational system in Germany.
Our delegation failed miserably on the Stimulus package, where New Mexico will only be entitled to .08% of the total Stimulus amount. Where were Senators Udall and Bingaman?
I should not have to remind you that New Mexico has one of the highest numbers of people living in Poverty ranking 3rd from the last of the poorest of states.
Since this depression began more and more people are going hungry as was reported in this past Sunday's Abq Journal. Record numbers are now requesting assistance and people cannot make it through the month with enough groceries. People are going hungry. The economic situation is dire for many people in New Mexico.
Udall's request for Lab diversification is shameful because it will not, cannot come from the Labs to raise the economy from the bottom up for real economic stability and growth we need. It never has and never will. The request is laughable it the situation facing New Mexicans were not so severe.
Many artists thought that the roll-out of the stimulus package would include a WPA program that helped artist in the 30's and 40's in New Mexico but that didn't happen nor have we heard from our politicos about plans to stimulate this local economy in the number of ways that are possible.
Instead what we have seen is top down business-as-usual status quo by giving in tax subsidies to already powerful corporations. What we have seen is Renewable Energy projects that ship energy out of New Mexico not into it or give us dirty energy on our new “Smart grids”, not so smart.
What we see is that our congressional delegation marginalizing the people of New Mexico instead of lifting them up with programs and projects that will vitalize the economy. Vitalization does not come from making nuclear weapons or in nuclear storage.
Last week we saw Vestas the large Danish Firm set up shop in Denver. There are no solutions to our needs coming from our elected officials. Mr. Greg Mello is right about the amount of time and energy you, two, put into the Labs and the comfortable contractors with their campaign contributions and lobbyist who have bought and sold your skins. If you put in as much time to the things that will lift the poorest in this state, with education, health care and renewable energy we all will be better for it.
Nuclear weapons is not our future, it is and has been the Neoliberal ideological death wish for the past 60 years. Our new green revolution is with the people and we need you to work for us. Turning our country into a corporate nuclear state is not our vision for the future of New Mexico and our Country. Why don't you try getting our state a couple of billion dollars to start renewable energy and water conservation programs that will retrofit homes and businesses? What is the matter with you? You must think we will go quietly into the night.
I am outraged at this congressional delegation and its inability to raise up economically its people, to the failure to meet the challenges of hunger and education in this state. In the face of climate change and the impacts this will have on our state we should be the leaders especially with your committee posts.
I look forward to your response with effective actions that turns our current circumstance around and leads us away from this dysfunctional nuclear dependence.
Sincerely
Elaine Cimino

]]> By: peasegrn http://newmexicoindependent.com/23488/tom-udall-tells-energy-secretary-the-labs-needs-diversification#comment-19381 peasegrn Tue, 31 Mar 2009 04:31:21 +0000 http://newmexicoindependent.com/?p=23488#comment-19381 Mr. Udall indulges in an unsubstantiated litany of LANL's contributions to our "national security" in this self-serving plea to the new Secretary. Unexamined are the many ways that nuclear weapons, and our congressional delegation's blind commitment thereto, make us less secure, not more.<br><br>Like so many apologists for a lab which receives upwards of 80% of its budget for weapons-related activities, he cannot bring himself to face the obvious: People who want to work on alternate energy related science are already doing so, at other competent facilities around the country.<br><br>He would do well to consider redefining just what constitutes "national security". Is it perhaps being able to care for our sick, feed those less fortunate among us, educate our children, light & heat our homes?<br><br>He is, in essence, asking for money to rehabilitate weapon's scientists. As a nation, we have other priorities, and he should see that. <br><br>LANL in particular, but the other national labs as well, should be permitted to compete for grant money on various energy related research projects with other labs, but not receive the handouts various NGO's and the NM delegation is contemplating. We can't afford more welfare for millionaires.<br><br>Peter Neils, Albuquerque Mr. Udall indulges in an unsubstantiated litany of LANL's contributions to our “national security” in this self-serving plea to the new Secretary. Unexamined are the many ways that nuclear weapons, and our congressional delegation's blind commitment thereto, make us less secure, not more.

Like so many apologists for a lab which receives upwards of 80% of its budget for weapons-related activities, he cannot bring himself to face the obvious: People who want to work on alternate energy related science are already doing so, at other competent facilities around the country.

He would do well to consider redefining just what constitutes “national security”. Is it perhaps being able to care for our sick, feed those less fortunate among us, educate our children, light & heat our homes?

He is, in essence, asking for money to rehabilitate weapon's scientists. As a nation, we have other priorities, and he should see that.

LANL in particular, but the other national labs as well, should be permitted to compete for grant money on various energy related research projects with other labs, but not receive the handouts various NGO's and the NM delegation is contemplating. We can't afford more welfare for millionaires.

Peter Neils, Albuquerque

]]> By: DDetweiler http://newmexicoindependent.com/23488/tom-udall-tells-energy-secretary-the-labs-needs-diversification#comment-19382 DDetweiler Tue, 31 Mar 2009 03:53:42 +0000 http://newmexicoindependent.com/?p=23488#comment-19382 The main connection i see between our "energy crisis" and "national security" is that, as in any healthy financial plan, it's time to rebalance our portfolio. If we don't have the money to get energy efficient and energy clean, and if the NNSA budget is bloated (both of which i hold to be true), then it's time to pass funding from LANL & Co. to green jobs initiatives. That way we can put more people to work at lower average salaries, minimize jobless claims, and grow industry with a constructive future for our children. It makes economic sense. It makes moral sense. I maintain that our national security rests in harnessing the free energy we have at home rather than trying to bully everybody with bombs. The main connection i see between our “energy crisis” and “national security” is that, as in any healthy financial plan, it's time to rebalance our portfolio. If we don't have the money to get energy efficient and energy clean, and if the NNSA budget is bloated (both of which i hold to be true), then it's time to pass funding from LANL & Co. to green jobs initiatives. That way we can put more people to work at lower average salaries, minimize jobless claims, and grow industry with a constructive future for our children. It makes economic sense. It makes moral sense. I maintain that our national security rests in harnessing the free energy we have at home rather than trying to bully everybody with bombs.

]]> By: peasegrn http://newmexicoindependent.com/23488/tom-udall-tells-energy-secretary-the-labs-needs-diversification#comment-9337 peasegrn Tue, 31 Mar 2009 03:31:21 +0000 http://newmexicoindependent.com/?p=23488#comment-9337 Mr. Udall indulges in an unsubstantiated litany of LANL's contributions to our "national security" in this self-serving plea to the new Secretary. Unexamined are the many ways that nuclear weapons, and our congressional delegation's blind commitment thereto, make us less secure, not more.<br><br>Like so many apologists for a lab which receives upwards of 80% of its budget for weapons-related activities, he cannot bring himself to face the obvious: People who want to work on alternate energy related science are already doing so, at other competent facilities around the country.<br><br>He would do well to consider redefining just what constitutes "national security". Is it perhaps being able to care for our sick, feed those less fortunate among us, educate our children, light & heat our homes?<br><br>He is, in essence, asking for money to rehabilitate weapon's scientists. As a nation, we have other priorities, and he should see that. <br><br>LANL in particular, but the other national labs as well, should be permitted to compete for grant money on various energy related research projects with other labs, but not receive the handouts various NGO's and the NM delegation is contemplating. We can't afford more welfare for millionaires.<br><br>Peter Neils, Albuquerque Mr. Udall indulges in an unsubstantiated litany of LANL's contributions to our “national security” in this self-serving plea to the new Secretary. Unexamined are the many ways that nuclear weapons, and our congressional delegation's blind commitment thereto, make us less secure, not more.

Like so many apologists for a lab which receives upwards of 80% of its budget for weapons-related activities, he cannot bring himself to face the obvious: People who want to work on alternate energy related science are already doing so, at other competent facilities around the country.

He would do well to consider redefining just what constitutes “national security”. Is it perhaps being able to care for our sick, feed those less fortunate among us, educate our children, light & heat our homes?

He is, in essence, asking for money to rehabilitate weapon's scientists. As a nation, we have other priorities, and he should see that.

LANL in particular, but the other national labs as well, should be permitted to compete for grant money on various energy related research projects with other labs, but not receive the handouts various NGO's and the NM delegation is contemplating. We can't afford more welfare for millionaires.

Peter Neils, Albuquerque

]]> By: DDetweiler http://newmexicoindependent.com/23488/tom-udall-tells-energy-secretary-the-labs-needs-diversification#comment-9338 DDetweiler Tue, 31 Mar 2009 02:53:42 +0000 http://newmexicoindependent.com/?p=23488#comment-9338 The main connection i see between our "energy crisis" and "national security" is that, as in any healthy financial plan, it's time to rebalance our portfolio. If we don't have the money to get energy efficient and energy clean, and if the NNSA budget is bloated (both of which i hold to be true), then it's time to pass funding from LANL & Co. to green jobs initiatives. That way we can put more people to work at lower average salaries, minimize jobless claims, and grow industry with a constructive future for our children. It makes economic sense. It makes moral sense. I maintain that our national security rests in harnessing the free energy we have at home rather than trying to bully everybody with bombs. The main connection i see between our “energy crisis” and “national security” is that, as in any healthy financial plan, it's time to rebalance our portfolio. If we don't have the money to get energy efficient and energy clean, and if the NNSA budget is bloated (both of which i hold to be true), then it's time to pass funding from LANL & Co. to green jobs initiatives. That way we can put more people to work at lower average salaries, minimize jobless claims, and grow industry with a constructive future for our children. It makes economic sense. It makes moral sense. I maintain that our national security rests in harnessing the free energy we have at home rather than trying to bully everybody with bombs.

]]> By: peasegrn http://newmexicoindependent.com/23488/tom-udall-tells-energy-secretary-the-labs-needs-diversification#comment-5053 peasegrn Tue, 31 Mar 2009 02:31:21 +0000 http://newmexicoindependent.com/?p=23488#comment-5053 Mr. Udall indulges in an unsubstantiated litany of LANL's contribution to our "national security" in this self-serving plea to the new Secretary. Unexamined are the many ways that nuclear weapons, and our congressional delegation's blind commitment thereto, make us less secure, not more.<br><br>Like so many apologists for a lab which receives upwards of 80% of its budget for weapons-related activities, he cannot bring himself to face the obvious: People who want to work on alternate energy related science are already doing so, at other competent facilities around the country.<br><br>He would do well to consider redefining just what constitutes "national security". Is it perhaps being able to care for our sick, feed those less fortunate among us, educate our children, light & heat our homes?<br><br>He is, in essence, asking for money to rehabilitate weapon's scientists. As a nation, we have other priorities, and he should see that. <br><br>LANL in particular, but the other national labs as well, should be permitted to compete for grant money on various energy related research projects with other labs, but not receive the handouts various NGO's and the NM delegation is contemplating. We can't afford more welfare for millionaires.<br><br>Peter Neils, Albuquerque Mr. Udall indulges in an unsubstantiated litany of LANL's contribution to our “national security” in this self-serving plea to the new Secretary. Unexamined are the many ways that nuclear weapons, and our congressional delegation's blind commitment thereto, make us less secure, not more.

Like so many apologists for a lab which receives upwards of 80% of its budget for weapons-related activities, he cannot bring himself to face the obvious: People who want to work on alternate energy related science are already doing so, at other competent facilities around the country.

He would do well to consider redefining just what constitutes “national security”. Is it perhaps being able to care for our sick, feed those less fortunate among us, educate our children, light & heat our homes?

He is, in essence, asking for money to rehabilitate weapon's scientists. As a nation, we have other priorities, and he should see that.

LANL in particular, but the other national labs as well, should be permitted to compete for grant money on various energy related research projects with other labs, but not receive the handouts various NGO's and the NM delegation is contemplating. We can't afford more welfare for millionaires.

Peter Neils, Albuquerque

]]> By: DDetweiler http://newmexicoindependent.com/23488/tom-udall-tells-energy-secretary-the-labs-needs-diversification#comment-5052 DDetweiler Tue, 31 Mar 2009 01:53:42 +0000 http://newmexicoindependent.com/?p=23488#comment-5052 The main connection i see between our "energy crisis" and "national security" is that, as in any healthy financial plan, it's time to rebalance our portfolio. If we don't have the money to get energy efficient and energy clean, and if the NNSA budget is bloated (both of which i hold to be true), then it's time to pass funding from LANL & Co. to green jobs initiatives. That way we can put more people to work at lower average salaries, minimize jobless claims, and grow industry with a constructive future for our children. It makes economic sense. It makes moral sense. I maintain that our national security rests in harnessing the free energy we have at home rather than trying to bully everybody with bombs. The main connection i see between our “energy crisis” and “national security” is that, as in any healthy financial plan, it's time to rebalance our portfolio. If we don't have the money to get energy efficient and energy clean, and if the NNSA budget is bloated (both of which i hold to be true), then it's time to pass funding from LANL & Co. to green jobs initiatives. That way we can put more people to work at lower average salaries, minimize jobless claims, and grow industry with a constructive future for our children. It makes economic sense. It makes moral sense. I maintain that our national security rests in harnessing the free energy we have at home rather than trying to bully everybody with bombs.

]]>