So apparently Americans are gas guzzlers...
Here is my response. I want to know what the thermostat at The White House reads? Does George Bush truly do everything in his own power to keep fuel costs at a minimum? I have our house set at 62. It's Vermont, in the winter a house at 62 feels cold. So I'll put on an extra sweater and I usually have slippers on my feet. I want to hear that the White House is doing the same. I want to see President Bush using public transportation! Here it is not an option - we are out of public transportation's range - so people car pool. Can the President say the same? How about that air conditioning? Is President Bush doing without? How about car pooling and stop flying with the Private Jet. Stay home - take a bus. I'd fell a WHOLE lot better about his comments if I knew he was practicing what he preached!!
Another issue - he suggested more Americans should put money into medical savings accounts. Yeah. I knew someone with one of those. She had $5000 saved up and the policy was that the money had to be used up after two years or she'd lose it. So much for saving for when she REALLY needed it. I also know people who are going to be paying $10 more a week this year and their deductible has increased from $500 to $5000. That's absurd.
I have a better idea! NO more frivolous lawsuits. No more suing for any little thing. If doctors were not so worried over malpractice suits, their premiums wouldn't be so absurd that they are charging more. The girl who sued McD's because their food made her fat - NO KIDDING. Don't eat there and stop using up taxpayers money on lawsuits that fit under the "Here's Your Sign" (Thanks Bill Engvel) category.
What kind of lesson are we teaching our kids? I'm sad to say I don't like where the U.S. is heading. We live in a "me, me, me" society - I listen to my husband who comes home after training new employees and having them walk out after two days because "It's hard work and they thought they'd be sitting around. When they found out otherwise, they said they'd be better off in the fast food industry." This is absurd. Yes, work can be hard. Get over yourself!
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Okay I found this tidbit that answers my questions, so I'm about to have fun!! This was taken from www.whitehouse.gov
White House Energy Savings Plan
President Bush is firmly committed to expanding and promoting energy conservation. He believes the federal government should set an example for all Americans by finding innovative ways to increase efficiency, and is starting the efforts at the People's House. -- Ari Fleischer.
President Bush instructed all federal government agencies to review energy use and develop a plan to reduce energy consumption.
The White House has completed a review and has begun taking steps to conserve energy. The following actions to reduce energy consumption and improve building and equipment conditions could result in an estimated 25% to 35% reduction in energy usage.
RECENTLY COMPLETED IMPROVEMENTS:
Installation of new air conditioning chillers to support the East and West Wings and selected areas of the Old Executive Office Building.
***Air conditioning!??? I used my A/C for three weeks this year. Can the White House truly say the same. The humidity had to be in the high 80's with the temperature outside also in the high 80's before I'd turn it on! A little sweat won't kill you!***
Former President Bush initiated this plan, the contract was awarded during the Clinton administration and the action was completed during the present Administration.
The White House anticipates a 10% - 12% savings as a result of this modernization.
ACTIONS TO BEGIN IMMEDIATELY
The White House will begin to implement a series of administrative actions helping each member of the staff contribute to the conservation effort.
With the diligent implementation of these immediate changes, we anticipate a 3%-5% reduction in energy consumption.
These actions include:
The installation of motion switches for lights in conference rooms.
Turn out lights when leaving the office for an extended time and at the end of the day.
***If you have windows, you really don't need the lights on.***
Turn up the thermostat on window air conditioners in the EEOB upon departure.
***How about turning the A/C OFF when you leave for the night. Not just down but OFF***
Do not use accent lighting where more efficient overhead lighting is adequate.
***Again, if there are windows, lights are not necessary***
Turn off monitors at the close of business each day
***Shut down computers at the end of a day.***
Turn off computers if it will not be in use for two or more days.
Building Engineers will regulate temperatures based upon the temperature and humidity relationship. (This could mean that temperatures might be 78 degrees at 50% humidity but 74 degrees at 80% humidity.)
***78 or 74 are you seriously kidding???? Try 62 President Bush. Even the schools here will not go over 70. 78 and 74 is a major waste of energy. Get real!***
Remove halogen lamps of 100 watts or more from EOP buildings.
***I haven't used 100 watt bulbs of any kind in years.***
Delay the turn-on time for exterior lighting for all buildings until dusk each day.
Eliminate the use of portable heaters unless minimum conditions cannot be met.
Turn off lights in public areas at the conclusion of events, tours, or other activities.
Set thermostats for hot water heaters at approximately 105 degrees F.
Turn off lights, pull down shades, and close doors for rooms not in use.
For computerized spaces, re-program them to allow the rooms not in use to have a higher temperature setting in the summer and a cooler setting in the winter.
Keep all windows closed when not required to be open.
MID TERM REDUCTION PLANS:
The White House will continue to renovate and modernize buildings in the White House Complex to make them more energy efficient.
These mid term changes could result in a 5% reduction in energy consumption.
Install motion switches for lights in all offices.
Continue replacement of equipment, such as motors and pumps, with new equipment that is more energy efficient.
Upgrade lighting with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and other more efficient systems wherever feasible.
Proceed with the HVAC upgrade for the eleven Jackson Place Townhouses.
Install energy efficient doors wherever possible.
LONG TERM ENERGY SAVINGS PLANS:
President Bush plans to initiate a significant modernization of the buildings on the White House grounds, providing energy savings for years to come. Many of the proposed projects will require Congressional action.
These renovations include:
Modernize the EEOB electrical and mechanical systems to eliminate the approximate 400 window air conditioners and improve the primary and secondary electrical distribution.
Computerize the all buildings through the use of a building management system that will zone the HVAC and lighting systems.
Change the switching for the overhead lights so that two switches in each office controls approximately 50 percent of the lighting on each switch, allowing office inhabitants to use only the light necessary for the actual task.
Install more high performance insulated glass wherever possible.
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