H.R. 2417 BULB Act: Save the Incandescent Lightbulb

Here's the text of the message I sent today to Rep. Ander Crenshaw to save the right of American consumers to choose the incandescent lightbulb to light their homes. You can send yours via the easy to use link at http://capwiz.com/eagleforum/issues/alert/?alertid=51211291#action.

Dear Rep. Crenshaw:
I urge you to vote YES on H.R. 2417, the Better Use of Light Bulbs (BULB) Act because:

1. CFL's are too expensive and new studies show they do not last as long as the government and manufacturers claim.

2. Few people know or will bother to follow the EPA's instructions on how to safely dispose of CFLs or handle and clean up broken CFLs, which contain mercury. The result will be more dangerous mercury in our
environment.

3. Scientific medical studies have linked CFLs to migraines, seizures, cancers and cataracts to vulnerable populations.

4. Americans should have the freedom to choose the products they desire. The most the government should do is provide consumer information so they can make informed decisions and assure the safety of products.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my concerns.

Respectfully yours,

"Freedom Tower" Name Change Says It All

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which owns the World Trade Center site, announced on Thursday, March 26, 2009, that the name "Freedom Tower" would be dropped for the skyscraper at the heart of the rebuilding of what was the World Trade Center (W.T.C.). Instead, the replacement building will be named "One World Trade Center." The name change says it all.

The building was intended as a symbol of rebirth and recovery from the September 11th attack that brought the World Trade Center Towers down. The original name of "Freedom Tower" was a message to past and future terrorists that the American people would not let hatred and evil defeat us.

Now, the Port Authority has changed horses and names. Instead of defiance in the face of evil, they are cowering. They have decided that the name "Freedom Tower" would make the building a target for future terrorist acts. It is laughable if they believe changing its name to One World Trade Center would shield it from attack or make the building more marketable to tenants. After all, that was the official name of the former North Tower that was destroyed by terrorists on September 11th. What company's employees would want to be reminded of the memories of that day every time they entered the building?

New York Governor George Pataki was offended by the name change. He protested:

"The Freedom Tower is not simply another piece of real estate and not just a name for marketing purposes," Pataki said.

"In design and name, it is symbolic of our commitment to rise above the attacks of Sept. 11. Where 1 and 2 World Trade Center once stood, there will be a memorial with two voids to honor the heroes we lost — and, in my view, those addresses should never be used again."

When I first heard this report, it made no sense at all. Then, I heard who the first major tenant is Vantone, a Chinese real estate conglomerate closely affiliated with the Chinese Communist government. The Port Authority board voted to change the building's name after signing a 21-year lease with Vantone. They deny the name change had anything to do with this particular tenant, but that is a questionable, if not just plain silly, denial.

In any event, if Communist Chinese front companies are the target market for this building, then calling it the "Freedom Tower" would be an oxymoron. "One World" trade, government, etc., would be a more accurate descriptive.

Sources: The Associated Press http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i9XWcHZvMy8EVBpnerZveJg68ZZAD9776LQ00
MSNBC http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29913195/