Hot, Flat, and Crowded

I was excited to see that Thomas Friedman had come out with another book related to the topics he had previously written about. I started to read his book "The World is Flat" when I was entering my senior year of high school. Unfortunately I was never able to finish the book, but I was able to conclude that Friedman has some worthwhile ideas contained in his literature. The article on the book talks about Friedan's proposal of an "ambitious national strategy" focused on the concept of "Geo-Greenism". This concept not only concentrates on what we need to do to save our planet, but also how we must make out own nation more healthy, innovative, and productive to spur both security and prosperity. He suggests that America must be the one to lead this initiative in the world. Although I have not read through the complete argument, I have to agree with the idea that America's leadership in alternative forms of energy could transform America's current reputation in the world. I think that through the innovation and leadership that such a task would require, the rest of the world would gain a tremendous amount of respect for our nation and no longer view us as a waning world power. Friedan reminds us that this "green revolution" that is so often talked about, never seems to be put in to action. This statement reminds me of something that seems to pop in my mind every day. Why do we talk so much about alternative energy and how we are experiencing a world crisis, yet nothing seems to get done? I know that it is often difficult to view progress in this position, but it seems as if this problem is being presented rather dramatically, yet no dramatic action occurs in response. I still don't understand why we don't have fuel-efficient vehicles, or why cleaner forms of energy are not being widely used.