The Operation Free bus tour to promote renewable energy and less dependence on foreign oil passed through Fayetteville on Wednesday, according to an article in the Fayetteville Observer. The article starts with a rather biased and probably ill-conceived quote about how a vetern form the '91 Gulf War knew that we'd go back to the Middle East later because of oil.

It's hard to argue that the war in Iraq was justified, and Libertarians in general oppose that war (as we oppose pretty much all wars). However, the real reason for this article was not opposition to the Iraq war, it was to provide a platform for "green energy" peddlers to justify talking about global warming and how oil funds terrorists. The end of the article has a quote from Rep. Rick Glazier, a Democrat on the Homeland Security and Military Affairs committees, that talks about how global warming will lead to more hurricanes for the coast.

Two problems with this article. 1) The article gives the assumption that global warming IS happening. I guarantee that the people funding this bus tour probably are fans of government regulation over energy, such as Cap & Trade Legislation. 2) And if foreign oil is currently funding terrorism, and if we currently don't have a renewable resource infrastructure, wouldn't this be a great argument for us to open up drilling in the U.S.? Just saying.

By the way, it was not in the article but City Councilwoman Val Applewhite spoke at the event as well. At a meeting about the U.S. Census on October 9th, Councilwoman Applewhite said "We must have federal money to protect you, that's why you have to fill out the census." She believes the government's job is to protect you and that it cannot be done without federal money and oversight. Her next election will be coming up soon....

Read the Fayetteville Obeserver Article here.