Thursday, March 29, 2007

Most efficient form of transportation

If you are looking for the most efficient form transportation propelled by an internal combustion engine, you won't find it at a Toyota or Honda dealership. Or any other car dealer for that matter. In a study funded by the American Bus Association, it was found that the most fuel efficient transportation in the United States was by motorcoach. Based on mileage and passengers in 2004, highway buses achieved an average of 148.4 passenger miles per gallon. That's more than double achieved by intercity trains which achieved 74.1 passenger miles per gallon. Airlines managed 40.9 passenger miles per gallon, while cars came in last at 35.4 mpg.

AutoblogGreen

Thursday, March 15, 2007

No opinion

Asked on ABC News on Wednesday if she agreed with General Pace’s view that homosexuality was immoral, Mrs. Clinton said, “Well, I’m going to leave that to others to conclude.”

[...]

A rival of Mrs. Clinton for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination, Senator Barack Obama of Illinois was asked the same question three times on Wednesday and sidestepped the issue, according to an article in Newsday. (NY Times)

Do people need to completely agree with a politician's views on morality to vote for him? Do we need a politician's full approval of our lifestyle? Why are we asking these questions? Don't a politician's policies speak for themselves? Would it be possible, say, for a politician to think homosexuality is immoral but also believe people have the right to act immorally in this case?

As it is, Clinton and Obama's spokesmen cleared up the issue for us.

a spokesman for Mr. Obama said last night that the senator disagreed with General Pace’s remarks and believed that homosexuality was not immoral.

[...]

a spokesman released a statement from Mrs. Clinton responding to the question: “I disagree with what he said and do not share his view, plain and simple,” she said. “It is inappropriate to inject such personal views into this public policy matter, especially at a time in which there are young men and women in such grave circumstances in Iraq, in Afghanistan, and in other dangerous places around the world.”

That last part I can agree with. General Pace expressed regret for sharing his personal views. The press should not be pressing politicians to share their personal views.

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Immoral opinions

Senior aides to the chairman of the military Joint Chiefs of Staff said Tuesday that Marine Gen. Peter Pace won't apologize for calling homosexuality immoral — an opinion that gay advocacy groups deplored. (Time)

You know, I'm sure there are plenty of people out there that think being a military general is immoral (and aren't afraid to say so). I don't see calls on them to apologize. So Pace has a "deplorable" personal opinion. So be it!

Thursday, March 08, 2007

Gingrich repents

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, a potential Republican presidential candidate, will appear on James Dobson's Focus on the Family radio show and describe getting on his knees and seeking God's forgiveness for his moral failures, according to excerpts released Wednesday by the evangelical group.

Gingrich talked to Dobson by phone for a two-part installment to air today and Friday. (Denver Post)

Of course, inquiring minds want to know if this repentence occurred while he was single, or on wife #1, 2 or 3. Is all forgiven?