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cro·ny cap·i·tal·ism (noun)
A pejorative term describing an allegedly capitalist economy in which success in business depends on close relationships between businessmen and government officials. It may be exhibited by favoritism in the distribution of legal permits, government grants, special tax breaks, and so forth.
T. Boone Pickens’s letter of Sept. 2 says: “I believe that with private investment and proven technology, we can generate 20% of our electricity from wind within 10 years.” No one is stopping him from achieving his goal. He should proceed with his plan. He should buy or lease property, install wind turbines, build transmission lines and sell as much electricity as he can. I just don’t want him asking for government subsidies or tax breaks along the way. If he can deliver electricity from wind power more economically than coal, natural gas or nuclear power, he will be rewarded. I don’t want the government spending money subsidizing an industry which cannot sustain itself.
Nor do I want the government creating artificial demand for natural gas by mandating it be used for transportation. The price of natural gas has risen dramatically in recent years and we don’t need to artificially increase the demand for it by using it to fuel cars.
We’ve already seen how government interference in energy markets with ethanol mandates and ethanol subsidies has driven up the price of corn and other food crops.
In response to Mr. Pickens’s request for a plan, here is my plan. Let the market decide, and don’t allow special interests and the government to interfere. When electricity from wind is more economical than other sources, wind will win. Until then, I’d like to keep my electricity, fuel costs and taxes as low as possible.
Dan Agan
Houston
Mr. Pickens’s energy plan is incomplete without mention of California’s Altamont Pass Wind Farm. During its long lifetime it has killed some 100 eagles and about 1,000 other birds a year. It has been in violation of the Endangered Species Act but seems to enjoy freedom from enforcement. We are a nation of law. Mr. Pickens must address this issue in order to have a plan with meaning.
Frank Cotter
Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.
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